The Columbia River Gorge is famous for being windy, among other things. Yesterday was no exception! We stopped at Crown Point, a very high view point, and almost got blown away. It was fun and the view was amazing!
Multnomah Falls was our next stop. It was a beautiful day for a little hike. Some of us went up to the lower bridge, and some stayed below. Jake felt that someone should carry him, the the girls took turns. Finally, he started hiking around on his own, but he milked it for as long as they were willing to carry him!
There were salmon spawning in the little river at Multnomah Falls. It was awesome to see them fighting their way up a tiny little rapid and then laying eggs in the calm waters near the edge of the stream, often near branches that extended over the water.
When we got to the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery, Jake was not at all sure he wanted anything to do with feeding the huge rainbow trout that were in the holding pond. But, by the time we got to the second area, a pond, he became very excited about the idea.
He loved throwing the food, or flicking the food, as his mood dictated. We took a nice stroll around the grounds and saw several ponds with various fish in them, including some massive sturgeon. We did not go into the visitors’ center, though. By that time, they were hungry and we went back to the van and ate our picnic. I’m sure it would be fun for another time.
After that, we went over to Bonneville Dam itself. To get there, you need to go through a security point, then drive over the dam. Jake especially liked doing that. Then, in the visitor’s center, we looked around and went down to the viewing windows in hopes of seeing fish. We thought we would, because of the ones in the stream at Multnomah Falls, but we did not. Still, the whole experience was fun.
Back into the van we went, and drove up to Cascade Locks for ice cream (or onion rings as some preferred), and headed for home. Everyone was happy and had a nice day. The weather was so nice! It was a great fall trip, and I’m glad we did.
Neat! Because earlier this past summer my husband and some of our kids went to that Falls and the high point. (I stayed behind at a lodge in Washington helping set up for our son’s wedding). Andrea
I’m glad your family enjoyed it!
What a fun day indeed! You know I have driven past Multnomah Falls several times on our way to Portland, but never stopped. We are going to have to make that a priority the next time we head down that way. We have however taken the little train ride at the dam when our kids were little and that was a lot of fun!
Be blessed!
The view in that gorge is so beautiful, Becky! Thanks for sharing the photos of your little day trip.
Thank you. We had a great time–For whatever reason, Rob did not have to work this time when the kids at his school was off (last time he did), so we took advantage of the opportunity to go together, something that is getting rare these days! So, I’m glad it was so nice.
I just love family outing like this. They stay with you forever and cuddle you in your old age.
That’s sure a nice way to put it, Barbara!