The drive east of Portland along the Columbia River Gorge affords views of some beautiful waterfalls, including the most known of the area, Multnomah Falls (620 ft drop.) A little further east, there is the Bonneville Dam with visitor center. I believe there is a fish hatchery and fish ladders there, where one can view the fish climbing the ladders through windows. For a change of perspective, on the way back, cross over the Columbia via the Bridge of the Gods and return on the Washington side. Need some exercise? Instead of just passing Beacon Rock, (the second biggest monolith in the northern hemisphere, after Gibraltar,) climb it. The trail is about a mile to the top and not difficult. If you still have some time and energy when you reach Vancouver, WA, stop at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to learn what life was like at the Hudson's Bay Company's main supply depot for the beaver fur trade. There is an archeological dig in progress as well as a working blacksmith's shop and toolmaker's shop. There is so much to see in the area, (isn't there always?) that whatever you decide will not disappoint.

Carrie, in Bardonia, NY.