Sunday, September 21, 2008

Bonneville Hot Springs, Bonneville, Washington

Because I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest area of the United States, I have an affinity with deep, wide and swiftly flowing rivers, with tall evergreen trees, with mountains and river rock.
A trip up the Columbia River Gorge satisfies all those cravings for memories from my childhood. One of my favorite destinations (besides Crown Point, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, Rooster Rock and Cascade Locks) is Bonneville Hot Springs. The hot springs are on the north side of the Columbia River, on the Washington side. (Get your atlas and find boundary between Washington State and Oregon~that's the Columbia River.)
Flower and I packed our swimming suits and towels and drove up the Oregon side of the gorge, crossed the river at Cascade Locks on the Bridge of the Gods, and arrived
at the front door of *
with ample time to walk through the lobby and appreciate the craftsmanship of the wooden mantle over the huge, smooth river rock fireplace.


The Columbia River Gorge, and indeed the entire Pacific Northwest is synonymous with fir and cedar trees and salmon. The salmon motif is often seen in local sculpture and Native American art.


The Douglas fir trees towered over us as we walked through the garden. From our chairs in the inner courtyard, we faced these trees and the rock wall fountain. The wall fountain runs the entire length of the garden area and the water flows on both sides of the wall, inside and outside of the garden area. I'm sure the fountain represents the Columbia River flowing from eastern Washington to the Pacific Ocean through the gorge.





We spent our morning at the hot springs resort basking in the sun's rays, soaking in the hot tub,
using our muscles in the swimming pool and relaxing them in the sauna.

It made for the perfect outing!

If you're ever driving up the Columbia River Gorge and have a few hours to spare, this is one place where you could invest them!
*the mountain you see in the silver silhouette is Mt. Hood, the highest mountain in the Cascades Mountain range in Oregon.

15 comments:

Lovella ♥ said...

Ah it looks like a grand time, so glad that Eleanor Elizabeth was was able to get some r & r at the pool side.

ellen b. said...

Looks like a great place to rest and relax...

Flower said...

I write from Windsor on my BB. Techno gramma is trying to keep up!
Ahhhh..to be sitting next to the pool with the sun on our backs! Nice history lesson!

Deb said...

This would be a great ad for this
hot springs resort. If I ever travel cross-country I am going to Bonneville!

Unknown said...

All I can say is CANTIK, CANTIK and CANTIK..i want to go there!!

roxie said...

Sounds like a splendid expedition for you two!

And for those who are energetic and springy in the knees, it's just a short drive to Beacon Rock where you can climb several thousand feet up a steep twisting path clinging to the sides of a pillar of basalt overlooking the Columbia Gorge. Stunning views and incredible endorphin rush at the top, but you will NEED the hot tub when you get down.

Islandsparrow said...

What a beautiful spot, so different from where I live and grew up.My DH and I travelled to Switzerland (we studied at L'Abri) I'm sure part of the reason I went was the Alps - I was deeply influenced by my love of Heidi. One of these days I'll make it out West to enjoy the Rockies.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful time you had. That fireplace of riverwashed pebbles is magnificent!

Looks like EE enjoyed her day too.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a pretty resort and such a nice "get away" I';d love to see Mt. Hood someday!

Hugs, Pat

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hi Willow....what a great way to spend some time...very relaxing and pretty too. I love the idea of that rock wall waterfall.

And I see a certain bunny has been traveling again too.

violetlady said...

I would love it there! I have never been to that area of the country and have always wanted to go. Maybe it is time.

Tracy said...

Thanks for taking us along! What a wonderful place...feel serene just looking at it all. And how glad the little bunnies had time by the pool! ;o) I like how sneak in tidbits of history with your posts. Oh, and love your new banner, Willow. Happy Days ((HUGS))

photowannabe said...

Ummm, take me with you. This sounds like a wonderful place.

Barbara said...

Oh! those hot springs - justget me a plane.
I loved that fire place.

I see you have had your map out again!!

Bethany said...

I am completely jealous at the moment!!!