Continue down the Historic Columbia River Highway to reach the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. A great photo op, this viewpoint is named after the Portland Women’s Forum, which worked to preserve the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.

One mile further down the road you’ll find the Vista House, a memorial to the pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Completed in 1918, the ornate building was criticized at the time as a waste of money, and called a “$100,000 outhouse.”

Latourell is an unusual waterfall because you can walk behind the falls. Water cascades down an overhanging cliff of hexagonal basalt rock. The walk can be a little slippery, but the mist adds to the atmosphere. You can also visit nearby Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Horsetail, and Ponytail falls.

Built during the New Deal era in the 1930s, the Bonneville Lock & Dam was the largest water catchment project in the U.S. at the time. Despite the fish ladder, the waters below the dam are often full of white sturgeon and salmon, and sea lions frequent the area for dinner.

Constant strong winds make Hood River a mecca for windsurfers, so head to the Hood River Waterfront Park to get blown away by their skills. When leaving Portland, turn south on Route 35 toward the Hood River Valley. Here the fertile, volcanic soil allows apples, pears, and cherries to grow in abundance. Along the way, stop at Packer Orchards & Bakery to stock up on fruit and pastries.

One of the best views of Portland is the cityscape seen from the Japanese Garden; on a clear day, you can see Mount Hood. It’s won awards for being one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Come in the second half of March for the first cherry blossoms, or during fall for vibrant foliage.