Mt. Hood and Bonneville Fish Hatchery

This past Saturday we drove a scenic loop from Portland, through Sandy, to Mt. Hood, and back through Hood River, taking I84 through the Gorge. If we had to sum-up Mt. Hood and the surrounding area in one word, this time of year it would be DRY. There is no doubt that the snow-covered landscape would look drastically different (and more inviting). Yes, there were people snowboarding and skiiing, although it was odd to see them coming off the lift in ski pants and wool hats when it was sunny and around 80 degrees. Timberline Lodge was neat to see because it is so old, but it too losing some of its mystique without being buried under 10s of feet of white stuff.

On the way back through the Gorge we drove over to the Washington side to take in the view of Oregon (instead of seeing Oregon from Oregon). We drove back to the Oregon side of the Gorge via the Bridge of the Gods. A short drive from the bridge we (Robert) noticed signs for the Cascade Locks Park. As we pulled off the highway we also saw the entrance to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery; since Robert was driving and there was a line of cars at the entrance to the park, we ended up a the fish hatchery. The hatchery was great! Why was it great? Because the adult Salmon were returning to the hatchery to spawn! I don't have pictures, so we can thank some friendly Flickr users who tagged these. Okay.... see this picture - the salmon swim upstream into the hatchery, through a fish ladder, and into this holding area. From here they (some fish 3ft long) jump into the air (as high as 4.5 ft) throwing themselves against wood planks blocking the entrance to the spawning pond. Since it is still early, the gates to the hatchery spawning pond are not yet open and the water is teaming with Coho and Chinook Salmon of all sizes. The fish come to spawn when they are between 3 and 5 years old. Aproximately 100,000 fish return here to spawn! They die after spawning, but the hatchery is responsible for producing a healthy, next generation. (There was a film showing now the salmon are spawned, but you will have to visit to learn more.) This hatchery is also home to the famous 400+lb sturgeon named herman. The Bonneville Fish Hatchery - a great place to stop!