Wednesday Afternoon Excursions
The Conference is pleased to offer three types of tours for attendees including all costs of transportation, guide fee, arrangements, permits, bottled water, snacks, and staging from Skamania Lodge. Because of limits on transportation, there will be two sets of 2.5 hour tours. The first set of tours will depart at 12:15 and return at 2:45. The second set of tours will depart at 3:00 and return at 5:30 (times approximate depending on technical sessions). Questions? Email Local Arrangements Chair, Vince Fratello.
Waterfall Tour ($130 USD)
The waterfall tour will include 620’ Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States and the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. Permits are required to park in the lot and visit the falls in the summer, so this guided tour is the best choice. Multnomah Falls Lodge has a public Visitor Center, snack bar, gift shop, adjacent accessible restrooms, and a restaurant on the second level. For the physically active, there is a climb from the Multnomah Falls Visitor Center up a steep trail to the historic Benson Bridge. Beyond the bridge, those seeking a more rigorous experience can continue to the top of the cliff and take a short spur trail to a small viewing area at the very top of the falls. The total distance to the top of the falls and back is 2.4 miles and around 600’ of elevation or the equivalent of 60 flights of stairs on uneven, steep terrain. Sturdy footwear is required past the bridge. Other Gorge attractions will be added as time permits. The second tour will be aimed at those who want to hike the full distance to the top of the falls but may get fewer other attractions. Multnomah Falls is a 20 minute drive from the conference venue.
Winery Tour ($150 USD)
The winery tour will offer a scenic drive through the Gorge to a premier local vineyard & winery for tastings (cost includes $20 venue fee). "A World of Wine in Forty Miles" is the motto for the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers. Straddling the mighty Columbia River, the Columbia Gorge Growing Region includes the fertile soils of both Washington and Oregon. From the marine influenced climate of Underwood Mountain to the arid, dry land of the Eastern Gorge, from Albarino to Zinfandel, the grapes and wines of this unique region are a spectacular selection of sweet whites and luscious reds. The wineries span the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area through 40 miles of peaceful, open roads running through double mountain views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Many Columbia Gorge wineries sit just a half hour scenic drive from Skamania.
Nature Tour ($130 USD)
The nature tour would offer a guided nature walk to waterfalls &/or vistas, including discussion of flora & fauna, history, geology, etc. Inside the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area is a wondrous natural paradise tucked away from the rest of the world. Ancient volcanoes created basalt flows that are now the majority of the rocks in the Gorge. The flows are arranged in horizontal sheets, each representing a volcanic eruption. The Columbia River snakes through this spectacular canyon on its westward journey before joining the Pacific Ocean. Nowhere else on earth exists such a wonder of desert and forest, cliffs and waterfalls, sun and rain. It’s the only place in the world where a mighty river crashes through an entire mountain range. With the highest concentration of waterfalls in the nation, stumbling upon a magnificent rush of fresh falling water is easier to discover than you think. The area’s basalt cliffs, oak woodlands, and sweeping meadows offer an amazing variety of wildflowers.