PORTLAND, Ore., July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In time for
centennial celebrations of the Historic Columbia River Highway,
three local agencies have come together to enhance the visitor
experience along the ever-popular scenic route. The Oregon Tourism
Commission, dba Travel Oregon, the Oregon Department of
Transportation (ODOT) and the U.S. Forest Service have introduced
"Ready, Set, Gorge," a new trip-planning resource.
ReadySetGorge.com takes visitors to a Travel Oregon webpage devoted
to touring tips, including public transportation options and ways
to enjoy the myriad of events marking the highway's 100th
anniversary this year.
"The Columbia River Gorge has consistently been among the top
tourist destinations in Oregon
thanks to its stunning natural beauty," said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. "These new
travel tips provide visitors with information and guidelines to get
the most from their visit, while being mindful of local communities
as well as the state of our precious natural resources along this
well-traveled road. Countless visitors have appreciated the Gorge
over the past century, and we hope that 'Ready, Set, Gorge' will
help preserve this wonder for generations to come."
A natural border between Oregon
and Washington, the Columbia River
Gorge National Scenic Area is a national treasure. Cultural,
historical and recreational attractions as well as scenic vistas –
including waterfalls, wildflowers, basalt cliffs, lakes, streams
and rivers – are interspersed among nearly 300,000 acres. With
close proximity to the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area, the Gorge draws
more than two million visitors each year, with destinations like
Multnomah Falls, Crown Point and Rooster Rock State Park receiving
a considerable share of those visitors. To alleviate issues
associated with traffic, parking and trail use, 'Ready, Set, Gorge'
provides resources to improve access as well as tips to encourage
environmental stewardship.
"'Ready, Set, Gorge' is a guide to seeing the Gorge the way it
was always meant to be seen," said Kristen
Stallman, National Scenic Area coordinator at ODOT. "We
encourage visitors to take advantage of new transportation options
– including transit, shuttles, carpools and cycling – that make it
fun and easy to see the region without having to drive their own
cars. We also recommend off-peak travel and planning ahead to
ensure an enjoyable and smart trip."
"Ready, Set, Gorge" provides links to various public and private
shuttles and tours that transport visitors for minimal fees
depending on the destination. The new Columbia Gorge Express kicked
off service in June, providing close to 10,000 rides in the first
five weeks of operation. Trips depart several times per day with
roundtrip service from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland connecting to Rooster Rock State Park
and Multnomah Falls. On July 15, the
schedule was updated in response to rider preferences and
operational needs and allow more trip options:
http://columbiagorgeexpress.com/schedule-tickets. Tickets are
$5 for the day.
In addition, with segments of the Historic Columbia River
Highway closed to motorized vehicles, cycling is a viable and
sustainable option. For instance, the Mosier Twin Tunnels trail
provides 10 round-trip miles of incredible sightseeing. Running
between Hood River and
Mosier, the car-free route covers
two climate zones and dramatic geologic formations that speak to
the region's history.
"Preservation of the Gorge is of the utmost importance,
particularly as we pause for a historic milestone and consider how
use of the area will be shaped over the next 100 years," said
Stan Hinatsu, recreation staff
officer at the U.S. Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National
Scenic Area. "'Ready, Set, Gorge' points newcomers to critical
information for enjoying the outdoors. In addition to preparation
and safety guidelines, we are sharing ways that visitors can
contribute to preservation efforts by leaving the Gorge as pristine
as they found it."
Travel Oregon, ODOT and the
U.S. Forest Service have issued numerous guidelines through "Ready,
Set, Gorge" to preserve and protect the region as well as the
visitor experience. To get "Ready" and plan:
- Go early (before 10:00 a.m.), go
late (after 4:00 p.m.) or go East
(beyond the popular waterfall area of the western Gorge.).
- Carpool or take a public transit or private shuttle to reduce
the number of cars on the road.
- Extend your stay to three days to explore the towns and trails
of the Gorge. There is so much to see and do, you will want to take
your time, particularly this year with numerous special events
commemorating the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the
Historic Columbia River Highway.
- Go by bike: join a bike tour group and take the family to
sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway and state trail
that are closed to motorized vehicles.
Before going, get "Set" for an epic adventure with safety in
mind:
- Take the time to tell someone where you are going and when you
plan to be home.
- If hiking or camping, bring the 10 essentials recommended by
the American Hiking Society.
- Acquire the proper permits.
Once in the Gorge, visitors can take the meandering, scenic
Historic Columbia River Highway – hailed as "America's Great
Highway." The approximately 75-mile route is celebrating 100 years
since its original dedication with events throughout the year.
Visitors can gain a greater appreciation for the highway and its
key points of interest through state trail dedications, athletic
events, exhibitions, lectures, tours and other programs. For
additional information or to participate in an upcoming event,
visit Travel Oregon's Event Page.
The centennial celebration also highlights exploration beyond
Multnomah Falls and the notable stops in the western Gorge. The
largely undiscovered eastern Gorge offers unique trails, pristine
hidden springs, remarkable vistas, and less foot traffic on
average. Check out the Stacker-Butte Oak Spring trail in the
Columbia Hills or head to Lyle to wander along the Klickitat River
and Mineral Springs. Head to Hood River Valley and explore the
cider scene or spend some time at the region's diverse wineries.
Or, stop a while in Cascade Locks to cruise the river, hike a
portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and take in views of the Bridge
of the Gods while enjoying generous ice cream cones from Eastwind
Drive-In. With so much to see and do, visitors should have no
problem planning for a few leisurely days of exploration.
Additional Resources
For trip ideas and itineraries,
visit traveloregon.com/cities-regions/columbia-river-gorge. For
trail and permit information, visit
https://gorgefriends.org/trailheadpasses. For scenic area and
recreation information, visit
http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/crgnsa/home. For road and traffic
information, check www.tripcheck.org or www.wsdot.com/traffic.
About Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism
Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors'
experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning
tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional
quality of Oregon. The commission
aims to improve Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening
economic impacts of the state's $10.8
billion tourism industry that employs more than 105,000
Oregonians. Visit TravelOregon.com to learn more.
About Oregon Department of Transportation
The
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) manages Interstate 84
and Historic Columbia River Highway. These two thoroughfares
provide the primary access to the Columbia River Gorge. ODOT is
committed to ensuring the safe, efficient and sustainable access to
and through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic
Area.
About the U.S. Forest Service
The USDA Forest
Service in partnership with the bi-state Columbia River Gorge
Commission, the states of Oregon
and Washington, and the six
counties in the Gorge manages the Columbia River Gorge National
Scenic Area to protect and provide for the enhancement of the
scenic, cultural, recreational and natural resources of the Gorge;
and to protect and support the economies of the Columbia Gorge by
encouraging growth to occur in existing urban areas and by allowing
future economic development. The National Scenic Area Act also
called for interagency and tribal cooperation and coordination. The
mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity,
and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the
needs of present and future generations.
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SOURCE Travel Oregon