Columbia River Gorge is a canyon, approximately 75 miles in length and 4,000 feet in depth, where Columbia River (the largest in the Pacific Northwest), serves as the northern border of the state. The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway, the first scenic highway in the U.S. history, was constructed between 1913 and 1922.
The highway that is marked as U.S. Route 30 begins from Troutdale and goes to The Dalles. After Interstate 84 was built, it was partially cut out in the middle. The middle part had become the bike and pedestrian State Trail. Traveling along this route, you will see an amazing perspective of the Gorge, beautiful Columbia River panoramas, spectacular waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood (the state’s highest point), and wonderful wildflowers and farm fields.
The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway has a rich cultural history and prehistory. This is a path of the Lewis and Clark expedition on their way to the Pacific Ocean Coast; as well, it was a route of the Oregon Trail Pioneers in the mid of 1800s.
Along with the spectacular sightseeing, the Columbia River Gorge offers numbers of activities and events, including hiking, biking, water sports, horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, wine and beer tasting.
Saturday Night Lights Fireworks – Mount Hood
Saturday Night Lights Fireworks at the Skibowl Snow Tube & Adventure Park (Mount Hood SkiBowl) takes place four times during the winter season, every third Saturday from December through March. The party includes free firework displays at 8 pm, Cosmic Tubing with a DJ spinning starting at 7 pm.
Enjoy over 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights, rocking music and more. Food Service in the Multorpor Lodge Cafe and in the 70th Meter Bar & Grill upstairs are available.
When: Every third Saturday of December, January, February, and March annually
Where: 87000 U.S. 26 Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
Phone: 503-222-2695
Website: skibowl.com
Snow Beach Festival – Mount Hood
Snow Beach Festival at Mount Hood Skibowl offers annually Spring Break kicks off with pond skimming, a hot dog eating contests, beer sampling, music, and much more.
Pond Skim Rail Jam Contest with bikinis, beach balls, pink flamingos and Hawaiian shirts, freezing water and attempt to cross it. Awards and prizes will be given out in a variety of categories including the best crash and the best costume. Prizes are available to the person who eats the most of hotdogs and pie in the hotdog and pie eating contests. The festival offers beer tasting from the best microbrews in Oregon. There will be prizes for the best springs google tan in the Google Tan Rail Jam.
Enjoy night lights firework at the end of Snow Beach Festival.
When: During spring break
Where: 87000 U.S. 26 Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
Phone: 503-222-2695
Website: skibowl.com
Annual Ski For Sunshine – Mount Hood
Annual Ski For Sunshine is benefit the Portland Sunshine Division. Skiers and snowboarders may ride for free from 9 am to 4 pm with the donation of 10 items of food that is equal a day lift ticket for $51. All participants are encouraged to bring canned vegetables or meat, pasta, rice and cereal to fill the Sunshine Division truck. Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division has been providing food and clothing relief to Portland families and individuals in need.
When: The end of March
Where: 87000 U.S. 26 Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
Phone: 503-222-2695
Website: skibowl.com
First Friday Art Walk – Troutdale
The first Friday of each month Historic Downtown Troutdale businesses host a cultural event offering dozens of local artists exhibiting their works of art. Live music, shops, wine tasting.
When: The first Friday of each month
Where: Columbia River Gallery, 303 E Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, Oregon 97060
Phone: 503-491-8407
Website: columbiarivergallery.com
Zwickelmania
The annual event, always President’s Day Weekend, when Oregon breweries open the doors. Tours, beer samples and more from over 120 breweries. 6 Oregon regions: Willamette, Central, Portland Metro, Oregon Coast, Southern, Columbia River Gorge.
When: The President Day Weekend
Where: Statewide. Check website to find the nearest locations.
Phone: 503-491-8407
Website: oregoncraftbeer.org/zwickelmania
Hood River Valley Blossom Time
The Hood River Valley celebrates spring with the annual Hood River Valley Blossom Time. Starting in early April, when the cherry, apple, and pear trees are releasing their white and pink flowers. Visit Family Friendly events, craft shows, culinary, wine, and cider tasting. Enjoy 35-mile spectacular Hood River County Fruit Loop that follows the county's Scenic Tour Route.
When: April 1-30
Where: Hood Valley County
Website: http://hoodriver.org/hood-river-valley-blossom-time/
Annual Northwest Cherry Festival
Three days of family friendly events take place in The Dalles. Showcases agricultural heritage, parade, classic car show, 10k race, pony rides, carnival. Live music, cherry sampling.
When: The last weekends of April
Where: 1st St, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA
Phone: 541-296-2231
Website: thedalleschamber.com/northwest-cherry-festival/
Troutdale’s Annual SummerFest
Live Music and Entertainment, a pancake breakfast, community parade through Troutdale. Fun with face painting, an egg toss, water balloon toss, music, food from the community, a dunk tank, and pony rides.
When: The third Saturday of July
Where: Glenn Otto Park, Troutdale, OR 97060, USA
Phone: 503-658-5646
Website: westcolumbiagorgechamber.com
Mount Hood Huckleberry Festival & Barlow Trail Days
Huckleberry Festival & Barlow Trail Days along the Oregon Trail. Experience a living history village. Delicious Huckleberry, Huckleberry jams and sauces, and a selection of other Wild Berry jams. Native American Salmon bake, Native American storytelling, flute music and drumming, and a “Huckleberry Ceremony”.
When: The third weekends of August
Where: 73341 East U.S. Highway 26 In historic village of Rhododendron, OR
Phone: 503-622-4798
Website: http://cascadegeographicsociety.com
Mount Hood Salmon, Mushroom, & Bigfoot Festival
Two days festival celebrations during return of the Salmon to Oregon streams and wild mushrooms harvesting. Mushroom identification by the Oregon Mycological Society and mushrooms on sale. Native American Salmon Bake.
When: At the end of September or the beginning of October
Where: 73341 East U.S. Highway 26 In historic village of Rhododendron, OR
Phone: 503-622-4798
Website: cascadegeographicsociety.com
Annual Hood River Harvest Fest
Harvest Season celebration along the Hood River waterfront. Local vendors offer produce and food products, arts, crafts. Wine, cider, beer testing, and live music. Kid's activity area, face painting and bounce houses.
When: The second weekends of October
Where: Hood River Event Site just north of Exit 63 off Interstate 84.
Phone: 541-386-2000
Website: hoodriver.org
Starlight Parade & Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday music, cookies, popcorn, hot cocoa. Photos with Santa. Parade.
When: The forth Friday of November
Where: Throughout The Dalles
Phone: 541-296-2231
Website: thedalleschamber.com
Christmas Along Barlow Trail - Rhododendron
Special events associated with the history of the Oregon Trail. Storytelling, native American flute and pioneer flute music, Christmas goodies, and hot drinks. Santa Claus will be there.
When: The first Sunday of December
Where: 73341 East U.S. Highway 26 in the historic Village of Rhododendron, Oregon
Phone: 541-622-4798
Website: cascadegeographicsociety.com