Visitors on the view deck outside Loïe’s: The Museum Cafe at Maryhill Museum of Art, courtesy of Kelly Turso Photography
What happened to the lazy days of summer? As adults, many of us can feel even more over-scheduled at this time of year. If you’re craving a weekend that allows to you unplug and explore at a relaxed pace, the East Columbia Gorge is your go-to summer escape. Just two hours or less from Portland, Bend, Yakima, and Tri-Cities, you’ll find that a destination starring Maryhill Museum of Art is surrounded by scenic drives, cozy wineries, lavender fields, and unexpected gems like a full-size Stonehenge replica and a world-class observatory.
This two-day itinerary gives you everything you need: beauty, adventure, chill vibes, and a strong coffee or glass of red when you want it.
Day 1: Fruit, Art, Wine & Stargazing
🍒 Morning: U-Pick Fruit in Hood River
Source: Article by Local Adventurer
Start your Saturday morning like a local in Hood River, picking fresh cherries, peaches, or blueberries right from the tree. Farms like Draper Girls Country Farm or Mt View Orchards offer mountain views and baskets of juicy, Instagram-worthy fruit that tastes way better than anything from the store.
Bonus: It makes a perfect road trip snack.
🎨 Midday: Explore Maryhill Museum of Art
Maryhill Museum of Art overlooking the Columbia River, courtesy of Kelly Turso Photography
Next, drive east along the Columbia River to Maryhill Museum of Art, perched above the water with sweeping views and eclectic collections of painting, sculpture, fashion, ceramics, and more. Founded by early 20th century entrepreneur Sam Hill along with friends Loïe Fuller, Queen Marie of Romania, and Alma De Bretteville Spreckels—the same women who brought San Francisco’s well-known Legion of Honor Museum to life—it’s an inspiring cultural moment (read: mental reset) with highlights from Rodin sculptures to Indigenous art.
Visitors inside Maryhill Museum of Art’s historic wing exploring the exhibition “Capturing Light: 350 Years of European and American Painting,” courtesy of Kelly Turso Photography
This August, don’t miss a new ‘graphic abstraction’-style mural by Portland-based artist Damien Gilley in the light-filled Mary and Bruce Stevenson Wing, which complements an expansive exhibition of historical landscapes and portraits entitled “Capturing Light: 350 Years of European and American Painting” in the museum’s historic wing.
Lunch perk: Loïe’s: The Museum Cafe is open for lunch Fridays-Mondays.
Tickets to Maryhill Museum of Art >>
🍷 Afternoon: Wine Tasting at Maryhill Winery
After you’ve soaked in some art, head one mile west on SR-14 to Maryhill Winery. The vibe is casual elegance, with killer views of Mt. Hood and some seriously good reds. Grab a flight or a single glass with a charcuterie board, sit outside, and let that “is this my soft life era?” feeling wash over you. Another stellar choice: Jacob Williams Winery, just seven miles west of Maryhill Museum of Art near the historic site of Celilo Falls.
Designated driver tip: Most tastings are small pours—just be mindful if you’re heading to the observatory later.
✨ Evening: Stargazing at Goldendale Observatory
Stock up on farm-fresh produce and other fresh goods from Gunkel’s Fruit Stand on Hwy-97 near the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge or pickup impressive street-style Indian food for takeout from the hidden gem that is Amayah’s Cafe in Biggs Junction. After dinner, head up the hill to Goldendale Observatory for a night under the stars. It’s a legit public astronomy center with telescope viewings and presentations that make the night sky feel magical and fascinating. On a clear night, you’ll see the cosmic dust trail of the Milky Way.
🏕️ Overnight: Camp at Maryhill State Park
Camping at Maryhill, courtesy of Michael Peterson Photography
End your day camping at Maryhill State Park, right along the Columbia River. It’s a peaceful, grassy area with plenty of space to set up camp, unwind, and maybe even crack open a local cider around the fire.
Day 2: Off-The-Beaten-Path Treasures, Aesthetic Pizza, and Lavender Fields
🏛️ Morning: Visit the Stonehenge Memorial and Walk (or Bike) Maryhill Loops Road
Stonehenge Memorial Monument at dawn, courtesy of Kelly Turso Photo
Yes, there’s a full-size Stonehenge replica in rural Washington, and yes, it’s majestic. Built as a WWI memorial by Sam Hill (the same entrepreneur who built Maryhill Museum of Art), it’s both moving and delightfully surreal. The dramatic landscape has great golden-hour lighting if you go early. Just across the road, the Maryhill Loops Road undulates up the hillside with a twisty 3-mile route. Commissioned by the indefatigable Sam Hill as the first macadam-asphalt paved road in the entire state, it’s open to pedestrians and cyclists daily.
Visiting tip: Both destinations are managed by Maryhill Museum of Art and occasionally close for private facility rentals. Call the museum or visit their website for blackout dates.
🪁 Midmorning: Kiteboarding (or Watching) at Maryhill
Before you pack up your camping gear from Maryhill State Park, head to the riverside launch areas to watch kiteboarders and windsurfers take on the Gorge winds. Even if you’re not out on the water, it’s exciting to watch and feels like the PNW’s version of beachside energy.
☕ Midday: Coffee & Wood-Fired Pizza at Cafe Enza
Cruise across the bridge at Maryhill/Biggs Junction or Dallesport/The Dalles and westward to downtown The Dalles for a relaxing lunch hour at Cafe Enza, a cozy spot known for aesthetic wood-fired pizza and the best locally roasted espresso beans in town. It’s the ideal place to reflect, recharge, and re-caffeinate before the drive home.
💐 Afternoon and Wrap-Up: Lavender Farm Stop in Hood River
Spend your final precious weekend getaway hours at a local lavender farm like Hood River Lavender Farm. Walk the rows, pick your own bouquet, and snag some lavender lemonade or handmade soap. It’s peaceful, smells amazing, and makes the best kind of souvenir from your beauty-filled weekend recharge.
Pack your camera, your sense of wonder, and a weekend bag—you’ve got a Gorge-ous escape waiting.