The Northwest Getaway. Day 1: Columbia River Gorge

There is something magical about the Pacific Northwest. By now, we spent a fair amount of time there, but I am still gazing in awe at the majestic mountains, deep forests and glinting expanses of water. It is even difficult to describe – you just stand gaping at these natural treasures feeling utterly insignificant and powerless.

Northwest getaway from realities of city life

The primary target of our journey was Mount Hood in Oregon byway of Columbia river, and coming back to Seattle through Gifford Pinchot National Forest. We drove south to Oregon on I5. Interstate highway is pretty much the same in any part of the US sans cars license plates. The biggest difference you may notice is that palms and cactuses give ways to leafy trees. Then evergreen trees take over if you travel from south to north. Regardless, the monotonous rhythm of white lines stays the same. Hence, we drove as quickly as possible and arrived to Portland in about 4 hours. The weather was gray and rainy, and affected our sightseeing cutting it to shortest walk around the city possible. Nevertheless, we did have a chance to notice that Portland is definitely the street food capital of the world.

Formidable Columbia River Gorge

Done with Portland, we turned east toward the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge is a canyon that stretches for more about 80 miles and reaches up to 1200m (4000 feet) deep. Formed millions of years ago it slowly carved it’s recent landscape with most drastic changes happening at the end of the Ice Age. It is truly an amazing place. In less than 2 hours of driving, the climate changes from almost rainforest-like at the sea level to much colder and drier evergreen woodlands. Even with intermittently rainy weather the views were fantastic. Undeniably, many chatty waterfalls would generously envelope you in a shroud of mist. Who cares! The landscape is too amazing to notice.

We took some stunning photos exploring Columbia River Gorge.

Cherry trees and Sakura Ridge Farm

For couple nights, we stayed at Sakura Ridge Farm and Lodge indulging in perfect views of Mount Hood once the rain was gone while drinking local vines, which that area is known for. The farm is surrounded by cherry orchards. Hence, the name.

Furry local residents provided some entertainment and kept us on our toes. Surely, we could not resist to snap more photos of the farm and it’s inhabitants.

The second day of our Northwest Getaway belonged to Mount Hood.

With just a weekend on hand, we picked Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood from a long list of Pacific Northwest wonders. However, the best way to experience this fantastic part of the world is to take a road trip. All the way from the celebrity-crazed Los Angeles up to the majestic Olympic Peninsula in Washington, the epic journey of a lifetime still is on the cards next time we visit this region.