The wikipedia:Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge is a 80 mile section of the Columbia river desginated as a National Scenic Area. It starts just outside Portland.
Understand
History
Lewis and Clark came along this route on their trailblazing journey in 1805.
Landscape
The gorge cuts through the Cascade mountain range which is made lagely of volcanic (basalt) rock. This leads to a number of spectacular cliffs. The bountiful presence of water on the west side of the Cascades leads to a number of very tall waterfalls which intersect the river.
Flora and fauna
Salmon run in the river almost year-round, but the fall is peak season. The Army Corps of Engineers has installed a fish ladder at the Bonneville dam which is a great place to see them.
Climate
The key distinguisher of climate in the gorge is '''Wind'''. Wind speeds are often upwards of 30mph. This is because the gorge is a wind tunnel from the warm/dry east end to the cooler/damp west end.
Get in
Easily accessible from Portland (Oregon).
Fees/Permits
Get around
If you are using a car, Interstate 84 is a great way to get around the gorge. It has frequent exits to interesting attraction. But be sure to get off on the side roads like "Old Columbia Highway". They are very pretty and reasonably paced.
See
Bonneville Lock and Dam, [http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/home.asp]. The third highest hydropower project in the US, at about 1.2MWatts. You can visit this (after passing a friendly guard who will inspect your car). This is accessible via exit 40 on I-84.
Falls, Falls, Falls....
* Horsetail Falls
* Multnomah Falls, [http://trips.stateoforegon.com/multnomah_falls].
Do
Many windsurf on the Columbia River due to its consistent strong winds.
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
Get out