Hood River Real Estate Update

Here are some upcoming hikes sponsored by Friends of the Gorge

Sunday, May 25, 2008    Pacific Crest Trail  Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Cascade Locks to Herman Creek Campground. This hike is about 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 ft. This is a woodsy walk with great views and a stop at Dry Creek Falls. Hike leader will be Dana Berthold.   

First meeting place: 8:30 a.m. Gateway

Second meeting place: 9:15 a.m. at the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead (I-84 to Exit 44 Cascade Locks, turn right toward Bridge of the Gods. Trailhead is in the center of the circular ramp as you approach the bridge. A NW Forest Pass is required.)

 Saturday, May 31, 2008  Table Mountain  This hike will be led by Table Mountain site volunteer Ray Witter. It is a power climb up to the Table Mountain Loop Trail. You will hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail and see incredible views on this climb. The hike is 8 miles with a 3200 ft elevation gain.

First meeting place: 8:30 a.m. Gateway

Second meeting place: 9:00 a.m. at Bonnevile Hot Springs Resort (Take I-84 to Exit 44 Cascade Locks; cross the Bridge of the Gods to WA SR-14. Turn left heading west on SR 14. Turn right on Hot Springs Way. Turn right again at stop sign, continue to Bonneville Hot Springs Resort. Enter the resort and turn left into dirt parking lot, west of miniature golf.)

Saturday, May 31, 2008   White Salmon River  This hike along the beautiful White Salmon River has limited registration. The hike will include staff from PacifiCorp and outline plans to restore native salmon runs by removing Condit Dam.  It is approximately 9 miles with an 800 ft elevation gain/loss. For more information on this hike call Friends of the Gorge to register at  503-241-3762 x103.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. The entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.   

In 1850 Hamilton Island which Lewis & Clark originally named "Strawberry Island", became the site of the first portage railroad and settlement of the Cascades. A severe flood in 1894 swept away the settlement. In 1933 the community of North Bonneville developed as a construction town next to the massive Bonneville Lock, Dam, and powerhouse project. The town of North Bonneville was incorporated in 1935.

In 1971, the Columbia's north shore where North Bonneville was located was selected by federal agencies as the site for the second Powerhouse.  With the prospect of being displaced the townspeople were determined to relocate their community. Efforts were made by citizens' groups and planning assistance from state sources finally led to agreements with the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers for the design and construction of a new town. The chosen town site was prepared for the initial community of 600 people as the old town was devoured by the enormous excavation for the new powerhouse.

In March 1978 the transfer to the new town site was made, although much work still remained to be done.  

It was a seven-year effort to relocate the residents and businesses of the town. The $35 million relocation project included raising the new town site above the 100-year flood plain, construction of streets, utilities, lighting, sewage system, water supply and sewage treatment plant, flood protection, parks, a central business district and all public buildings.  Residents and business were furnished temporary housing until they could build their own permanent homes and facilities. The new town was built to accommodate 1500 residents. A celebration of the successful relocation was held July 29, 1978.

Today the city of North Bonneville is a quiet community with plenty of green spaces, parks, walking trails and a golf course. It is surrounded by the beautiful gorge mountains in both Oregon and Washington, near Beacon Rock State Park, and about 45 minutes from Vancouver and Portland.

The Bonneville Hot Springs Resort nearby offers lodging,dining, Hot Mineral Spring baths, massages & body treatments.