Columbia Gorge Harvest Spectacular Excursion – October 11-14, 2024

Day 1 – Friday, October 11: Mount Hood Scenic Railway
Our Executive Coach will sail our guests into the gorge, with a stop to admire the views on our way to our first destination, the Mount Hood Scenic Railroad. The Scenic Railroad will chug along some beautiful scenery, with some changes in foliage sure to be evident, and have a layover at the fruit company. Guests will have a boxed lunch to eat during the layover or while on the train. Back in Hood River, guests will head to a local vineyard to taste their first of the Oregon Grapes on this excursions. We will check into the Best Western Plus right on the water in Hood River for the first two nights of our journey and have dinner at the hotel.  (L, D)

Day 2 – Saturday, October 12: WAAAM & Hood River Harvest Festival
This morning after breakfast in the Riverfront restaurant in the hotel, head to the WAAAM for Second Saturday. This is a fantastic opportunity to see automobiles and even airplanes in action, weather dependent, of course. Antique automobiles and airplanes are brought out of the hangars and are available for rides around the facilities, or airplane rides for a fee. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand and ready to share their enthusiasm. The group will then head to the annual Hood River Harvest Festival featuring dozens of vendors of food and crafts. Lunch will be on your own so you can sample from the vendors that you wish. After free time at the Harvest Fest, head with the group to sample wine from the Oregon side of the Gorge (tomorrow will be Washington Wine). Dinner will be in Hood River before returning to the hotel to rest. (B, D)

Day 3 – Sunday, October 13: Fort Dalles Museum and Washington State Fun
After breakfast, the group will check out of the hotel and head towards The Dalles, stopping at a viewpoint to get a good look at this section of the Columbia River Gorge. In The Dalles, the group will visit the Fort Dalles Museum and the Anderson Homestead to peek into the area’s past. From here, the group will venture over to the Washington side of the Gorge for lunch and to peruse a lesser-known town, Bingen. The group will move west, sampling from Washington vintages prior to arriving at the Skamania Lodge. Check in and rest up before dinner at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Monday, October 14:  Brunch and Return Home
This morning, the group will have a chance to enjoy the morning meet later in the Skamania restaurant for brunch. After checking out, head back to the Oregon side of the river with one more quick stop for a classic treat – icecream at the Sugarpine Drive-In. The group will then head back to Tualatin, Woodburn, and Salem. (B)