Hood is considered one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon and is home to the only year-round ski resort in North America (yup, on the slopes of a volcano!). I could not recommend this business more! Most importantly our guides Lori and Kelly were simply outstanding. Be sure to start early as the Multnomah area gets jam packed with tourists. They're still renovating, but you can see their vision coming to life. Sixth Street Bistro is also a recommended lunch spot. and leave at 12:55 pm. The staff was very friendly and polite. Total $92.22 It depends on when you visit! There are plenty! Redding, California. We HIGHLY recommend River Drifter and their guides are Top Notch. So much to do in such a beautiful place. Boise, ID 83706. Great view to see Mt hood standing on frozen lake top. The photos on the website did not describe the reality of this train ride. The bed was way stiff for our liking and there was a wedding that had music shaking the building until 10. 197-ft. tall dam opened in 1937, offering a pedestrian park area with views of the gushing spillway. The route, whether youre going east or doing a Boise to Portland drive, traverses several different western landscapes and offers lots of unique things to do on the way. Kirk, his positive energy and high level of skill truly made our trip one to remember. It made me start thinking about winter adventures to be had again, soon. The Service was Great Tamara our server kept checking in on us. Now, I'm working out here! 755 NE Myra Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA. Overall, worth every second! Hood for our anniversary. They are still working on renovations but it adds a nice laidback charm to the hotel and grounds. The fun stops listed below will showcase Southern Idaho's best attractions and include stunning natural wonders like hidden springs . (I personally recommend staying in Hood River simply because it makes for a cooler drive on Day 5. Love love love! Click here to browse more hotels in Portland! That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Bathrooms on site, but bring your own tp! I visited for the Kilroy Coffee event and had the wonderful and fleeting opportunity to meet and listen to several WWII veterans share their stories. Several traveling players are now suspicious of these activities and will put the word out. There are many hiking trails around the lake of varying lengths and you can also hunt, fish, boat, and swim at the lake at certain times of the year. Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway - Highway 21. I easily spent close to two hours here. She is an archivist specializing in oral history who is based in Tucson, Arizona and grew up in the Midwest. Known for wool apparel & blankets, this chain also sells non-wool clothing, decor items & linens. 35 Maryhill Museum Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620, USA. The Columbia River Gorge is among the most photographed Natural Scenic Reserves in the United States. Great toys for children ages 2-8. The Maryhill Museum also has a caf with outdoor seating. I found a lot of lovely pictures to admire and had an excellent time walking around and trying to soak everything in. A lot to read through. The journey as we put it together starts and ends in Seattle, but the road also passes through other urban areas including Portland, Boise, Bend, and Spokane. We took lots of pictures of the chess sets, because our 26 yr old grandson would love this. I would suggest planning on 2 hours and it's worth the time. Unfortunately the trail is still closed from the fire in 2017. This museum is absolutely huge.. Planes are functional and we learned they fly out every year in August. What really made this trip incredible was our amazing guide, Amparo "AJ". Large historic building with artifacts & changing interpretive displays related to the area's past. First Class Adult $40.00 The staff was super helpful and friendly, answering all of our questions about the different types of blankets. You're obviously paying for the location and the history if you stay here, but you don't need to stay here to visit. Also, there is plenty of parking at the center! However, if you are a skimmer this could take an hour. Ideal spot for picnic and for hiking. Currently still fencing up around the trail head and inaccessible since the eagle fire of 2017. We missed getting to go inside, but had fun anyway. For more experienced rafters, the nearby north fork is apparently a nonstop class V rodeo ride from start to finish. Huge dams on the river you can go into and see the inner workings. Outside there is a nice picnic area, but it was quite windy so we ended up eating in the car. The amazing woman in the gift center worked with us when we realized it was much bigger. Read about the 38 best attractions and cities to stop in between Portland and Yellowstone National Park, including places like Grand Teton National Park, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, and Grand Prismatic Spring . I cant imagine anyone not loving this app! The website will automatically route the trip with evenly spaced suggested stops along the way. If you want to come across wildlife that you cant see anywhere else in the world, if peering down spectacular mile-deep basalt lava flows sounds like your idea of a good time, if seeing some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world is right up your alley, then going on a day trip to experience the magnificent Columbia River Gorge is just what you need during your stay in Portland. Then ask for Carrie to be your personal shopper. The outside art & walking area was very relaxing. Walla Walla is the largest city and the county seat of Walla Walla County, Washington, United States. Many personal artifacts donated to make this place come to life. And 1 security lady was very nice. Such a cute city with lots of shops and an interesting history. The top cities between Portland and Boise are Hood River and Walla Walla. We have not spent any time in Oregon before but we dont have too much time. I recommend the river view rooms, spend the extra money! There are several campgrounds nearby if youd like to extend your stay in the Blue Mountains. Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. You probably won't have enough time to hit the slopes, but you can still enjoy the beautiful views. Hanging out at camp -- good company and good conversation. This museum is absolutely huge.. People love visiting Hood River and Walla Walla, among others. The outside art & walking area was very relaxing. As always leave it better than you found it for generations to come, enjoy , In the first days of our trip, we took nature walks around Mount Hood and enjoyed it very much, we had a very enjoyable time, we took hundreds of photos of the waterfall. We are definitely planning another trip with her! Very cool stuff! Took my wife to Mt. It felt pretty cool to walk in the woods on snow again. The "Click here to find a venue" link will open a new page with . The museum itself is a fine display and in general a clean and functional building. 65-acre manmade lake with mountain & forest backdrops & areas for camping, hiking & Nordic skiing. Amazing!! The staff was very friendly and polite. I'd love to come back here and try axe-throwing, zip-lining, and whatever else we may have missed. Shared bathroom wasn't a problem. We dropped in for a soak while traveling I-84 back to Portland. It was such a beautiful scenic train ride. We also stayed in a yurt at the property next door, Grande Hot Springs RV Resort. This 242-ft. waterfall along the Historic Columbia River Highway can be crossed via a hiking trail. They made the tour! There is a parking lot at the entrance and there is so much to see in the area. Told us all about the Oregon trail program in the summer. Overall, worth every second! Never dig through your emails again access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place. Remote mansion with a diverse collection, including Rodin sculptures & Native American artifacts. LOTS of RV & bus parking. Many personal artifacts donated to make this place come to life. 1248 Highway 141, WA-141, White Salmon, WA 98672, USA. Mt. This excellent museum covers the history of the gorge, from its creation by cataclysmic floods to the hardships pioneers had traversing it, to early settlements and transport in the area to the construction and consequences of its dams. 5000 Discovery Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA. Save your money and play where you're business is appreciated and the management takes your concerns seriously. My family and I absolutely loved this place! Tabor, I have admired the beauty of this gorgeous dormant volcano that rises up above the Columbia River Gorge. Be prepared to expend some major energy on the serious up hill hike portions! The staff are very friendly and courteous and they get 5 stars. Came two months ago at the coldest time of the month! The gorge trail itself is closed due to fire damage. Service here was top-notch. The population of Walla Walla and its two suburbs, the town of College Place and unincorporated East Walla Walla, is about 45,000. Our group was so impressed by our River Drifters rafting trip on the Rogue River. Kathryn Albertson Park. I can see how this place would be very busy on the weekends when more events take place on the grounds. There's no better way to experience extraordinary vistas, charming small towns, and hidden gems. Planes to look at. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 7,167. These days, Idaho City, with its creaky boardwalks and beautifully preserved wooden buildings, is one of the best examples of a functioning mining town from the . Fees $5.22 In her spare time, she is a political activist, country music junkie, and baseball fan. It depends on when you visit! A beautiful hotel to boot! I just got a little nervous walking down the unkempt hallway but when I got to my room, it was a pleasant surprise. Nope. I would also absolutely recommend stopping by the Pendleton woolen Mills for wonderfully crafted wool sweaters/ blankets. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 7,167. The tour includes a drive along the oldest scenic highway in the country, complete with stops at various panoramic viewpoints, including the famous Bonneville Dam Sturgeon viewing center. This place really needs no introduction. Seriously, this app does it all! The population of Walla Walla and its two suburbs, the town of College Place and unincorporated East Walla Walla, is about 45,000. It was amazing to see a hydroplane practice landing on the river. It was so relaxing to hang out here. Back in its heyday, Idaho City, an hour north of Boise, was a thriving trading post for gold miners.Business was so good, in fact, that in the 1860s, the city outsized Portland, Oregon, as the largest in the northwest.. 