Exploring Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge

After Crater Lake we headed back north and checked into a hotel at Cascade Locks. Cascade Locks is a city along the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River Gorge marks the state line between Oregon and Washington.


This was our view at breakfast, the Bridge of the Gods connecting Oregon and Washington. The plan was to drive down the Columbia River Scenic Highway and visit some waterfalls. Especially the famous Multnomah Falls but we found out that morning that the entire area was closed! :( 


We sadly crossed off all the waterfalls and moved on to the next thing on our to do list while also quickly trying to figure out what we were going to do with the rest of our day. We crossed the Bridge of the Gods and drove into Washington heading to Beacon Rock State Park. Beacon Rock is 848 feet tall and is composed of basalt (the rapid cooling of lava). Henry Biddle purchased the rock in 1915 for $1 and during the next three years constructed a trail with 51 switchbacks, handrails and bridges. 



We drove back to Oregon and took a little lunch break in Cascade Lock Marina Park.. let the boys run around while we tried to figure out what do to next.. Mount Hood seemed like the obvious choice.. but where to start?

We started with Trillium Lake.. 


It was a very very short walk to the lake from the parking lot. The lake was beautiful.. I wished we had know earlier that the waterfalls were going to be a bust and we were going to end up at this stunning lake.. we would have brought our swim clothes.. instead we dipped our feet in the cold water and took in the beauty of Mount Hood. 

After the lake we drove up to Timberline Lodge to get a closer look at the mountain.. 


While it was cool Mount Hood looked way cooler from afar..

The boys wanted to hike some more so we drove to Mirror Lake Trail Head.. 


While it was only a 2 mile loop it was a bit harder that we had thought.. and it was starting to get late.. we didn't want to be driving down the winding roads in the dark again.. plus we had to think of dinner.. we started the hike on H's insistence but very soon begun to think it wasn't the best idea.. and had to talk him out of it..


We stopped at the Saw Tooth Roadhouse for some seriously amazing pizza..


and then enjoyed watching the sun go down as we made our way back to Cascade Locks..


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Comments

  1. That sunset is so gorgeous. Wow! And, that pizza looks pretty amazing, too. Nature can be so stunning!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  2. Looks like you had a fun time!

    -Didier
    www.didieryhc.com

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  3. You might have missed out on the falls, but I'd say the alternate scenery more than made up for it! Fun to see the boys using their binoculars. :)

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  4. Ohhhh how pretty the views are! I can't believe how inexpensive it was to buy land back in the days! Lol. I hope you had a good weekend!

    -PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
    instagram

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  5. Bummer about the waterfalls but it looks like you guys still found a great way to see the sights and have fun.

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  6. I'm sorry you weren't able to see the waterfalls, that would have been amazing. It looks like you were able to have a nice day out anyway. I love the photos of the boys, they're looking so big and also really happy. Your pizza does look awesome! :)

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  7. This looks like a fun family day and great to end in pizza!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  8. Sorry you missed the waterfalls. You did see (and share) some incredible beauty. Thank you.

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  9. Pretty spectacular scenery! And mmm, pizza.

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  10. What a beautiful place, that sunset is amazing
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  11. Wow, what beautiful pictures!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    http://www.rosesrooftop.co.uk/

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  12. the trail looks scary and you have some amazing photos there, are you always on vacation, lol

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  13. Adorable pics and wonderful sunset!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

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  14. This looks so much fun! Your kids are sooo adorable dear. Thanks for sharing!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  15. These views are unbeatable, lady- and what amazing memories!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  16. So much fun. The views are amazing..

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  17. This sunset looks amazing! Wonderful fotos!
    Have a nice week,
    Christine

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  18. I can see why you might want to see the waterfalls, but you saw so much anyways! Love the boys and there big smiles, so happy!!!

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  19. Such beautiful scenery!! That pizza looks delicious!! Have a great week!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  20. This is such a fun and gorgeous post :) http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2018/09/the-5-best-animal-prints-for-fall.html

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  21. Woow! I'm sure you had a great experience dear!!
    have a great day! xx

    La ilusión de Nina - http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com/

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  22. Looks fantastic ❤

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  23. What a wonderful post, dear!
    Hugs ♥
    LIANA LAURIE

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  24. Yay for pizza to refuel. What beautiful scenery you saw at Mount Hood. My fellow friend/knitter, Melissa, msmedge on IG, is an avid outdoors woman and has many beautiful views of Washington state in her feed.

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  25. Anonymous9/19/2018

    Such a beautiful nature. Gorgeous photos.

    http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com

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  26. Great post dear!

    http://www.iameleine.com/
    http://www.instagram.com/iameleineblog/

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  27. Wow, this is absolutely beautiful!

    xx
    Lauren Elizabeth
    Petite in Pearls

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  28. Your little guys are so cute with their binoculars! Looks like you all had a great time!

    Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com

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  29. Looks like a great travel adventure
    Love your pictures.

    Much Love,
    Jane | The Bandwagon Chic

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