Fall came and went very quickly in this corner of Oregon. Just when the trees were developing color, the cold nights arrived and bi-colored leaves froze on the trees. The fall color was gone. Not so in the western part of the state and in the Columbia Gorge.
The sun was to our backs as we headed west and into the Columbia River Gorge.
Generally, Mount Hood would be visible in the distance at this point, but heavy clouds hung low.
Across the Columbia River on the Washington side, brilliant rust-colored shrubbery dotted the bare landscape. The geology of the gorge is evident.
The rain began near the west end of the Gorge and continued on west to Hillsboro. This is Highway 26.
Four days later, the rain had stopped, so colorful fall foliage was on display at Multnomah Falls. Scars from the Eagle Creek Fire are still evident.
The Historic Columbia River Highway can be accessed at Mosier, providing a beautiful drive over the mountain to The Dalles. The curves are frequent and the original guard rails are striking against the fall colors.
Orchards are plentiful in the Gorge and above it, and this pear orchard is one.
In spring and summer, the grass and shrubbery are a beautiful green.
2 comments:
Very lovely photos of this area. I really like the pictures of the Falls, and the Rowena Crest loop view.
Nice! Since we are playing it safe, my dry side shots are a compilation of previous trips. I recognize the the guard rail! I have about two more weeks worth--- on the Washington side-- from the Dalles to Wishram and places in the hills.
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