The Columbia's grand gorge, just east of Portland - Last-Minute Vacation '91

Sunset, June, 1991

The Columbia's grand gorge, just east of Portland Columbia Gorge, where the river broaches the Cascade Range, is the last hurrah of the West's mightiest river before it rolls on to the sea. This month, waterfalls thunder off the Oregon cliffs by I-84 and the old Scenic Highway, and wildflowers put on a show on both sides of the gorge that lasts through midsummer.

Along this 85-mile stretch of the Columbia, hike, bike, fish, take a steamboat ride or a train excursion, windsurf or watch suriers at Hood River, go whitewater rafting, or just savor the views.

It's best to pin down lodging at least a day in advance. Chose from a wide variety of accommodations--the historic clifftop Columbia Gorge Hotel, Victorian bed-and-breakfasts, the restored Hood River Hotel, and even some cabins. For details on recreation and lodging in The Dalles, call (800) 255-3385 from 9 to 5 weekdays, 10 to 4 weekends June through August; for Hood River, call (800) 366-3530 from 9 to 5 weekdays, 10 to 4 weekends. For Stevenson, on the Washington side, call (509) 427-8911 weekdays.