11:55 am Ontario (Oregon) stay for about 1 hour. Their facilities are great and include lockers to keep your things safe, picnic tables, lots of grass to relax, souvenir shop, and overall fun staff. We will definitely be back! Is it picky teenager and he said he even thought that the train ride was peaceful and he enjoyed it. I do what I can and understand that change is slow. The museum gift shop has some interesting trinkets, many of which seem to be made locally. Its a famous destination for windsurfing and sailing on the Columbia River due to the strong winds that blow down through the gorge from a wind tunnel effect, and snow-capped Mount Hood lies just to the south. It was so nice to have all of our meals prepared for us -- fajitas, pasta, pancakes, deli sandwiches -- everything was delicious! This is a company that has been in the business a long time and definitely knows what they are doing. Fun, exciting and lots of adrenaline. Cafe was closed, but WHO CARES we didn't go there to eat. Other popular stops include Grand Targhee Resort, Perrine Memorial Bridge, and Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe. Your family can even picnic here. My 15-year-old son. From outdoor adventures to historical sites to rodeos and world-class art museums, you can find a variety of activities for everyone on this classic journey through the west. See time and distance between places, and optimize your route to get the most of your day. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. I cant recommend it enough! Several videos to watch that can take a while. We continue to enjoy going to 14 Hands each time we visit our family in the Tri-Cities so that we may select a few more bottles to bring back home to Napa where we live we especially love their Cabernet Sauvignon! Highly recommended! If you are a reader of ALL the placards, expect it to take a couple hours or more. I expected it to be a small area we could easily get through. The old fighter planes, the folks in period dress and the knowledgeable announcers made the day complete. Planes are functional and we learned they fly out every year in August. We did heavy shoes and water bottles like their site said, and I tied my long hair up. Our room was cozy and cute. Driving to Boise from Oregon can also be a part of a longer road trip from Portland to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The train was sparse, it was 1 cookie on 1 napkin, with 1 coco, and a very sad cast of characters dressed in ostumes with a very impersonal overhead speakers reading to an audience held hostage on a very slow train ride. Service was outstanding! Picked up an affordable blanket for our bed from the back bargain room. No one in there for the 2 hours I was downstairs. I'd love to come back here and try axe-throwing, zip-lining, and whatever else we may have missed. Decent hike. We had a great time on the zip line course. Still would recommend a visit. There is a fee of 9$ for adults. There was another lady didn't get her name who was also Great as well. I visited for the Kilroy Coffee event and had the wonderful and fleeting opportunity to meet and listen to several WWII veterans share their stories. 2:35 pm Jackson (Idaho) stay for about 1 hour. The river is intense from the moment you drop in and leaves you perfectly satisfiedenough thrill to keep your blood pumping, but a dab of leisure and a little sightseeing and history (corny jokes) from your guide. There isnt that much scenery as there are trees on both sides and limited view of Hood River. The staff was amazing. Prices for admission are surprisingly cheap! They also have a kids section which I didnt really checkout. Lots of family entertainmentswimming, bowling, movies. No ragrets. Located in the city's northwest, Nob Hill is one of Portland's coolest neighborhoods. One can see the reflections of Mount Hood in the lake and spend a quality time near the Mount Hood. Another great way to stretch your legs is to look out for kite . As always leave it better than you found it for generations to come, enjoy , In the first days of our trip, we took nature walks around Mount Hood and enjoyed it very much, we had a very enjoyable time, we took hundreds of photos of the waterfall. I like museums in general, so take my excitement with a grain of salt! There's even hiking. Very impressive Native American craft collection and well arranged. The cost for a room is nothing if your having a good time and you have accommodation. Prices for admission are surprisingly cheap! Embrace ALL of the experience and you will have a great time! Staff is pleasant and courteous. If you want to take photos there is a small platform you can get to near the back of the train. Everyone else needs to be brought up to new standards. It was so much fun and the pictures the company photographer took really captured it. Our family has been floating the Main Payette with friends for years, but this was our first experience using a guide or doing the South Fork, and it could not have been a better experience. Fun, exciting and lots of adrenaline. The Greenbelt of Boise harbors a string of famous parks named for women. