Columbia Gorge: Washington and Oregon

Evergreens seem to blanket the misty Pacific Northwest in this fall senior-friendly destination. If you visit during this season, you’ll witness pockets of stunning foliage that ignite with colors rivaling New England’s prime leaf-peeping landscape.

The trees put on their most dazzling show against backdrops of ragged, snow-gilded mountains along the US’ most extensive national scenic area, the Columbia Gorge. This 80-mile corridor is what divides Washington and Oregon.

Here’s what you can expect from this fall senior-friendly destination:

-Once you enter the area, the Columbia River dashes under 4,000-foot cliffs and basalt spires, passing rich farmlands and vineyards along the way. And with that stunning fall light, you’ll feel like you’re driving into a dream. You get all the orchards changing color as you drive by Mount Hood and Mount Adams. It’s an inspiring view connecting you to nature and the Northwest.

-The Grand Coulee Dam, which is the nation’s largest hydropower producer, welcomes visitors all year round. But you can catch its light show, which runs until the end of September, or a free guided tour through late October.

-Since you’re already here, stop by the Gehrke Windmill Garden, where a folk artist transformed uncovered objects into whimsical kinetic sculptures.

-Head south along Banks Lake to Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park. Ice Age floods once raged through here, creating a cascade that’s a whopping four times the width of Niagara Falls. Nowadays, the 3-and-a-half mile-wide cataract lies empty, exposing all its incredible torrent-gouged geology.

-As the Columbia River flows into the middle of Washington, stop at Cave B Estate Winery for some wine tasting and maybe an early October grape stomp.

-Another MUST SEE place is the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, where you’ll learn about how workers helped usher in the atomic era.

-Onward to the west, Oregon’s Dalles and Hood River serve a refined farm-to-table culinary scene and world-class windsurfing if you’re feeling adventurous.

-Hiking and mountain biking trails are also plenty if you wish for a more mellow outdoor experience. Pro Tip: The 35-mile Fruit Loop drive passes farm stands, cideries, breweries, and wineries, making for a very snack-worthy circuit.

-And as the Columbia surges into the sea 100 miles west of Portland, history buffs should take advantage of the national park marking the turnaround point of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with Sacagawea, their Lemhi Shoshone guide. Their early 1800s expedition concluded on this rainforest-cloaked coast.