The downstream gates of the lock at Bonneville were open, and the approach looked incredibly narrow. Could we possibly fit into that space? Our captain took us safely into the lock and our deckhands secured a line to the floating bollard. With the downstream gates closed, the lock master operated the valves and we started our lift in our first of what will be eight lock transits during our voyage.
The steep basalt cliffs of Oregon are ablaze with the colors of the big leaf maple. Brilliant yellow leaves swirl, twirl, and gently float to the forest floor. We enjoyed the raining of leaves under incredible blue skies as we explored the magnificent Multnomah Falls. Water leaps from the top of a basaltic lip and free-falls 620 feet to the plunge pool. The footbridge allowed us a spectacular view of the falls above and the mighty river below.
We continued upstream to the town of Hood River. It is fall and the fruits of the season were on display at Rasmussen’s Farm. Flavorful slices of apples and pears were offered as we browsed amongst piles of cauliflower, heaps of Brussels sprouts, and bins piled high with pumpkins. The pumpkin patch and corn maze outside were bookended with a spectacular view of Mount Hood to the south and Mount Adams to the North.
Our explorations were not finished as we followed a winding road up into the Hood River Valley for a wine tasting at Cathedral Ridge Winery. Complementing the delightful wine selections was an equally impressive view of the Columbia River with a backdrop of Mount Adams. Afterwards, with a short trip down the hill we came to the town proper of Hood River. We filled the remainder of our day checking out quirky shops, fun cafes, local breweries, and locally stocked galleries. Altogether a tasty and diverse end to a full day enjoying the history, foods, and landscape offered within the Columbia River Gorge.
