August 5 - Forks, WA to Portland, OR - 325 miles

Today on the Olympic Peninsula, the weather started out in probably typical form - high fog and overcast.  But, riding was still fun, again with the big trees of the rain forest and very heavy forest undergrowth.  We rode down the Washington coast, sometimes right at the edge of the beach, and sometimes buried in the forest.  All of it was beautiful. 

We reached Oregon at Astoria, right at the mouth of the Columbia River.  What a sight, and what a mighty river!  

Of course, we had to visit the "Astoria Column", which stands on a commanding hill in Astoria.  What a view from the top of the tower!  

We rode on down the Oregon coast, to Seaside, before turning inland to Portland.  After riding in pleasantly cool temperatures on the Olympic Peninsula and on the Oregon coast, it was really hot going inland!  On the way, we stopped at Hillsboro, OR, to visit Deane's college roommate, Ken Durk, and his wife, Dee.  Of course, that visit brought fond and/or funny memories for a nice evening.

Riding on into Portland in the dark and on unfamiliar freeways was a bit harrowing, but we survived.

It was a long but very enjoyable day.

Back to Alaska Homepage

Back to Trip Index

Next day