"The Big Columbia River"

From the old folksong - they aren't kidding about just how big that river is.  It even has its own micro-climate due to the merging of the cooler air from the Pacific Ocean and the hot air from Eastern Washington and Oregon.  They told us it is always is windy (but that also helps keep the bugs away).

Mt. Hood

Those are whole trees

Native Americans are allowed to net fish on the river, on these special platforms

We crossed to the Oregon side of the river and visited several of the many waterfalls.

And no, I don't remember the names of all of them, but they were pretty grand.  We then continued driving on old Highway 30 up to the old lookout.

looking toward Washington

We drove on to the Bonneville Dam - an important part of the northwest power source.  This even provides some electricity, as far away as California.  Impressive.  Busy fish ladders, where the fish are counted.

All in all, a great, scenic trip.  But more adventures are to follow.