Hood River Real Estate Update

I recently saw that the Historic Balch Hotel is operating again. I noticed it last year while showing property in Dufur. It looked mostly empty and like it needed work. I learned that it sold in the summer of 2006 and the new owners have revived it. It is listed on the National Historic Registry.

The Balch Hotel was built in 1907 by Charles P. Balch who was a local rancher and druggist. Mr. Balch owned approximately 1,600 acres adjoining Dufur. The bricks used were made on his ranch. The Balch Hotel opened January 17, 1908 (a 100 year anniversary celebration is planned for next January!). Back then rooms cost $0.50 to $1.25, and even had "hot and cold water in every room, electric lights and steam heat." The 18-inch-thick brick walls keep the building cool during the hot Dufur summers.

Mark the date for the  6th Annual ENVIRO HOUSE TOUR coming October 6, 2007

Sponsored by the  Columbia Gorge Earth Center 

This years tour will have many exciting new green projects, including several inspiring houses, a LEED certified commercial building in Hood River, and the nations largest LEED-certified green and solar development in Mosier.- Mosier Creek Homes. 

Several of these units are currently listed for sale.http://www.rmls.com/   RMLS #'s 761625,7069900,7061628, 7061635, 6101454, 7069872, 6101448, 7061616, 7069877

July residential home sales from the RMLS for Hood River County. Here's the breakdown.

Cascade Locks- 1 homes sold

Hood River- City- $200-$250,000-    3 sales

                         $251-$350,000-   5 sale

                         $351-$450,000-   2 sale

                         $451-$550,000-   3 sales

                         $551-$$650,000-   2 sales

                         $651-$1,000,000-   0

Hood River-Westside- $200-$1,000,000- 1 sale

Hood River-Eastside- 1 sale at $760,000

Odell- $200-$300,000- 2 sales

Parkdale- $300-$400,000-   4 sales

Countywide - 24 total homes sold, this total is only residential homes. unimproved & commercial properties are not included in these statistics.

The Gorge White House is situated 4 miles South of Hood River on Hwy 35 and part of the new Mt. Hood Scenic Byway. The Dutch Colonial house was built in 1910 and has remained in the same family for 60 years. The Gorge White House is an excellent  example of a Dutch Colonial Revival House in a rural setting in the Hood River Valley.  The Colonial Revival Style was popular from 1890 through 1915 and was an effort to establish a uniquely American style based on Colonial architecture of the 1700s. It has recently been nominated for listing on the National Historic Registry.

Indian Creek Trail in Hood River is a nice trail to walk. Currently open to the public are Segments 1 and 3 of the trail. You can hike Segment 1 of the trail from 2nd and Hazel Streets to 12th Street. and Segment 3 of the trail from Hood River Valley High School to Arrowhead Drive.  Segment 3 has two trailheads which are located off Indian Creek Road at the West end of the HRVHS parking lot and just South of the High School off of the ballfields parking lot. When completed the trail will also go from 12th St. to the Hood River Valley High School.

Indian Creek Trail near 2nd and Hazel St.

Photo courtesy of Hood River Parks and Recreation Dept.

Every year several hikers have injuries, fatalities or get lost on the trails of the Columbia River Gorge. Here are some tips for safety to remember. Be aware of extreme topography and steep cliffs. Dress appropriately and watch out for poisonous plants, insects, and snakes. A cell phone is a good idea to take with you but don't rely on it to get help. Due to northern exposure, deep canyons and heavy tree foliage, especially on the Oregon side of the Gorge, electronic devices may not work well or at all.

Always carry these ten essentials:

1. map
2. compass
3. extra food/water, and clothes
4. first-aid kit
5. flashlight and extra batteries
6. firestarter-lighter/candle
7. waterproof matches
8. sunscreen and sunglasses
9. pocket knife
10. whistle-to signal others for help

A lightweight tarp or poncho for shelter is also a good idea. When you are planning a hike it's a good idea to leave your itinerary with family, friends, or trail head host.  Include the number in your party, vehicle description and license plate #, trails you will be using, and when you plan to be back.  When you get back check in with whom you left the itinerary with so they know you are back.

If you become injured or lost:

If possible call 9-1-1 or have someone else do so for you if there is a medical emergency.

If you are lost STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan). Do not attempt to travel further unless you are absolutely confident you can do so safely. Don't risk hypothermia or getting even more lost. Leave enough daylight to set up a camp.

Do not panic. Observe your surroundings...you may be close to a road or other help if you stop and listen.

If you need to spend the night in the woods make staying warm, tending to any injuries and keeping hydrated your top priority.  Make yourself visible to rescuers by camping in the open or building a fire or using other signaling devices. (Please remember that you are always responsible for controlling all fires you set in the forest, know the current fire restrictions).

Living and working in the gorge, with the Columbia River between both states, I often get asked what advantages there are to living in either state. Is it preferable to live in one over the other?  This is often a difficult decision for people relocating to the gorge. Both Oregon and Washington have there strengths and weaknesses.  I have lived in Oregon my entire life except for 6 years when I lived in Sstevenson, Washington. From my experience here's how I feel the two states compare in the gorge area:

                  OREGON -STRENGTHS                                                       

• Larger communities
• Easier access to main transportation routes
• No state sales tax
• More ammenities in communities
• property taxes capped at 3% raise per year (except for bonds, or things voted in)

            OREGON-WEAKNESSES

• State personal income tax
• Schools often seem to be in trouble and running out of money to operate

             WASHINGTON-STRENGTHS

• No state personal income tax
• Schools seem to have better funding

           WASHINGTON-WEAKNESSES

• Smaller towns-some very isolated
• Access to some locations via narrow/winding roads
• ammenities lacking in many communities-full service grocery stores, etc.
• State sales tax on purchases
• higher property taxes

When I lived in Washington I often had to cross over to Oregon for basic things like shopping, etc. Living in Oregon, I usually only go to Washington for a specific reason, or for business purposes.  I guess it really comes down to what a person is looking for. If you enjoy living "away from it all" and don't want or need to come to town often you may like some of the smaller Washigton gorge communities. If you need to commute to Portland to work, or need services not available in White Salmon, Bingen, Stevenson, Lyle, etc. it may be to your advantage to live in Oregon.  Otherwise you may find yourself doing more driving and having to cross the toll bridge often. The Hood River Bridge is .75 each time you cross, and The Bridge of the Gods is $1.00 each time to cross. If you do this on a daily basis this does add up.

The Dog Mountain Hiking Trail is a very popular trail with two options for hikers. It is a strenuous hike of 7.1 miles round trip and an elevation gain of 2850 ft. The trail forks, giving hikers the option of heading north on the more direct, but steep route to the summit, or to the east for a longer but more gradual climb. The trail to the right (east) provides a great opportunity for sweeping views of the Columbia river and beautiful flowered meadows. The northern route is a 2.5 mile steep grade through the forest where it links back up to the summit loop trail.  At the top you will see panoramic views of the Columbia River, Mt Hood, & Mt St Helens. Be sure to stay on the trail and watch for poison oak and rattlesnakes. 

Trailhead:  The Dog Mountain Trailhead is on north side of Washington State Highway 14 at milepost 53. 12 miles east from Bridge of the Gods.

photo 'courtesy of www.hikingupward.com'

Organ Recitals will be held at the Historic Old St. Peters Landmark in The Dalles on Tuesday July 31, August 14, & August 28, 2007

The public is invited to bring a lunch and may come and go as they wish.  Doors will open at 11:30 and the Recital begins at 12:05. The Recital will last no longer than 30 minutes. If you've wondered what this old church looks like inside this would be a good time to visit and enjoy the organ music too.