The Columbia River Gorge

UPDATE, 9/26/17:

As we all know, the Columbia River Gorge has been through a devastating fire since this article was first published; however, there still some areas that are open the public.

The US Forest Service recently published a list of Gorge areas that are still open, as well as additional nearby scenic areas to explore. This fall, take some time to appreciate our PNW wilderness areas – and our thanks to the firefighters who are helping to preserve this beautiful region for generations to come.

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In our #GEOroadtrip series, we’ll be featuring fun places to go (both near and far) that are related to our disciplines. Come with us and see the world through the eyes of an engineer or geologist!

A deceptively serene area marked by a history of geologic turmoil – and a perfect day trip!

If you’re visiting the Portland area, the Columbia River Gorge is an absolute must-see. But to truly grasp it, do some geological research before you go—you’ll appreciate not only the breathtaking present-day beauty of the Gorge, but the tumultuous geological forces that created the region.

• To start you off, we recommend this resource: The Geologic History of the Columbia River Gorge, brought to you by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Port
  land District, U.S. Department of the Interior, and U.S. Geological Survey. They’ll take you back about 40 million years or so to the early volcanic eruptions that began to shape the Gorge’s landscape (check out Beacon Rock for a remnant of one of these volcanoes, near Bonneville Dam), through the Missoula Floods, all the way up through the very recent history (geologically speaking) of about 500 years ago.
• They also provide some amazing resources, including this Self-Guided Tour of the Geology of the Columbia River Gorge.
• Speaking of Beacon Rock, Atlas Obscura provides a great overview of this geological wonder, including its history and how it was saved from destruction. (It’s also a terrific vertical hike!)
• And for one of the best views in the Gorge, check out Crown Point, featuring the beautiful German Art Nouveau-style Vista House.
• Finally, before you go, take a driving tour of the Gorge with geology professor Scott Burns, who provides a fascinating geological overview in this OPB feature.