Hi I'm John Williams with another Accessible Adventure in The Pacific Northwest.
Remember that old song go, "get your motor running, head out on the highway, looking for adventure?"
Well this time it's a scenic adventure as we take a trip along the Mount Hood National
Scenic Byway. So get your motor running!
Whether you begin in Troutdale, or Hood River, this 105 mile day trip is like driving into
a post card! For this trip we'll begin in Hood River, recently dubbed the Wind Surfing
Capitol of the World.
We begin by heading south on Highway 35, out of Hood River.
Nature's bounty fills the country side as we pass through a section of the Hood River
County Fruit Loop. The Fruit Loop is a 35 mile loop circling through orchards, wineries,
fruit stands, and spectacular views! Definitely worth the extra time!
It's hard not to stare at the mountain, but keep your eyes on the road, there are plenty
of pull out's along the way to absorb the scenery!
Just after Meadows Ski Area, we'll hook up with remnants of the Old Barlow Road.
The Barlow road was the first road connecting east to west, over Mt. Hood, completed in 1846.
It's a short distance, but long on scenery.
Just past the interpretive signs, look for the Pioneer Womans grave. A memorial to a
woman who died along the Oregon Trail, and to all the pioneers who struggled for a new
life in Oregon.
Merging with Highway 26 heading west. Timberline Lodge is a short 6 mile drive from here.
The US Forest Service has made many improvements to the lodge in terms of accessibility.
A short drive from Timberline Lodge it's Government Camp. Ever wonder how Government Camp got
it's name? Well, it 1849 a small command of US Army soldiers had to abandon their wagons
here, because the Barlow Road was so rough and trecherous, it took a terrible toll on
man and beast alike. Well, settlers using the road would pass by the abandon wagons
and simply call the spot Government Camp.
In the 1930's it was used as a camp for the construction crews who built Timberline Lodge.
Here at the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum
learn about natural history and early exploration.
Continuing west down the mountain small communities and businesses, known as the villages
of Mt. Hood offer the flavor of mountain living and hospitality.
This is Jonsrud Viewpoint on Bluff Road near Sandy Oregon.
Stroll the brick way paths, look up close through the telescope at the mountain and
the Sandy River below. You can almost see the pioneers
coming through on the Oregon Trail!
Our trip concludes in Troutdale, where there's restaurants, antique shops, even an outlet mall!
Or you may want to continue along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Be sure to see all of our videos about the historic highway including Multnomah Falls right here.
Along the Mt. Hood National Scenic Byway, I'm John Williams,
I'll see you next time.