Scenic Vineyard & Orchards in Columbia River Gorge
Located between Washington and Oregon is the country’s largest National Scenic Area - the Columbia River Gorge. This spectacular 85-mile long canyon where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountains is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful overlooks, cliffs, and waterfalls. It’s a land of natural beauty where you’ll find rain forests, deserts and alpine meadows cut by a wide, winding river.
This incredible natural beauty and the host of recreational activities derived from it are what has attracted the more than 70,000 residents, and 2 million annual visitors, to the area. A rich culture of museums, art centers, restaurants, wineries, and theaters can now be enjoyed throughout the region.
Maryhill, Washington, 100 miles west of Vancouver, is an excellent spot for experiencing much of what the area has to offer. At Maryhill Winery, named the 2015 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest, you can enjoy a taste of their award-winning wines while enjoying the stunning landscape, one of their summer concerts or their tournament-quality bocce courts.
Sunset over Mount Hood and Red Barn in Pear Orchard in Hood River Oregon during Spring season
Just a mile down the road is the Maryhill Museum of Art. The museum is a vibrant cultural destination set on a 5,300-acre bluff overlooking the Gorge with stunning views of Mt. Hood (which you don’t get on the Oregon side). The historic, Beaux-Arts Mansion was originally intended as the residence for Sam Hill, the museum’s founder. It, along with the second wing, now has 35,000 sq. ft. of gallery space for a superior art collection that includes 80 works by Auguste Rodin.
On the western edge of the Columbia River Gorge is Stevenson, Washington, the home of Skamania Lodge. Skamania Lodge ranks at the top of the list for luxurious resort destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Set on 175 acres surrounded by lush forest and river views, Skamania offers guests superb resort accommodations including championship golf, a full-service spa, and four restaurants. It’s a wonderful place to relax while exploring the area.
“The Gorge has so much to offer,” says Kendra Ratcliff, vice president of LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate. “Perfect for a day trip, weekend or a lifetime, the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is a must for anyone in search of beauty, culture, outdoor recreation, and the laidback lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest.”
“There’s a real diversity in the real estate in the Gorge,” Ratcliff continues. “If you’re interested in acreage for a ranch or a winery, property with a breathtaking view, or a luxurious vacation home, there are many fabulous properties throughout the region. Helping you find the home of your dreams is what we do.”
LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate is the region’s market leader in luxury residential and commercial property. Specializing in wineries, vineyards, equestrian properties, and high-end estates, LUXE Christie’s offers incomparable boutique services in Washington. For more information about buying or selling in the Columbia River Gorge or throughout Washington, please contact Kendra Ratcliff, VP at 503-330-6677 or Kendra@LuxeCIR.com.
The surfer enjoying a walk with sail under the fresh wind along the Columbia River in the Hood River - the center of windsurfing as a professional sport, and the resting place for windsurfing lovers
Photos courtesy of LUXE Christie’s International
