I have lived in Oregon since the late seventies and I remember the first time I saw the Columbia gorge. I had never seen anything like it. Today was beautiful, the wide blue green river had some choppy white waves, the douglas fir trees had the company of other trees with their green leaves. High cliffs on the Oregon side faced off with the cliffs on the Washington side. As we headed east the cliffs turned into hills and the trees became smaller and less dense. There was a time of flatness which was an illusion as we were continually climbing since we left Portland. After Pendleton Oregon there was a very steep climb with a grand view point. We have stopped for the night in Baker City, Oregon. Not too bad for the fist day. Today reminded me just how beautiful some of the saved areas are in this state. Tomorrow we will be headed for Idaho and a new time zone. No longer pacific, but mountain time.
A LITTLE SOMETHIN'
A LITTLE SOMETHIN' 
I have lived near the Columbia River since college – for about 12 years – but that stretch through the Gorge is something else. The vastness makes me wonder a lot about Lewis & Clark.
We used to live not too far from the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side. We would cross over to The Dalles, Oregon by ferry before the bridge was built. Would love to visit there again.
I wish you could. It is lookin good. But then you would have to come and visit me too.
Thanks for the post. I googled Columbia George, it does look amazing. Save travels.
Good to see you looked it up. Thanks…for the comment.