June 29th, 2011
Join us for a day of reflection and renewal on September 24, 2011.
The Summer Solstice has come and gone, and while days are still long, we are now gradually making our way towards autumn. Before we get there, we should all fill warm summer days with as many fun excursions and romantic getaways as we can. Yet we ask that you take a moment to look at your fall calendar and consider setting aside time in September to participate in a “Goddess Within Workshop” at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins.
Participants will explore stories and myths traditionally associated with Autumn. Through meditation, yoga, guided exercises, and writing sessions, we’ll examine ourselves and our potential. The equinox is a time of balance, and it is a wonderful time to pause and build balance within the self.
Our Goddess Within Workshop Series is lead by Rhea Wolf and Latisha Heilman. Come for the day – September 24, 2011 – or the weekend. For more information and to register, please visit our Columbia River Gorge Events page.
Tags: Columbia River Gorge Cabins, Columbia River Gorge Events, Goddess Within Workshop Series
Posted in Columbia Gorge Retreats and Workshops | No Comments »
June 22nd, 2011
Hike nearby Dog Mountain while staying at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins.
If hiking and wildflowers make you smile, now is a great time to hike the Dog Mountain trail.
Dog Mountain is not for the faint of heart; the elevation goes from 60 feet to 2860 feet in just over 3 miles. The good news is that the bulk of the strenuous climbing takes place at the beginning. Switchback trails lead hikers ever higher through the forest until (cue the music) you break out of the woods onto a glorious mountain meadow. The remaining trail to the summit traverses these meadows, which are, as of this writing, in full bloom with bright, yellow flowers.
It gets better. From the summit, hikers are treated to stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, and majestic Mt. Hood. Simply glorious.
Hikers will want day packs full of water and food. The round trip hike to the summit of Dog Mountain should take approximately 5.5 hours, but you’ll want to allow plenty of time to admire both the wildflowers and the view. It’s best to plan for an all day outing.
The trailhead for Dog Mountain is less than 15 minutes from our Columbia River Gorge Cabins. Sleep late, drink copious amounts of freshly brewed coffee with your breakfast, and then head east along Washington Highway 14 until you see signs for Dog Mountain, between mileposts 53 and 54.
Guests of our Hood River Cabins are always thankful for the hot tubs, for nothing eases sore muscles quite like a warm soak. After that, a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, cheeses, salami, and fruit … perfect. Enjoy the feast on the porch of your private cabin as you watch the sun set over the Cascade Mountains.
Tags: Columbia River Gorge Cabins, Columbia River Gorge hikes, Dog Mountain, wildflowers
Posted in Outdoor Recreation Hood River | No Comments »
June 15th, 2011
The Fruit Loop is more than just a colorful, sugary breakfast cereal; it is a glorious scenic drive through lush lavender fields, enticing wineries, and rolling orchards. Oregon’s Fruit Loop is about an hour from Portland and even closer to our Columbia River Gorge Cabins. Drive it or cycle it, and eat and drink your way from one stop to the next.
Bring home a delicious cherry pie from The Fruit Loop
Fruit has been grown along the Fruit Loop since the mid 1800s, and many of the farmers run farms that have been in their families for generations. They are friendly and generous with their land – visitors are encouraged to walk through orchards and pick their own fruit. And truly, there is nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked fruit, be it cherry, apple, or pear.
Many fruit stands line the Fruit Loop, so if you aren’t in the mood to pick your own, you may still enjoy freshly picked fruit. Indeed, snacks are abundant on the Fruit Loop – especially the healthful kind. Of course, if you prefer to ingest your fruit slathered on toast (jam) or with a scoop of ice cream (pie), you’ll find these options on the loop, too. There are a wide assortment of locally made preserves at the Apple Valley Country Store, where you can also lunch on barbecued chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. Be sure to complete the meal with a sinfully good Huckleberry ice cream shake.
As has happened elsewhere in the country, many farms in the Columbia River Gorge now grow grapes. Folks who travel the Hood River Fruit Loop will find quite a few excellent Oregon wineries:
- Wy’East Vineyards
- Mt. Hood Winery
- Pleasant Valley Winery (certified organic)
- Hood River Vineyards
- The Gorge White House
- Cathedral Ridge Winery
At the end of the day, you will want to do nothing more than return to our luxurious Hood River Lodging with arms full of locally produced wine and fruit. You’ll probably also want a loaf of freshly baked bread (available several places on the loop), jam, and a pie. Touring the Fruit Loop is hungry work, so sit back, admire the view, and enjoy a healthy, locally grown, feast.
Consider staying in one of our Hood River Cabins during the following Fruit Loop Festivals:
- Hood River County Fruit Loop Wine Celebration: June 18-19, 2011.
- Hood River County Fruit Loop Cherry Celebration: July 16-17, 2011.
- Lavender Festivals at various local Lavender Farms: July 9-10, July 16-17, 2011.
- Hood River County Fair; July 27-30, 2011.
- Apple Valley’s Huckleberry Jam & Country BBQ; August 13-14, 2011.
More information about the Fruit Loop is available at the Hood River Fruit Loop.
Tags: Columbia River Gorge wineries, Hood River County Fair, Hood River Fruit Loop, Hood River lodging, lavender, lavender festivals, Oregon Wine, The Fruit Loop, u-pick fruit, wine tasting
Posted in Columbia River Gorge Activities | 1 Comment »
