The trip to Prosser was straightforward: eastbound on I-84 hugging the Columbia River, then across the Columbia River into Washington to connect with Route 97 northbound through Yakama Indian land, and then along I-82 for the final short stretch to our destination at the Wine Country RV Resort.
 |
aerial view of I-84 (on the Oregon side), with the Columbia River
meandering its way through the Columbia gorge (courtesy of Wikipedia) |
The day was clear and bright, the scenery spectacular as ever. We have traveled these routes several times and each trip the scenery still impresses on me a type of awe at this geological wonder that is the Columbia River Gorge.
This canyon creates a natural boundary between Washington and Oregon, the mighty Columbia River separating the two states. Ranging in elevation from sea level to 4,000 feet, the gorge encompasses a diverse ecosystem in just an 80-mile stretch, with precipitation ranging from 100 inches of rain to 10 inches. The dramatic changes are very evident, as along one section you are driving through thickly forested areas among towering basalt walls with waterfalls, and then you enter a desert-like region, the colors morphing from deep greens to velvety goldens.
Here is what we saw as we traveled east then north into Washington across the river.
 |
| leaving Troutdale |
 |
| glimpses of the river |
 |
| towering basalt walls above |
 |
| mesa tops appearing with their velvety golden sides |
 |
| dry grassland ahead |
 |
| winding along through the gorge with the river |
 |
| the transition to dry grassland |
 |
| just north of Celillo, fishermen probably catching salmon |
 |
| smooth bare velvety hills |
 |
| towering basalt cliffs |
 |
the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge we crossed into Washington State,
also known as the Biggs Rapids Bridge |
 |
| view looking further east down the gorge |
 |
| winding our way inland ever higher along Route 97, the river far below |
 |
| craggy carved walls of the gorge |
 |
| back in our home state |
 |
| last shot of the gorge before the road takes us north |
 |
| sheer cliffs, towering above the river |
 |
| we're back in the land of wind turbines |
Mt Adams appeared in the distance.
Route 97 took us across plains, past farmlands lying fallow after the harvest, and several picturesque barns. It also took us through a section of forested area as we entered the Yakama Nation land.
 |
| descending into Yakima in the valley ahead |
The final stretch into Prosser took us past vineyards and hop vines with their telltale tall posts.
By early afternoon we pulled in to Wine Country RV Resort to join all the other RV's arriving for the Good Sam Balloon Fest Rally this weekend.
So, who and what is Good Sam? It's a national organization specific to RV-ers, and membership entitles you to discounts and services at participating RV parks and resorts, fuel stops, road-side assistance, RV insurance, and other RV-related areas. Good Sam also has local chapters within each state that sponsor rallies, called Samborees, like this one we are attending, which coincides with Prosser's annual balloon festival this weekend.
So, who and what is Good Sam? It's a national organization specific to RV-ers, and membership entitles you to discounts and services at participating RV parks and resorts, fuel stops, road-side assistance, RV insurance, and other RV-related areas. Good Sam also has local chapters within each state that sponsor rallies, called Samborees, like this one we are attending, which coincides with Prosser's annual balloon festival this weekend.