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. Also, note the road in isnt cleared in the winter so youll have to park and walk a long long way before even entering the normal lake loop hike. 100% recommend if you're looking for a place to really kick back and recharge. We visited in October and the weather was amazing. So much to do in such a beautiful place. There are many campgrounds throughout Oregon along I-84 as well. Driving from Boise to Portland should take you 7 hrs 6 mins in normal traffic. It's such a cool winding drive up to the lodge. Ben was our adventure guide and Mark the owner was our backup and cameraman for this wonderful White Salmon River Middle Gorge run. Centrally located in Pendleton, they have a number of rooms available to suit all kinds of visitors and there is a pool and fitness centre on site. End this long day at Timberline, a mountain lodge right at the base of Mt. It didnt prove to be ideal for agriculture, so the mansion eventually became an art museum. Everyone else needs to be brought up to new standards. We spent most morning there. Was interesting to see. Definitely worth the stop while passing through. Boise River Greenbelt. Every single employee I came across here was friendly and helpful. It's one of those places that has proven that it's gorgeous no matter the season and weather. This towering volcanic mountain features historic Timberline Lodge, skiing, climbing, hiking & more. All in all, we had a wonderful day with stories and memories we will cherish for years to come. Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. If youre going on a road trip from Boise to Portland, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Hood River and $Walla Walla and top places to visit like Warhawk Air Museum and National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, or the ever-popular Cascade Raft & Kayak. It was windy! Gorgeous time to spend near Mount Hood. The fact this place was to be a home was not surprising due to the rich story of Sam Hill. There are some great views out at the back! We are going to visit Canon Beach and Portland before we drive to Boise to visit relatives. The bus ride up to the put-in site wasn't bad at all (one of the guides provided comic relief and commentary along the way). Interstate 84 is one of Oregon's most iconic highways: Nearly 200 miles of panoramic Columbia River Gorge views await visitors between Troutdale and Pendleton, a scenic drive in history, geology, culture and natural beauty. She knows a ton about whitewater, the local flora and fauna, history of the river, interesting sites along the way, (and Tolkien)! I will drive to Oregon for a while (overnight). The change of 3000 feet brings so many changes in topography from desert foothills to alpine forest. If you have never been you really need to experience it up close and personal. The museum is great to walk around and just immerse yourself in historynot to mention, the team at the Warhawks Museum records Veterans stories so that they are preserved. Currently still fencing up around the trail head and inaccessible since the eagle fire of 2017. What a treat! A group of friends took me to Zollers several years ago and since then Ive tried to bring everyone I can to share in the awesomeness that is Zollers and rafting the White Salmon! Vast museum with dioramas, live presentations & interactive exhibits dedicated to the frontier west. Resteraunt has a nice menu. Staff is pleasant and courteous. Lots of family entertainmentswimming, bowling, movies. Most importantly our guides Lori and Kelly were simply outstanding. We had our church youth group so the ropes course and rafting. Old Sacramento and the California State Railroad Museum. To get to the lake, take Highway 55 from I-84 to Indiana Avenue. We went the third week of July and all the inside stuff was still closed. There are plenty! In the end, I'm posting this here by saying that every photo with a combination of mountain, stone, water, family is worth sharing We drove into the gorge on Historic Hwy 30 (Google maps wanted us to take the freeway but we were told Historic 30 was the more scenic route). We just had a short stay here for our 8 year anniversary, but my husband and i had a lot of fun staying at one of the treehouses, mini-golfing, going to the aerial park, enjoying the gorgeous scenery, and eating all the good food. and leave at 4:21 pm. My family (wife and two teenagers) were excited as well as apprehensive about white water rafting, that is until they met our guide, Kirk. Where to stay in the Columbia River Gorge: I recommend staying in either Hood River or The Dalles, both located towards the far end of the Columbia River Gorge from Portland. Are you planning a road trip from Portland to Boise? There are also two visitors centers, one on the Oregon side and one on the Washington side, where you can learn about the dam and about the salmon that the river is famous for. Our family has been floating the Main Payette with friends for years, but this was our first experience using a guide or doing the South Fork, and it could not have been a better experience. I will be making my 6th trip down from the Seattle area this July and cannot wait. It is clear that the new owners are pouring their hearts (and no doubt a ton of $$$) into this place to restore faithfully. I advised management players being suspicious of team play and possible dealers in poker room aren't playing straight. The top stops along the way from Boise to Portland (with short detours) are Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge Adventures, and Mt Hood. See time and distance between places, and optimize your route to get the most of your day. Package included ropes course, which was amazing, lunch, and then whitewater rafting. