WATERFALLS WALKS AND THE FRUIT LOOP
We heard about the glorious waterfall hikes along the Columbia Gorge but in our haste to leave Portland and set up @ Memaloose, we bypassed them. No worries though- the Hood River valley provided its own splendor. We spotted a couple of trailheads on our drive to MT. Hood and returned the next day for a thoroughly enjoyable hike along the Columbia Spring Creek to Tamanawas waterfall.
Autumn was in the air and several small waterfalls along the creek entertained us as we ambled toward the trail's end.
The Tamanawas Falls was splendid with faint breezes showering mist on us as we ate our lunch.
The town of Hood River has several small breweries and restaurants. We sampled beer and dinner one evening before heading back to camp.
The valley surrounding Hood River is famously known as the "Fruit Loop". Much like the countryside along lake Erie, fruit orchards and vineyards abound. We drove the loop stopping to buy pears and FILBERTS!!! We also stopped in the cute hamlet of Parkdale to sample (what else?) beer and burritos @ Solera Brewing.
http://www.solerabrewery.com/
http://www.solerabrewery.com/
Everyone was welcoming including these two guys- Rev and Dave. (Trevor is at the bar buying more drinks) They all work at Hood River Organics where they grow mushrooms and broker local organic produce to restaurants and locals.
A special shout out to Rev who generously shared some of Hood River Oregon's other famous produce.