The Columbia River Gorge
Monday, September 26, we have arrived in the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia river’s headwaters are in British Columbia, flowing south through Washington, and then forming most of the border between Washington and Oregon. In the area along the bend in the river, we find The Dalles. This area is known of its unusual beauty and the dry weather.
The Columbia River Gorge
The area looks like dry prairie instead of the rain forests we were just driving in a few hours from here. I have always heard that this area was really beautiful. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this isn’t it. I agree it is beautiful, but it is also a surprise. Aren’t good surprises fun!
The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge
We are camped at an RV park in Goldendale, Washington, located right on the river. Today we are taking a drive along the Washington side of the river into The Dalles and then, after lunch and a look about town, we will drive back on the Oregon side.
The Columbia River Gorge
The highway on the Washington side is along the bluff that overlooks the river, providing wide vistas and scenic overlooks.
The Columbia River Gorge
The Dalles appears to be a center for a major rail yard. There are numerous train tracks on both sides of the river and a huge train yard in town. We have heard several trains while camped in the RV park. It would be a natural corridor for the travel of goods coming into the ports on the coast to then be transferred to this rail system.
The Columbia River Gorge Train Tracks
The Columbia River Gorge
We have seen a lot of orchards and fresh vegetable farming in the irrigated portions of the area. In fact, there is a huge fruit and vegetable stand that we will check out that is just outside the entrance of the RV park. This area is apparently very suitable to growing crops, but where there is no water, it is prairie.
Bridge Across the Columbia River at The Dalles
We have found the bridge to cross the river. It is a huge structure.
Columbia River Bridge
Lunch Spot
The Baldwin Saloon was advertised on a billboard on the highway into town. It is billed as an historic restaurant and bar.
This building was originally a saloon back in 1876. The saloon transferred ownership from the Baldwin brothers to Dr. Charlie Allen, a seller and adjuster of eye glasses who chose to go by the title of “doctor.” During Dr. Allen’s ownership a small frame building was attached to the back of the saloon that served as a brothel. Apparently the owner of the brothel and Dr. Allen found a good working relationship since they later married and operated their businesses together.
Since the beginning saloon days, the building has served as a steamboat navigational office, a warehouse, a coffin storage site, and a state employment office.
Today the restaurant is an exceptional place to have lunch. The blue cheese bread is very flavorful and light. My turkey sandwich was delicious and unusual. Ed was equally pleased with his selection. This is definitely a place to come back to if we are in this area again.
The Dalles Marina
A walk along the bike path that is by the river seems a good idea to walk off lunch and see what there is to see. This floating community in the marina is most interesting. It is filled with boat “garages,” but also has quite a few homes. We are not seeing people about however. Are these only used as vacation homes?
Sailboat
Very nice sailboat! This beauty is made of wood and is in really great shape. We decided that it had to be owned by a doctor or a lawyer, don’t you think?
Columbia River
Columbia River
The Dalles
Where we decide to turn around is a good title picture for our outing. This town has been here for quite a while.
Columbia River
Columbia River
Columbia River
Looking back across the river, we see the bluff we traveled coming into town.
Train
There goes one of the trains we have been hearing.
Train
Marina
As we walk back to the car, we get another view of the marina complete with reflections.
Columbia River Gorge
The interstate takes us back up the gorge on the Oregon side of the river. The bluff on the far side if made of lava rock and has an interesting texture.
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge
We have very much enjoyed our outing here in The Dalles. The waitress at the restaurant used to live over by the coast, but said that she prefers it here in The Dalles. I can see why. I think I would prefer a bit more sunshine than one sees on the coast of Oregon. Life is good.