It’s time to leave The Dalles and head to Portland on I-84. On your way, there are several stops and side trips you can make that will turn your day trip into a multi-day trip. The scope of what you can see and do is really quite impressive. Museums, train rides, and scenic side trips all the way down the Columbia River.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum covers the history of the gorge from its creation from cataclysmic floods to the pioneers, to early settlements, to the construction and consequences –of its dams. www.gorgediscovery.org  

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The Mount Hood Railroad. A heritage railway line with authentic steam locomotives offering scenic trips with Mt. Hood as a backdrop, plus prepared meals. www.mthoodrr.com  

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The Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM). A nonprofit museum dedicated to displaying restored cars & planes from the 20s & 30s in two hangers. Plan extra time if you stop here because there is a lot to see. www.waaamuseum.org  

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The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. A nature preserve featuring an iconic 80 mile, 4,000-foot-deep canyon along the Columbia River. The kids might get bored with this one but if you are a nature lover you need to check this out. www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa  

Just a few of the many spots along the way for you to see and do before you hit Portland that you would never see if you took the “fast way” down I-5 from Seattle. Portland is a great and diverse city with much more to see and do. Drive safe and enjoy the view. 

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