by Barbra Meisenheimer, Vancouver Mall
Community Librarian, Fort Vancouver Regional Library District

The other day, we were setting out to drive to the Columbia Gorge town of White Salmon. As usual, the question came up, “Do we go I-84 or Highway 14?” We weren’t in a hurry, so we chose 14. As usual, the Gorge offered us spectacular views, a variety of flora and, because it was early in the morning, we even saw several deer. Here are a few titles among those the library offers that will enhance your enjoyment of this scenic area:

Columbia River Gorge: Natural Treasure on the Old Oregon Trail by Cheri Dohnal offers stories of native peoples, Lewis and Clark and botanist David Douglas, and explores the area’s reputation for world class windsurfing.

Bridge of the Gods, Mountains of Fire: A Return to the Columbia Gorge by Chuck Williams includes photographs, paintings and illustrations showing the history and beauty of the powerful Columbia and the gorge it created.

Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge: A Comprehensive Field Guide by Russ Jolley contains color photographs as well as descriptions of nearly every flower found in the Gorge.

Railroads of the Columbia River Gorge by D.C. Jesse Burkhard describes the role railroads played as a major commercial route through the Cascades.

Day Hike! Columbia Gorge by Seabury Blair features hikes throughout the Gorge including ratings, mileage, estimated hiking times and hiking conditions.

Don’t Run from Bears: Living with Wildlife in the Columbia River Gorge by Bill Weiler offers advice on the area’s wildlife.

Beautiful America’s Columbia River Gorge by photographer Larry Geddis captures the splendor and ruggedness of the Gorge.

Voyage of a Summer Sun: Canoeing the Columbia River, by Portland author Robin Cody, is the true story of his canoe trip from the headwaters of the Columbia River in the Canadian Rockies to the end of the river in Astoria.

Call or visit the library for other materials about the Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy your trip.

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District has 13 libraries in Clark, Skamania, Klickitat and Cowlitz Counties. Call 360-695-1566 or visit www.fvrl.org for more information.