Columbia River–Old Hwy 30

After leaving the Deschutes, I drove some beautiful back roads to The Dalles, where I got my first glimpse of the mighty Columbia River!

Just west of The Dalles  I discovered the old Hwy 30 Visitor’s Center, and was amazed to find the wildflowers growing outside, along with very nice views of the River.

Flowers were everywhere!

The staff member inside suggested going the “back way” and stopping at Rowena Crest to take the 2.2mile hike out to the point overlooking the River

.  As she mentioned I found many nice wildflowers on the trail.

To my surprise there were a couple of small freshwater ponds way up here on the plateau.

It was a beautiful afternoon with temps in the upper 60’s, what a delightful hike out to the end of the point, some 600 feet above the River!

Where highway 30 ended there was a neat little community that had landmarked the square with a carved totem!