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Our tour guide was super cool. To illustrate just how charming this city is, we've come up with a list of the best things to do in Boise, ID. I was happy to provide them with a donation and I hope people will keep doing so for them to keep running, as it's an excellent and enriching service. Planes & flying memorabilia from WWI to the jet era are on display at this aviation museum. Checked out early and wont be back. Much of the district's action hums . The security guard saw me circling around a couple of times, and had a short conversation with me to recommend what he thought was the best part of the museum, the ornate chess set collection, and I'm happy he told me about it. Definitely one of the best parks in Tri-Cities! The Lewis and Clark wing has an exhibit on animals the corps had to kill (including 190 dogs and a ferret); there's also a bird of prey educational program every day at 11am and 2pm, featuring live raptors. Loved the contrast of warm water while the cool wind hit exposed skin, and appreciated the robes for overnight guests. Drinks, non-smoking and smoking. We got there on a Sunday. We rafted down the south fork of the Payette River, which contained an exhilarating mix of class III & IV rapids and proved to be the perfect introduction for us. Crazy beautiful snowy hike to a frozen lake dream land! We saw a safe that had thousands of discs, each representing a veteran. Many items in the gift shop. There's a small parking lot near the gorge but the entrance and gorge itself is fenced off. But I have a different idea for you that will take you a bit longer, but what sights and scenery you will see! Bathrooms on site, but bring your own tp! The direct drive from Boise to Portland is 431 mi (693 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 6 mins in normal traffic. The air show was like being in a time machine. Gorgeous trees and views. I might consider going again another time perhaps on a weekend. Package included ropes course, which was amazing, lunch, and then whitewater rafting. Today you can visit the dam to watch how boats navigate the locks. We had a wine flights and bought a couple of wines. One of the greatest gifts of getting old is knowing how little power you have in the grand scheme of things. All in all, we had a wonderful day with stories and memories we will cherish for years to come. Just past the Dalles, another dam on the Columbia, you can cross the bridge at Biggs Junction and drive up the hill to the Maryhill Museum of Art. Once the gorge opens back up I will be taking full advantage, but for now just go up to the road to Oneonta trailhead. You can hike trails with names like Story in Stone, Flood of Fire, and Island in Time that go by several geologic formations with fossils like the Mascall Formation, Blue Basin, Cathedral Rock. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! I'd highly recommend checking this place out went with my mom and grandma. Other popular stops include National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, and Pendleton. The top cities between Portland and Boise are Hood River and Walla Walla. The river cuts through several ecologically diverse areas, and the national scenic area covers both the high desert in the east and the temperate rain forest in the west. So, what are you waiting for?. The rooms was very nice and cleaned. Some shorter/easier hikes you might want to consider include Latourell Falls, the hike into the Oneonta Gorge (beware that you'll likely get wet), and the Elowah Falls hike. Click here to see their availability. The staff was super friendly and the course was really fun. This driving itinerary begins in Twin Falls and travels north along Highway 75 to Challis, and then continues on Highway 93 to Missoula, but of course you could do this road trip in reverse too. This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! New owners bought the hotel and the nearby RV park recently. You can experience the beauty of Mount Hood without staying here, and you can also eat here without staying here. Never dig through your emails again access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place. Spent four digits for Christmas gifts, and every single recommendation from Carrie was a hit with the recipients. This winding road can be an all-day or multi-day excursion if you want it to be with over ninety waterfalls, dozens of hiking trails, and many scenic vistas. Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list. Checked out early and wont be back. I miss the personalized wine introductions, service and even a few crackers to tame the taste buds. The entire day was perfect. It was our first visit and you could tell that the soaking area has been updated nicely. The Dalles is the largest city of Wasco County, Oregon, United States. Explore More of the West Coast. There are 3 enclosures, but I could see only one owl. A must visit place when you are driving through US Route 30. Then we saw such neat places and had such different experiences that when we look back, my wife said that it was like a municipal cultural park here, next to the others. Very few of the displays are interactive so kids might get a bit bored. I like museums in general, so take my excitement with a grain of salt!