The artwork, West of The Dalles, depicts a scene viewed from the grounds of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center on the West side of the city. The view is from atop a set of low cliffs forming the southern edge of the Gorge. Here, yellow grassy slopes give way to the blues of the river. Across the river, steep cliffs form the northern wall of the Gorge. Stacked layers of weathered basalts, covered with gold and brown grasses and scrub brush create a patchwork of rusty red, orange and gold.
The artwork “View from Maryhill” is derived from photos and sketches taken from the Maryhill Museum’s open decking overlooking the Columbia River and the Maryhill Orchards below. A panoramic scene allows the viewer to take in the steep drop-off of the north-side cliffs and the orchards below. Across the river the southern cliffs of the gorge shoot upward, and beyond is an expanse encompassing the dry ecosystems of the Central Oregon deserts.
The artwork “East of Rowena Crest” is based on photos and sketches taken by the artist. The vista takes in a view of the Gorge as the river stretches eastward—a ribbon of blue in a landscape of brown and gold.
The artwork “North Side of the Entrance” tracks mountain cliffs along the Washington side of the river at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge.
The artwork “Crown Point” catches the southern edge of the Columbia River below purple cliffs. Vista House’s rounded top peeks out from its perch on top of Crown Point. Below, along the river bank, the land sweeps northward into the edges of Rooster Rock State Park.
Multnomah Falls is a set of double waterfalls framed by lush vegetation and a bridge.
You could be forgiven for thinking the Oregon coastal mountains are part of the original North American Continent. However, they are not. Instead, they form what geologists describe as an exotic terrane.
You can walk the beaches observing the ever-changing scenery as ocean fog rolls in off the ocean and coastal mist flows oceanward from the mountains. The back and forth opens up the views and just as quickly closes them again.
Just south of Cannon Beach you can pull off the coastal highway, park, and take a walk on Arcadia Beach. Out of season, you may have it to yourself.