Barge traffic on the Columbia is always keeping the locks on the dams busy. This one is westbound.

 

From the top of the bluffs on the Oregon side, looking across to a westbound BNSF on the Washington Side. Long, isn't it...

 

Back on the historic Columbia River Highway as it winds east high on a bluff on the Oregon side. Some great views ahead.

 

We are continuing East-- the trees are thinning with fewer evergreens. The Columbia River is flowing from the right to the left (West).

 

As we head East in the Columbia River Gorge, we get to Hood River (Oregon). It's almost always windy through a lot of the Gorge due to the difference in climate on the two sides of the Cascades. But where there's wind-- there are wind surfers!

 

Looking West through the Columbia River Gorge-- the direction we came from. Oregon on the left, Washington on the right. As we head the oppostite way, East, the trees will change from Cedars and Firs to Pines and Junipers, and gradually mostly disappear.

 

One last looks-- The top of Horsetail Falls...

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Shepperd's Dell Falls...

From the bottom...

...and halfway to the top

Autumn leaves...

 

Horsetail Falls...

 

Perfectly framed, Latourell Falls is a bit of a distance from the Highway...

 

Vista House on Crown Point on the Oregon Side of the Columbia River--- opened in 1918 on the site where the historic Columbia River Highway was dedicated just two years before. The highway was a marvel at the time-- A European style winding road for vehicle travel through the Columbia River Gorge from Portland to The Dalles. The building has marble floors and even stained glass windows. Unfortunately it is closed due to the pandemic. Things change dramatically as we go nearly 70 miles through the Gorge.

 

In years past October would usually find us on the "dry side" of the Cascade Mountain Range. I thought that for the next few days it might be fun to relive parts of those trips with pictures. We always start with the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway with its incredible views and waterfalls...

 

Let's take a break and think about the beach-- as the sun sets on a beautiful day at Seaside, Oregon...

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Hoffstadt Bluffs in fall regalia!

 

Golden...

 

Cloudburst!

 

The heart of the forest...

 

Come see...

 

October in the wetlands...

 

4608 is very fast...

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Forever...

 

Just because it's there...

 

A long way down...

 

Maybe gulls dream of gliding to faraway places...

 

Even dogs dream of flying...

 

Steps...

 

Take your time. See what's around you...

 

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On the way home...

 

See? Things seem a little bit better down by the creek...

 

Shhhhh It's OK. It's quiet by the creek. And you can sit and watch the leaves turn.