It’s perhaps misleading to post a photo under a title noting Hood River, for it is the muscular, much-loved Columbia River you see. The river and its famed Columbia River Gorge deeply impacts life in and around Portland, Oregon. We feel the its power as it surges and flows as well as its mountainous environs and are never unimpressed with the majestic beauty. And Hood River is a port, a lovely resort town on its banks and within the Gorge. We enjoy a visit a couple times a year. Summer sports thrive on the water and its surrounds, but autumn finds a sparser population with other sights to enjoy. The above view was shot from the perfect river walkway; the area is stunning. We took our time getting here and continued on to farm country called the “Fruit Loop.”
Before arriving in Hood River, though, we had stopped for a fine view from Mitchell Point in the Gorge.
Marc snapped a happy photo of me as I do love it out there. Marc mused that huge rocks often tumble down–note fence erected to perhaps keep visitors safer. Often the case in the Gorge and Cascade Mountains and it gives one pause when driving or hiking when you go around piles.
It is a casual, scenic town, and we always enjoy a coffee and sandwich at Doppio Coffee.
Down by the river, we take our time exploring a stretch of the Columbia. Bear in mind that I am shooting toward the Washington side of the Columbia River, north, and at other times northwest–it’s a fairly short boat trip to WA. The Oregon side of the river tends to be more mountainous and rugged in appearance; shooting from WA. shores would obviously render those pictures best.
Good fishing in the Columbia, usually salmon and steelhead, but fishing is quite restricted.
A favorite spot to gaze out over the river as it rolls and pushes toward Portland and then out to the Pacific Ocean. One can see some of both state shorelines here.
There is an ancient, powerful and wondrous energy that pulls me to the Columbia Gorge. I head out to explore and quickly am saturated with peace, as if my core being is infused with mysteries of earth and I feel the watchfulness of a vaster cosmos that oversees all. I have a love affair with nature, and the Pacific Northwest is perhaps the truest recipient of my unabashed adoration. When I first visited the NW at age 19–that time of intense dreams and yearnings (and lived in Seattle area a yr.)–I knew I’d permanently relocate here one day. It took me 20 years, and I am thankful. And I appreciate sharing my home territory in these posts!
Next time: a visit to Oregon’s bountiful Fruit Loop!
Tales for Life 
Very pretty pictures, we’ve explored and love this area too.
Thanks for the good words and glad you have access to it, too. Lucky us!
Well photographed and described
Thanks, Derrick, appreciate it.