Columbia River Gorge, OR & WA PHOTOS

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful area of Oregon and Washington separated by the Mighty Columbia River. There is a vast difference in climate and landscape from West to East in the gorge. The West end of the Gorge starts at Troutdale, east of Portland, OR and Washougal, east of Vancouver, WA. Here the climate is much the same as Portland with about 45" of annual precipitation but by the time you reach Cascade Locks, OR and North Bonneville, WA you will find yourself in a rain forest with 80" annual precipitation, plenty of trees, and lush undergrowth. Another 20 miles east to White Salmon, WA and Hood River, OR and you will find the climate is drier with only 25" of precip per year. Yet another 20 miles east to Dallesport, WA and The Dalles, OR and you have reached the arid high desert of the gorge with dry hills, sage, a few pines and scrub oaks, and only 12" annual rainfall.

I love taking scenic pictures in the gorge and here are some views I've captured over the years. Starting from the west end to the east end.