Today is the first day of Autumn, and you can certainly feel it in the air. The breeze is a bit more crisp, the days are shorter, and the leaves have started to change. Autumn brings an often welcome break to the hot days of summer (not to mention lawn mowing, running the A/C, etc.), and offers us some of the most lovely RV’ing of the year. Before you park your RV for the winter, or before you head south (Snowbirds I’m looking at you!), how about taking some time to enjoy the beautiful offerings of Fall? I’m talking about leaves the colors of which you’ve never seen the like, apple festivals, and more! This is the time to get out for a walk and feel the leaves crunching beneath your feet while the crockpot cooks dinner for you back at the RV. Sound good? Here is a great little trip to get you out and about for some fall time fun in the NW! The Columbia River Gorge is coming alive with Fall fruit right now, and there’s no better time to get out and get a hold of it.
The Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge both provide great views of Pacific Northwest fall foliage. You can view the Gorge’s lively fall color from the Washington side of the Columbia River by driving along Highway 14. Stop for a picnic, hiking or biking at Beacon Rock State Park. Cross the river at the Bridge of The Gods, or the Hood River Bridge to continue your fall color adventure along the Oregon side of the Columbia River, and to hit the awesome Hood River Fruit Loop. Make sure you take a leisurely drive down the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway while you’re there. Crown Point and Vista House will offer panoramic views of the Gorge, and will make this a truly unforgettable trip. Don’t forget your camera!
The Hood River County Fruit Loop is just an hour away from Oregon’s largest city, Portland. Located in the national scenic area called the Columbia River Gorge, and the nation’s largest pear-growing region, this is one of the few places that offers the complete experience of growing, producing, and then enjoying fruit and wine.Fruit Loop members invite you to enjoy a self-guided tour of Fruit Loop Stands along a scenic 35-mile loop in the Hood River Valley. Visit over 30 farm stands, wineries, and u-pick orchards. Starting October 1st, you can pick your own apples and pears at Draper Girls Country Farm. One spot you do not want to miss is the Apple Valley Country Store… Their canning kitchen produces over 50 varieties of jams, syrups, pepper jellies, and pie fillings – many are sugar free. Fresh fruit pies made from scratch daily—baked or frozen u-bake. Huckleberry & Marionberry milkshakes, ice cream cones, & fresh baked cookies. Country BBQ events on weekends only featuring cherry-wood smoked ribs, pulled pork, chicken sandwiches, served with pear coleslaw and cider baked beans. They offer free tastings of all of their jams, etc. and you could very well take care of most all of your holiday shopping in this one stop! For a complete listing of Fruit Loop participants and a map, click here. Is there just too much to do and see in one day? You can find a great place to park that RV at one of the gorgeous area campgrounds.
Be safe and have fun out there, and we wish you all a happy first day of Fall!
