Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon
Ainsworth State Park, Cascade Locks, Oregon (Sept. 9-11, 2015)
The Columbia River Basin, third largest drainage system in the continental United States, encompasses all or part of seven western states. The 1200-mile river stretches from British Columbia, Canada, to the Pacific Ocean at Astoria, Oregon. Much of the inland plateau is very dry, while lands west of the Cascade Mountains offer lush green forests and bountiful rain.
Bridge of the Gods is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Columbia River between Cascade Locks, Oregon and Washington state near North Bonneville.
Chanticleer Point is a geographical landmark on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. It is the first notable overlook encountered traveling east on the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is also a typical location from which to take photos of the Gorge featuring Crown Point prominently.
Larch Mountain is an extinct shield volcano near Portland, Oregon, with broad slopes covering tens of square kilometers. It is currently the tallest peak in the Boring Lava Field. From the north side of the large summit parking lot, hiking trails lead around the volcano’s caldera to Sherrard Point with an outstanding view of nearby Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Rainier near Seattle, and Mount St. Helens, an active volcano. Distance plaques are provided, showing the distance to said volcanoes.
Read MoreThe Columbia River Basin, third largest drainage system in the continental United States, encompasses all or part of seven western states. The 1200-mile river stretches from British Columbia, Canada, to the Pacific Ocean at Astoria, Oregon. Much of the inland plateau is very dry, while lands west of the Cascade Mountains offer lush green forests and bountiful rain.
Bridge of the Gods is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Columbia River between Cascade Locks, Oregon and Washington state near North Bonneville.
Chanticleer Point is a geographical landmark on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. It is the first notable overlook encountered traveling east on the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is also a typical location from which to take photos of the Gorge featuring Crown Point prominently.
Larch Mountain is an extinct shield volcano near Portland, Oregon, with broad slopes covering tens of square kilometers. It is currently the tallest peak in the Boring Lava Field. From the north side of the large summit parking lot, hiking trails lead around the volcano’s caldera to Sherrard Point with an outstanding view of nearby Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Rainier near Seattle, and Mount St. Helens, an active volcano. Distance plaques are provided, showing the distance to said volcanoes.
