Klickitat River Day Trip

Today, Karen and I drove east from Portland to The Dalles (91 miles) along the Columbia River on Interstate 84, then north to Goldendale, then southwest for 34 miles down Route 142 along the Klickitat River to Lyle, then back home 68 miles from Hood River to Vancouver on I 84.

From Troutdale, Oregon, to The Dalles, Oregon, Interstate 84 travels along the south side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  The Interstate follows closely by the river the entire distance.  Very dramatic views along the Columbia River Gorge.  The views of Mt. Adams were also spectacular.  

A beautiful clear day with great views of the Cascades and the Columbia and Klickitat river canyons.  The Klickitat is designated a Wild and Scenic River.  In places, the canyon was quite rugged and steep.

[Note: We did not take any of the photographs displayed below.]

Washougal Waterfront Park

We could not stay outdoors for long, because it was very cold and very windy this morning.  Invigorating brisk cold and bright sunshine.  Very dramatic views towards Mt. Hood.

Washougal, Washington

On the Columbia River east of Vancouver, WA 

Washougal Waterfront Park

Captain William Clark Regional Park

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Water Falls: Dougan Falls

We enjoyed the 13 mile drive north from Highway 14 up the Washougal River Road.  There are many private residences along the lovely Washougal River.  The winter grey trunks and branches of the leafless deciduous trees contrasted nicely with the evergreen firs and pines.  The river had a good flow.  The Dougan waterfall was energizing and noisy in its winter power display.  A wonderful excursion for any family into the hills and rivers of the Washougal backwoods country.   

Road Trip 3: Vancouver to Yakima

We stayed overnight in Yakima on Monday.  The weather was cool with clear skies for two days.  After the morning fog lifted, we had excellent views of the Columbia Gorge and river along I 84 to The Dalles.  We enjoyed visiting the Maryhill Museum.  We got some great views of Yakima Valley and Mt. Adams (12,280) as we drove to Toppenish on Washington Road 97.  

On Tuesday, we headed west through the Cascades, between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams just to the south of State Road 12 and to Mt. Ranier (14,410 feet) just to the north of State Road 12.  The road from Yakima to Naches featured miles and miles of apple orchards.  We drove on Route 12 through Naches, the Tieton River Canyon, Rimrock Lake, White Pass, Packwood, Randle, Morton, Mossyrock, Riffe Lake, Mayfield Lake and many beautiful views along the Cowlitz River Valley.  Finally, we drove south on Interstate 5 to Vancouver through heavy truck traffic.  

Northwest Adventures: Travels in Washington, Oregon and Norther California

Tieton River Canyon

Tieton Dam and Rimrock Lake