Continue down the Historic Columbia River Highway to reach the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. A great photo op, this viewpoint is named after the Portland Women’s Forum, which worked to preserve the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.

One mile further down the road you’ll find the Vista House, a memorial to the pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Completed in 1918, the ornate building was criticized at the time as a waste of money, and called a “$100,000 outhouse.”

Latourell is an unusual waterfall because you can walk behind the falls. Water cascades down an overhanging cliff of hexagonal basalt rock. The walk can be a little slippery, but the mist adds to the atmosphere. You can also visit nearby Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Horsetail, and Ponytail falls.

Constant strong winds make Hood River a mecca for windsurfers, so head to the Hood River Waterfront Park to get blown away by their skills. When leaving Portland, turn south on Route 35 toward the Hood River Valley. Here the fertile, volcanic soil allows apples, pears, and cherries to grow in abundance. Along the way, stop at Packer Orchards & Bakery to stock up on fruit and pastries.

Timberline—one of three ski resorts located on Mount Hood—offers year-round skiing, with patrons skiing among sunbathers in the summer. The Timberline Lodge is another 1930s Depression-era government project. The rustic interior was constructed by master craftsmen, and there’s a unique hexagonal main hall. It’s deemed a National Historic Landmark, and you might recognize it from The Shining, starring Jack Nicholson.

One of the best views of Portland is the cityscape seen from the Japanese Garden; on a clear day, you can see Mount Hood. It’s won awards for being one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Come in the second half of March for the first cherry blossoms, or during fall for vibrant foliage.