Waterfall trolley - Kayaking the Snake

Adventures await. Two Saturdays – two adventures. One to the west – one to the east. Luckily, the weather was ideal for both outings.

The first Saturday destination was about four hours to the west, to Ainsworth State Park in Oregon. The park is the only overnight campground along the waterfall corridor on the Historic Columbia River Highway, where we planned to board the Waterfall Trolley.

The Waterfall Trolley hop-on-hop-off tour includes up to six waterfalls and a stop at Vista House. We purchased tickets online prior to traveling to Ainsworth and hopped on the open-air trolley early Saturday morning. Sisters Sandra, Janet, and Joanie, brother-in-law Scott, Allen, and I rode the trolley west to our first stop at Vista House.

On the trolley, the driver narrated the sights, with stories about the waterfalls, highway, and the Columbia River Gorge. The tickets allowed us to hop off and reboard at convenient stops along the world-famous waterfall corridor without a timed entry permit or having to find parking.

Four of the falls- Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Horsetail Falls- were short hikes from the trolley stops and enjoyed by all.

Two of the falls, Bridal Veil and Ponytail, required longer hikes. Ponytail Falls was a unique experience for its views and the geologic formation that runs behind the falls. The trail was rated an easy one-mile round trip with a 200+ foot elevation gain and views of the Columbia River. I don't know about "easy". It felt more like a 400+ feet gain, but we made it.

The Waterfall Trolley was an enjoyable way to see waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was well worth the $39 ticket price.

Our second Saturday destination was east to Asotin, Washington. Sisters Sandra, Janet, Joanie, cousin Sandy from Pullman, friend Tammye from Dayton, and I planned to kayak from Asotin to Clarkston.

We were a little leery of possible smoke in the area or high winds on the river, but both were minimal for our journey down the river.

It was a busy day on the river with boats and skidoos zooming by us. The boats made for an interesting day, as they made waves to navigate. We felt fairly safe as the boat patrol was on duty and officers stopped us to make sure we all had life vests and whistles.

Tammye's husband Rick and Allen were ready to load kayaks when we reached our get-out point. We did not travel down the river as far as we did a few years ago but it was a nice day to enjoy the view, soak up the rays and relish the peace on the river.

There is still plenty of summer left to experience destinations close to home. Adventure awaits.