Weekends in Oregon

June 22-23

So, there is something about living in Oregon in the summer.  It kinda rocks.  Random weekends are worth mentioning.  At the beginning of the summer, we bought Curious Gorge, which may as well be a hiking bible for the National Scenic Area in which we currently reside.  On this particular weekend, we decided to try some lesser known hikes mentioned in the book on Saturday.  The early hike was Shellrock Mountain 1872 Wagon Road.  There is actually the oldest road in the gorge right off I-84, and no one really knows it’s there.  You have to park on the eastbound side of the interstate, just after exit 51 and hop the guardrail to find the trail.  About a half mile in, sure enough, there is the old wagon road, built circa 1872.  Switchback up the hill and you can walk along and sit on the old road.  Just below is the freeway, where everyone blowing by is oblivious to the old road.  Never saw another soul on the hike, but just watching the world, and river, go by while sitting on top of the old road. [...]

Much of the trail up looks like this

Surprisingly intact masonry. 

Had to make a quick trip back to Hood River for Technu to break up poison oak oil.  Not sure if we saw any, but better safe than sorry.  Back on the road and over to Mitchell Point for hike #2.  Mitchell Point isn’t exactly a hidden hike like the wagon road.  In fact, Exit 58 off I-84 East advertises it.  However, most who stop just pull into the parking lot, check out the view point, a short paved walk from the car and call it good.  There is a trail, though, that takes you to a peak with a spectacular view over the Columbia.  Despite all the cars in the parking lot, we and one other couple were the only ones hoofing it up the trail.  About a mile and a half straight up and we had the peak and view to ourselves.  Made perfect with some chilled wine in the hydroflask.  On a side note, hydroflasks are the best thing for chilled and hot beverages since fridges and coffee makers.  These little insulated bottles keep your wine cold all through a hot day.  Our outdoor pink from Naked Winery was nice and cool as we sat looking over the river.  Great evening. 

We hiked to the top of the peak in the center of the picture.

At the top!

The view east toward Hood River (that's I-84 running along the river)

The view west toward Portland

Sam trying not to panic long enough for a picture

Another very old road that used to have a tunnel (long sealed) with the I-84 in view.
This runs along from the walkout viewpoint from the parking lot.

Sunday was game day.  Timbers vs. Colorado at Jeld-Wen Field.  Drove into Portland early to hit the REI sale.  Sam needed some new field pants because she ripped a giant hole in the previous pair, and well, why not go to REI?  After REI, we grabbed some brew and food over at Bridgeport Brewing.  Great thing about living in Oregon is that you are never far from a brewery.  Never even had to move the car between REI, brewery and game.  We met up with our friends Justin and Kelsey before the game; their first MLS game.  There is a lot of knock on the MLS for being a second-tier league in the US.  However, those cities that have teams and the support groups really bring it, and the atmosphere is great on game day.  Portland may be the closest one can come to having a European-like atmosphere (and maybe Seattle).  Could have something to do with Portland being underrepresented as a professional sports town.  The Timbers didn’t disappoint on this particular evening, throttling Colorado 3-0.  Suck it, Rapids.  After the game, we hit up Huber’s, so Samantha could try the best Spanish coffee ever.  Huber’s is the oldest bar in downtown Portland, and is a former speak easy.  The restaurant specializes in turkey dishes.  The turkey pot pie with the corn bread shell is amazing.  The bar will put on a show with the making of the Spanish coffee.  It is worth popping in to try the coffee just at the bar. 

Another great weekend in Oregon.  Next weekend, the Dirty Dash.