Seattle to the Columbia River

[Flashdog]

Yesterday I took a trip down to Oregon to see the Columbia River Gorge. I started out I-90 from Kirkland through the Snoqualmie Pass (26 degrees) east to I-82. The people going skiing looked at me weirdly. I admit that interstates are not the prettiest ways to go but I could be assured of them being clear of snow and ice. Down I-82 down to Hwy 97 through the Yakima Nation. I never understood why they call them reservations. It's not like the Native Americans made plans to go to them! The Nation is as beautiful as it was barren. Luckily I got gas because there's no stations for over 50 miles. On to Maryhill to see Stonehenge. Its a reproduction of the one in England as it would have looked before it got knocked down over time. It's also a WWI memorial. I crossed into Oregon to see the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. It was full of dirt and sand and windy as can be. I almost got knocked over at the Crown Point house. Well worth the risk!

Today I woke up to 24 Degrees and a frozen seat. Crossed over to Washington across a bridge that was a half of mile of pure fear. The whole driving surface was rough grating. I'll think of the name of the bridge in the future. Man was it scary! Between the wind and grating I was using both lanes!

I worked my way home using the same route I took to get there. With the sun at my back or side most of the time it was even more beautiful. Unlimited visibility and warming temperatures. I actually turned off my grips and vest for the last hour.

Take a look at my photo album! I also got to color in Oregon on my visited states map!

[narcop482]

Nice pics in your photo album....................I hope you froze your butt off.

YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sharpie]

Nice pics in your photo album.......................

I agree. Awesome trip-- in Feb. no less!

Was the bridge the Bridge Of The Gods (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_the_Gods_(modern_structure)) ? IIRC, it was horrifying when we crossed it a few years ago.

[Flashdog]

Yep, that's the one Sharpie. Pure terror! I'm thinking about checking out the Mt. Baker area in the near future if the weather cooperates. You in?

[bigTom]

Nice ride! Good to hear Eastern WA is starting to thaw...I still have 2 brothers and a sis there. Is 97 what I would call Canyon Road? The old highway from Ellensburg to Yakima? That's a fine road...

Oldest bridge on the river. My Great Great Grandfather helped build that bridge:) His daughter (my Great Grandmother) told me repeatedly....As did my Grandmother and my Mother:)

[Sharpie]

Yep, that's the one Sharpie. Pure terror! I'm thinking about checking out the Mt. Baker area in the near future if the weather cooperates. You in?
A definite maybe :D
I rode up the Mtn Loop Hwy yesterday from Granite Falls and the road was very icy in quite a few areas at 2k ft+.
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=28&pictureid=479

I'm not sure if the Mt Baker rd to the ski area is cleared of snow/ice this time of year?
I encountered this last August near the top :confused:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=29&pictureid=487
Gated off roads seem to be the norm for me :)