Columbia Gorge

It would be difficult for me to guess how many times I have traveled between Idaho and Oregon (and back again over the years), but suffice to say that in spite of the beauty and variety of scenery you encounter, the drive has become somewhat tedious for me.  Since my children and grandchild still live in Idaho, and I really don't wish to make my home there again, I decided that I would have to do what I could to change my route in order to create some interest and enthusiasm for the trip.  One alternative is to take Highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, rather than I-84 on the Oregon side.  It is a two-lane highway, with some twists and turns, and drivers have to be ready to spend some time following trucks making their way (very slowly) up some rather steep hills.  But from my perspective, the views of the Gorge and the surrounding countryside make those minor inconveniences worthwhile.

A view of the elegant, somewhat "other-worldly" windmills that dot the landscape along the Gorge.  There are literally hundreds of these beautiful structures, reaching for the sky at an impressive 41-story height.  Seattle Times article

 The  Maryhill Museum sits above the Gorge just west of the Hwy 97 intersection with W14 and I-84, and features an impressive variety of art exhibits throughout the year.  If art isn't your thing, the surrounding grounds and views of the river are worth stopping to see.

Sculpture on the Museum grounds

The Maryhill Winery is located just a mile or so west of the Museum, and also offers some spectacular views.  Though I cannot say that I have been very impressed with the quality of the wines they produce, the setting is spectacular, and they host some pretty big names in concert there in the summer months.

Outdoor seating at the Winery

concert stage below the Winery

As you continue west on Hwy 14 toward Vancouver, the scenery just gets better, passing through the Columbia Hills State Park area and a section of the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway in the area.  There are many camping and hiking opportunities along the way.

Mt. Hood from WA Hwy 14

I've also enjoyed watching the wind surfers on the Columbia when traveling through the Gorge, and was especially pleased to get some nice close-up views of this guy showing off his skills.

As you continue west on 14 toward Vancouver, you go through several tunnels on the highway that caused me to take a deep breath.  My brother Jim (the truck driver) assures me that two of the big semis can pass each other in these very narrow spaces, but I wouldn't especially want to give it a try.

Another common sight on the Columbia.....

If you chose to cross over to the Oregon side of the Gorge before reaching Vancouver, one option is to take the Bridge of the Gods.