Scenic Byway

A Historic View of Oregon

Exploring Mt Hood’s Scenic Byway

Did you know that by coming up to visit The Villages of Mt. Hood, you’ve also experienced a taste of many historic scenic drives?  Not only have you traveled part of the Barlow Road (see article this issue), but you’ve traveled the first section of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, the Mt. Hood Loop, and the Infinity Loop.  You can keep going for a few days’ adventure, or choose one full day touring some of Oregon’s greatest sites and scenery.

For maximum views with the minimum of time, take the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, which swings between Troutdale and Hood River round the south flank of the mountain.  You can start at either point, and stop at a number of landmarks and viewpoints along the way.  The trip can take you as little as four hours, but that would not allow you enough time to truly enjoy the diverse scenery along the way.  You’ll want to take time to progress slowly through the Hood River Valley’s rich farms and orchards, stopping at the seasonal produce stands for a fresh and tasty snack, the temperate rainforest further inland, and the alpine terrain as you gain elevation over the Government Camp Pass.  Keep an eye out for natural beauties such as Sahalie Falls and Mirror Lake.

Feel Like Coming Full Circle?

Go for the Mt. Hood Loop, which adds in a section of I-84 that passes through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  But the best way to enjoy the drive is to take the CCC built Historic Columbia River Highway.  You’ll get to see Cascade Locks, Bonneville Dam, and Multnomah Falls as well as a dozen or more other smaller, more hidden waterfalls.  At the Vista House on majestic Crown Point, you can stand 733 feet above the Columbia River and have an amazing look at where you’ve been and where you’re going!

Hoping to mix in a little more river frontage and trace a few more steps of the pioneers?  Then you’ll look forward to the Infinity Loop.  This route adds 95 miles, proceeding from Hood River east to The Dalles, south on Highway 197 to Tygh Valley and Maupin, and west on Highways 216 and 26, matching up with the Mt. Hood Loop a bit west of the Barlow Pass.  You can explore the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, or visit the tiny town of Dufur and its Living History Museum.  At Maupin, experience the Deschutes River, a destination for anglers and rafters from far and wide.  During the summer, you can head west on a seasonal route closely following the actual Oregon Trail.

The Villages of Mt. Hood provide convenient and comfortable base camp lodging and services making it easy to explore the Mt Hood Scenic Byway and Infinity Loop.  There’s plenty to see and do here too for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking a restful yet elegant getaway.  Find the Barlow Road Tollgate and Laurel Hill Chute or hike or bike along the historic Barlow Route.  It’s our home, and your adventure.

May/June 2008

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