daytrip along the Gorge (Goldendale, Rainier: house, buy, vs)

[bloom]

I'm planning a summer time daytrip out to and along the 'Gorge'.
Base will be Portland at the time.
Please suggest best recommendations:
-most spectacular scenery
-best non-touristy not-expensive eats
-short worthwhile hikes
-road routes to take there & back, including WA vs OR side, and furthest extent
-off-the-beaten track type of stuff
-etc
I've done Mt. Rainier a lot so can likely skip Mt. Hood unless something not to miss suggested.

[StealthRabbit]

Search in OR forum'

There are several on-line (noncommercial) routes listed.

basically... East on WA SR 14 to be at Cape Horn by sunrise, loop east as far as you desire (hiking Cape Horn, Beacon Rock, Dog Mtn, viewing Hatcheries and Dams... and LOTS of brewpubs _ Skamania Lodge for a nice lobby and great library!) and do west bound route on OR i+84 and Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway (Afternoon sun is best for viewing WA geology from OR side)

Afternoon hiking at OR Waterfalls (cool / shaded)
Dinner at Multnomah Falls Lodge,
Sunset at OR Vista House or next door / "Portland Woman's Overlook", (where all the Vista House sunset pics are taken)

Evening at McMenamims Edgefield (Troutlake / historic Poor Farm)

If you have time, Overnight at the delightful farm stay museum in Bickleton, and see the Goldendale Observatory program and Stone Hedge for sunrise.

Bring your coolers and buy $3/ lb Salmon from the Indian fisheries (Direct... not from roadside vendors ($7/ #)

[cyberous]

really easy to get to after or before multnomah falls is Sherrard point, google it up, amazing views!

[j_k_k]

I would add the Maryhill Museum. It's near the Stonehenge replica and is one of the more interesting non-breathtaking-vista sights along the way, and is not far from the last road bridge before Umatilla.

The way I would do it is drive to US 97/Maryhill/Stonehenge/Goldendale on the Washington side, then come back on the Oregon side. That way you get both views, and if you are basing out of Portland, your return trip does not involve trying to cross the Columbia (though it will still, of course, involve horrendous traffic; this you must expect). Gives you a chance to stop at Multnomah Falls if you like, Vista House like Stealth mentioned, and maybe get dinner in some quirky place in Northeast before you make your way home.

[cdelena]

Keep in mind we are entering vacation season there will be unbelievable crowds most days.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by cdelena

Keep in mind we are entering vacation season there will be unbelievable crowds most days.

I drive the gorge everyday, but...
I have only seen crowds at OR waterfall routes that are VERY short and close to the road (ez access) and they are only crowded on 'sunny' Sat or Sunday. (we have FEW of those days )

As with popular tourist sites, early morning and LONG summer evenings are your prime times to drive in and around places like National Parks. ...

BTW: Be SURE you have state park parking passes (one for WA, one for OR). Several people have commented on OR forum that their cars have been towed when parked (without passes) at Gorge public hiking trail-heads.