This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
The other week, Octave and I had to take a trip to Portland to pick up something that's gonna change our lives (but that's a whole other subject).
We had a blast in the city, eating at new restaurants, catching up with old friends, and visiting our favorite spots.
On the way back to Central Oregon, I suggested we take the long way back home through the Columbia River Gorge. Our friends recently moved there and I really wanted to see with my own eyes the beautiful house they built.
I also had many, many many spots on my "to visit" list and added a few that my friend Jenna, owner of Lost River Apothecary, recommended.
Lodging
We got to stay at Jenna and Tal's place in Lyle and woke up to the most striking view of Mount Adams, but I found a few cool places you could stay at during your trip:
I was sad I didn't get to try the pastries at White Salmon Baking but got to eat their scrumptious pain au chocolat at Confluence Café. Extra points for the river view from the terrace!
Shops
Besides visiting our friends Tal and Jenna, my goal was to hit all the cute (vintage) stores in the gorge. And boy did the gorge deliver!
Laura's new shop. I've visited every shop she's run since 2015 and this new endeavor didn't disappoint. I'm sad I didn't get to see her, but her shop girl was the sweetest and I came back home with lots of Mexican snacks for the road (that's not what's mainly sold there, but that's what I felt like shopping, lol)
I mostly wanted to stop by to take a picture of the sign for Octave's nephew Marcel, but was so glad I stopped by to see the amazing curation from the owner, Amy. We got to chat for a bit and got along really well!
Everyone knows everyone in this little community and I love it! On my way out of Sun Sun -where I got a smiley pair of socks and some incense- I bumped into Jenna, who was on her way there for a restock!
We had already visited the gorge quite a few times, to go hiking, and mountain biking, but had never had a chance to really slow down and spend time there and meet the locals.
It's the perfect balance between being immersed in nature while still being less than an hour and a half away from a major city and airport.
I can't wait to go back, and maybe finally give kiteboarding a try!
Have you visited the gorge already? What was your favorite spot?
This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!