I was up early as I had some hikes I wanted to hit today and wanted to make it to Portland around sunset to enjoy a little nightlife and a decent hotel. Another shot of Mt Hood as I worked my way back along the Colombia River Gorge heading west
Interstate 84 runs along the gorge, but they have preserved the original Route 30 in certain sections to offer a meandering trip through the hills with spectacular views.
I stopped for a hike at Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls.
It is a popular hike in the area and gets rave reviews. I was pushing myself pretty hard and actually did the out and back hike of 11 miles in 3 hours, or about 3.6 miles/hour.
A few tight parts along the edge of a cliff
This is the culmination of the trail for me, although you can continue on to a great camping spot for the night. They actually blasted away the rock here to allow the trail to continue behind the waterfall.
After completing this trial I stopped of at the popular Multnomah Falls
It was around 4pm and headed into Portland. It was my second trip to the city and I was already a big fan. I found some cheap hotels for around $100 within walking distance to the city. I actually booked a room at the Red Lion chain and then booked a cheaper room online in their lobby. Requiring me to cancel the 1st reservation. They were not too happy with me. I showered up and boarded their free bus system into downtown. Here is a shot of Voodoo Doughnuts
a spot famous for obscure confectionary goodies. I hit the Deschutes Brewery and made friends easily.
Myself and another guy who was on a bike brewery tour early that day, killin time while girlfriend was at a Physical therapist convention, headed over to Rogue Brewery. We met a guy who was leaving in the morning to ride his bike down along the coast to San Francisco. Here is his blog
A few years earlier he had ridden across Russia. Across Russia! It took him like 1 year. Not for me, but more power to him. We hit a few other bars and then called it a night as I had to head up to Seattle the next day.
Until Tomorrow
Darren
