Eastern Oregon where snow-capped peaks look down on rolling hills, complex desert lands and wild rivers. It’s the land of breathtaking beauty including the magical Painted Hills near John Day, the colossal Steens Mountains (the largest continental geological fault) and the jaw-dropping depths of Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. The indelible footprint of Lewis and Clark, Chief Joseph and the Oregon Trail pioneers who lived or passed through this region permeate the area’s culture. Mt. Hood and the cliffs of the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns, countless waterfalls and exhilarating windsurfing waters. The often-photographed Mt. Hood is home to four ski areas, including historic Timberline Lodge, a classic WPA-era mountain lodge, which also happens to offer North America’s longest ski season and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, which offers the country’s largest night skiing area. Run-off from Mt. Hood’s volcanic slopes enriches soil in the valleys below, making the Hood River Valley one the largest fruit-growing regions in Oregon with apricots, apples, blueberries, pears—even wine grapes.
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