Day 17 - 9/11/15 Travel to the Columbia River Gorge

Today we left the Oregon coast and traveled US 101 north to Newport, then east across the coastal mountains via route 20 for about 50 miles to connect with Interstate 5. From there we traveled north to Troutdale, which is about 15 miles east of Portland.

Once we started heading east the scenery changed quickly from rugged rocks and evergreen forests to landscapes that included deciduous trees mixed with the evergreens and tilled farmland and vineyards.

Interstate 5 north rambled through the valley that separates the coastal mountains from the Cascade range.

It is currently sunny and 91 degrees in Troutdale. This is a big change from the coastal fog and high temperatures in the mid 60's that we experienced yesterday.

We arrived in Troutdale early enough today to take in a few of the scenic attractions nearby. Along the historic Columbia River Highway we were able to view some different waterfalls cascading over the walls of the gorge.

Our first stop was the Portland Women's Forum Overlook where we were first able to view the gorge.

​We stayed one night in Troutdale, OR before moving on to Hood River.