h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

On the northwest coast of the US is a small town called Astoria. You might remember it from the movie Goonies. This small town sits on the banks of the most beautifal rivers in the world,the Columbia.It runs from SE Washington State to the Pacific Ocean, separating the states of Oregon & Washington. There are two big dams,the Dalles Dam and Bonneville. There is a bridge in the town of Cascade Locks that was once believed by native americans to be a natural rock bridge. The area is known for native american legends,such as the history of the mountains in the Cascade Range. I'm sure everyone knows about Mt. St. Helens. You can take an old time sternwheeler from the city of Portland up the Willamette River to the Columbia all the way to Bonniville Dam. Along the way you pass under the above mentioned bridge,The Bridge of the Gods, pass Multnomah Falls,which come from a glacier on Mt. Hood,to Bonniville Dam and then back to Portland. If you ever go to Portland, I highly recommend this trip. You won't regret it.

and the columbia gorge is the windsurfing capital of the world, or so hood river claims. the columbia actually starts way up in BC. did you mention how pretty the gorge is? then i will. huge waterfalls, cliffs with petroglyphs, mt. hood right there, it's just gorgeous. and it's only a forty-five minute drive from portland. the columbia is awesome! huge!

You're correct in saying how beautifult the gorge is. My favorite spot to view is fom Crown Point. It's a lovely drive and the view is spectacular. My fav waterfall is Horsetail Falls. It's secluded enough to be able to take a skinny dip although the water is quite cold. As for Hood River, I went to Jr High there in 1978 (Go Patriots) At that time windsurfing was just starting. It is quite windy. Quiant little town. I haven't been there for some 20 years. I live in San Dieo now and long to return. If only I cold convince the family. I would also have to find work. The area is very much to my liking.I should mention that the Hood River it is also canadite for one of my favorite rivers. Quite small but just as beautiful.Peace.

The Columbia River Gorge is amazing. My fiancé's family is from Astoria and they have a very strong connection to the river. I heart Oregon.