Columbia River Gorge Tour

Final plans are in place for the August 22nd BMW Club Columbia Gorge Tour.
If you have not enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Gorge for awhile, this
is your chance. Plus, I have made arrangements for a private tour of the
Bonneville Dam Power House by an Army Corp of Engineers tour guide! Tour
features include:

Starting point: McMenamin's Edgefield Manor
(http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=3) where you can enjoy breakfast at
the Black Rabbit Restaurant. We will depart at 9:00 AM.

First stop: Larch Mountain Park. Walk a quarter mile up to Sheppard's Point
to see a spectacular view of several mountains, including St Helens, Mt
Rainier, Mt Adams, Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson, and the Three Sisters. Check out
pictures at http://www.dlmark.net/gorgelar.htm.

Next stop: Crown Point. The best view of the Columbia River Gorge is from
the Vista House at Crown Point. Since it's renovation, Crown Point is a
great stopping point to enjoy the beauty of the Gorge. Climb up to the
observation floor of the Vista House and take pictures. Check out the park
website: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_150.php

Then we will drive down the spectacular Historic Columbia River Hwy. On a
nice warm summer day, this is one of the most scenic and enjoyable touring
roads in Oregon. Since parking is extremely limited, we will enjoy driving
by several waterfalls, including Wahkeena, Horsetail, and Multnomah Falls.

A short run on Hwy 84 will take us to Cascade Locks, where we will have
lunch at the Char Burger Restaurant. With a spectacular view of the Bridge
of the Gods, enjoy not only burgers, but pre-made salads and a salad bar,
fish & chips, and sandwiches. Quaint decorations and a large open seating
area will provide a comfortable place for us to have lunch. Check out this
website for pictures and reviews:
http://portlandhamburgers.blogspot.com/2007/10/cascade-locks-charburger.html

A short drive back on I-84 will take us to Bonneville Dam. I have arrange
for a private tour for our group at 2:00. The tour will take us thru the
Power House, the fish viewing windows, and will include discussions about
the history of the river and dam, the geology of the area, and ship
navigation systems. The tour will take us to areas that are not available
to tourists otherwise. Check out their website:
http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/home.asp

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 22nd for a great tour with your BMW
Club friends. Please sign up for one of the best tours the club has
organized so far. Go to

http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/6EE5134B-
9B60-E80B-3AD89920D752BA78 to register for this event.