There’s plenty to enjoy about the Columbia Gorge, situated between Washington and Oregon. You can easily spend a day hiking, eating, drinking and exploring small towns in the scenic region.
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Start your day at the Big River Grill, a popular spot for hikers and visitors to the area. Breakfast here trends toward comfort food, but they’re of excellent quality. Budget $15.
Next, spend some time exploring the Gorge’s many waterfalls. You can choose to take a hike to visit some of the more tucked-away falls, or aim for the ones accessible from the roadside. Either way, you’re in for a treat. A handy guide can be found on the Columbia River Gorge website. These activities are all free.
© Jpldesigns | Dreamstime
Eat lunch at the unpretentious but outstanding Glass Onion in the small town of Goldendale before exploring the area’s many wineries. You can budget around $20 for lunch; wine tastings are free or low-cost, usually around $5. A full list of wineries in the area can be found here.
And finally, finish up your trip with dinner and beer at the outstanding Pfriem Family Brewers in Hood River. This is one of the region’s best breweries, and the food is excellent as well.
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