I will be taking a trip to visit kids in the Hood River area in mid-August. Does anyone have any suggestions beside the always amazing Gorge for out of the way scenics or birding areas to check into? Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by David Schoen on July 20, 2016 at 1:02 PM
Ridgefield national wildlife refuge is near Battleground. Well worth birding visit though better in the winter. Check out their website.
Another cool thing to see is the dip net fishing on the lower Klickatat River. That's not too far from Hood River.
If you have time, a drive up highway 35 from hood river has a few nice opportunities. Mid-August may be about peak time for wildflowers on Mt. Hood and iconic views from Trillium lake. Lost Lake is nice and has potential for hood reflections. All of these require a bit of driving time.
We have four days there Steve. Thanks for the insights.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on July 22, 2016 at 10:24 AM
In addition to what others have suggested, there are several waterfalls on the East Fork of the Lewis River not far from Battle Ground. Some nice swimming holes, too, if you get hot weather.
A long, but very scenic drive would be to cross the Columbia at Hood River, then travel north on Hwy 141 to Trout Lake. From there, drive Forest Road 23 north to Takhlakh Lake for a great view of Mt. Adams. Backtrack to FR 90 to follow the Lewis River for several waterfalls, turn south on FR 51, then County Road 30, following the Wind River back down to the Gorge at Carson/Home Valley. (If you want to do this drive, let me know and I can give more specific directions and locations).
In Hood River Valley, go to Mount Hood Organic Farms near Parkdale for a great view of Mount Hood (and great apples!).
If you drive Hwy 35 from Hood River to Timberline, Tamanawas Falls is an easy hike for a great waterfall.
Have a great trip!
- Greg
Posted by Ed Williams on July 25, 2016 at 10:37 AM
Discussion
6 repliesAnother cool thing to see is the dip net fishing on the lower Klickatat River. That's not too far from Hood River.
A long, but very scenic drive would be to cross the Columbia at Hood River, then travel north on Hwy 141 to Trout Lake. From there, drive Forest Road 23 north to Takhlakh Lake for a great view of Mt. Adams. Backtrack to FR 90 to follow the Lewis River for several waterfalls, turn south on FR 51, then County Road 30, following the Wind River back down to the Gorge at Carson/Home Valley. (If you want to do this drive, let me know and I can give more specific directions and locations).
In Hood River Valley, go to Mount Hood Organic Farms near Parkdale for a great view of Mount Hood (and great apples!).
If you drive Hwy 35 from Hood River to Timberline, Tamanawas Falls is an easy hike for a great waterfall.
Have a great trip!
- Greg