This fabulous loop drive along the Columbia River Gorge will provide you with a full day of breathtaking views and Native American history. From Vancouver, take in the natural beauty by traveling east on Highway 14 along the north side of Columbia River, crossing into Oregon at the Bridge of the Gods. Head back to Vancouver by crossing over the Columbia River into Washington on I-205 North.
 9:00 AM: Tour Pendleton Woolen Mills and Mill Store in Washougal
Visitors are invited to take a free tour of the mill. Learn about the mill’s manufacturing process firsthand from the state-of-the-art dye house, through spinning and weaving, to the finishing of their distinctive Indian blankets. When you’re finished you can visit the Mill Store where you can select from Pendleton's wide array of menswear, womenswear, blankets and fabrics. (Tours occur Monday-Friday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Large groups should arrange tours by appointment.)
Optional: Stop and take a rest at Beacon Rock, the core of an extinct volcano named by Lewis and Clark on October 31, 1805. For the adventurous, take a trek up the mile-long trail to the peak for magnificent views of the Columbia River Gorge.
11:00 AM: Tour Bonneville Lock and Dam in North Bonneville
Explore historical exhibits, a visitor center and an underwater fish viewing station at one of the oldest and newest hydropower plants on the Columbia River. The original dam was named for Army Capt. Benjamin Bonneville, an early explorer credited with charting much of the Oregon Trail.
12:15 PM: Visit Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson
This museum offers over 11,000 square feet of exhibits that interpret the area’s cultural and natural history. Some of the exhibits feature Native American life, 19th century fishing and transportation, Lewis and Clark, and the world’s largest rosary collection.
1:15 PM: Lunch in the Historical town of Stevenson
Visit one of Stevenson’s group friendly restaurants or plan a box lunch at one of the stops along the way. Travel south across the breathtaking Bridge of the Gods into Oregon and continue west on I-84.
Optional: Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler in Cascade Locks
Cross the Bridge of the Gods and enter the riverside community of Cascade Locks. Board the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler from Marine Park and enjoy a riverboat cruise on an authentic triple-deck paddle wheeler, providing 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler offers a 2 hour narrated sightseeing cruise, brunch buffet cruise and dinner excursions.
2:30 PM: Explore Multnomah Falls
Plummeting 620 feet from its origins on Larch Mountain, Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. A 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls. For an even closer view, walk another several hundred feet up the paved trail to reach Benson Bridge, which spans the falls between the upper and lower falls. A restaurant and gift shop is located at the base of the falls.
 3:30 PM: Visit Vista House Interpretive Center at Crown Point
The Vista House was built in 1916-1918 as a memorial to Oregon pioneers, a comfort station for those traveling on the Historic Columbia River Highway and an observatory. The octagonal stone structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and towers 733 feet above the Columbia River providing breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Optional: Enjoy shopping at the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets where you will find an exciting collection of 45 designer and name-brand outlet stores.
For more information please contact our Convention and Group Sales Manager at grouptours@VisitVancouverUSA.com or 877-600-0800, ext. 16 |
