If the weather is clear, you should definitely go to Mt. Hood. Only 60 miles from Portland, it’s an easy drive. Combine it with Columbia Gorge for even more scenic vistas.

Trillium Lake Hike

Wanting to do a hike, we found Trillium Lake near the town of Government Camp. For a $5 day-use fee, we parked at the lake where people were swimming, paddleboarding and camping.

But best of all – we had an unimpeded view of Mt. Hood. The mostly flat, 2-mile hike wended through a nearby campsite offering public restrooms. At the northern end, boardwalks led us into forested areas into a grassy meadow. The flat path picked back up next to the lake making a complete loop.

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Timberline Lodge

“Redrum. Redrum.” You can’t go to Timberline Lodge without remembering the 1980 Stanley Kubrick movie, “The Shining” which exterior shots were filmed here.

Built during the Depression, the lodge features a 2-story lobby centered around a central fireplace resembling a ski chalet. Oh wait – it is a ski chalet for the 5 ski slopes, one of which is open all 12 months of the year.

Walking around the circular lobby, we saw mountain views from the many windows before stepping out onto the balcony.

The Fruit Loop

Instead of turning around and heading back to Portland, we drove over to Hood River to follow the Columbia River Gorge. However, to get to Hood River, we drove part of the Fruit Loop.

Located in the Hood River Valley, the Fruit Loop is a 35-mile road that winds through orchards, wineries and fruit stands. Driving along the picturesque 2-lane road with views of Mount Adams in the distance was a delightful treat to the end of a long day.