Mt. Hood Resorts
Hood River (on the Mt. Hood Loop)
Known as the windsurfing capitol of the world, this area also boasts excellent shopping and riverside recreation. It showcases miles of luscious fruit orchards and vineyards, along with great views of Mt. Hood. The historic Mount Hood Railroad features excursions through Hood River Valley. 40 miles from Government Camp. Go east on Highway 26, exit onto Highway 35. Follow it to Hood River, milepost 102.
Bonneville Dam & Locks
Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area 40 miles east of Portland, OR, the Bonneville Dam & Locks spans the Columbia River linking Washington and Oregon. It produces hydro-electric power for the region. You actually drive onto the dam to reach the Interpretive Center and fish-viewing windows. There you can see sturgeon and in spring and fall watch migrating salmon and steelhead. 62 miles from Government Camp. Go east on Highway 26. Exit onto Highway 35. Follow it to Hood River. Follow signs to I-84 west and continue 21 miles to exit 40.
Lost Lake
Mt. Hood is reflected in this serene lake. Picnic sites overlook the glorious views or rent a boat at the general store for lengthier and uninterrupted gazing. 50 miles from Welches.
Multnomah Falls
Water cascades 620 feet down the sheer cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. Hiking trails, gift shop, snack vendors, and a restaurant are located in the historic 1925 lodge. 71 miles from Government Camp. Go east on Highway 26. Exit onto Highway 35. Follow it to Hood River. Follow signs to I-84 west and continue 30 miles to the well marked exit.
Mt. St. Helens
Visit the fantastic volcano, which blew its top in the spring of 1980 and is frequently active! 95+ miles from Welches via several routes.
Portland
The largest metropolitan city in Oregon offers fabulous shopping, music and theatre. Parks, gardens, art galleries and restaurants abound. 39 miles from Welches. (Coastal Hotel Group's Hotel Fifty is located in downtown Portland!)
Oregon Coast
300 miles of beautiful, romantic Oregon coastline await those willing to drive 110 miles. Awesome vistas. Artsy villages. Enchanting beach towns. (Coastal Hotel Group's The Inn at Otter Crest is located in Otter Rock!)
Oregon City
Historic homes and museums in the hilltop Historic District of what was once the seat of the Provisional Goverrnment of the Northwest Territory are only 35 miles from Welches. Here you may visit the end of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, the spectacular Willamette Falls and the Willamette Falls Locks, the oldest multi-left locks in the United States.
Silverton / Oregon Garden
Located 65 miles from Welches, this charming historic town has many antique stores and cafes and is just a mile from the Oregon Garden (80 acres of unique gardents and the site of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Gordon House.) 15 miles southeast of Silverton is the splendid Silver Falls State Park, featuring hiking trails to canyon waterfalls.
