The Columbia River Gorge received the federal stamp of approval when it was named a National Scenic Area in 1986, but Oregon's first inhabitants appreciated its pristine beauty long before then.
Today, majestic Mt. Hood and the towering cliffs of the gorge look down on fishing boats and working tugs, but it doesn't take much imagination to picture Native American fishing platforms and laboring pioneers.
The area boasts a bountiful fruit industry, quaint riverfront towns and some of the world's best windsurfing waters. Mt. Hood's year-round recreation agenda features skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping and biking. And best of all, everything is just a short drive from Portland.