Troutdale to Culver

Had such a good sleep!  On the road around 11am along the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway running alongside the Columbia River which separates Oregon and Washington.  

Columbia River OR

We stop at Cascade Locks but there is not actually a lock here!  Next stop is Hood River for some groceries and then we carry on to The Dalles.  From here we head south and what a change in scenery, from lush green and lots of water to brown fields, possibly wheat and barren hills.  

We climb and descend many times over, down through Maupiri which sounds Maori doesn’t it.  This was just a little town built on the switchbacks of the main road.  Don’t know what you would do for a job here. 

Luckily we didn't need the run off!!

We see Mt Wilson and Mt Jefferson in the distance, the sky is blue and clear so the view is quite spectacular!

Looks like Ruapehu in the distance

Then down through the little town of Madras to The Cove Pallisades State Park on Lake Billy Chinook and book into Deschutes Campground, but only for one night, they are full for the weekend.

Driving down to Lake Billy Chinook

View back up Lake Billy Chinook