My Dad and I hadn’t planned on spending time in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area while I was in Oregon … but … our road trip required flexibility.
After stopping for gas on our way from Bend to Crater Lake on August 8th, Dad and I were advised that Crater Lake was being evacuated. So we thought we’d check out the Route 19 Scenic Byway … but … it too was closed as a result of a totally different fire.
So … we ended up heading back to the Portland area and exploring falls, trails and vistas along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The watercolor above is of a bicyclist enjoying a ride in the beautiful scenery.
I painted Horsetail Falls with a hiker in standing on a rock in the foreground. Many other waterfalls can be seen from scenic highway turn-offs though this one involved a short walk.
The whole area is very beautiful with dense woods and backlit trees. This painting is of the Oneonta Trail which is part an extensive trail system in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. While we were not able to enjoy Crater Lake this was really lovely. And, most of all, the time with my dad was great.