I hope ya’ll liked my last post all about why you need to visit Oregon (read it here!), cause I’m back with another! I recently had the privilege to re-discover the beautiful state I call home by traveling through Mt. Hood and The Dalles to learn about the Oregon’s pioneer history, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail!
***This post is sponsored by Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.***
Pioneer History of the Oregon Trail
Did you know the Oregon Trail started in Missouri? Yeah, me neither. It’s crazy how I’ve lived in Oregon my entire life, even studied the Oregon Trail in school, but couldn’t tell you this simple fact. There is so much history here in Oregon and throughout the United States that just gets lost and forgotten. That’s why I’m glad I had the opportunity to explore a bit of Oregon that I’d never done more than drive through on the way to ‘somewhere’ else.
When I first learned I was going to be part of the Oregon Trail’s 175th anniversary, I was SO excited, but also a little nervous! I’m not the most informed gal around, that’s for sure, but it’s great because there are other amazing bloggers out there that I’ve learned so much from! If you’re interested in learning more about the trail’s pioneer history outside of Oregon, I HIGHLY recommend you visit a few of the blogs below:
- Making of a Mom Boss – Stefanie Cornwall
- My Breezy Room – Kala Wiederhold
- Run Style Run – Brandi Buckley
- Living Overland – Beau Johnston
- Love Haight Blog – Victoria Haight
- Her Heartland Soul – Erin Fairchild
- Â The Ox Mama – Kimberly Oxford
- The House of Hood Blog – Chelsee Hood
- Mom Life in the PNW – Jenny Tate
- Darling Nightingale – Lisa Nightengale
- Horeshoes & Hand Grenades – Alison Fresiz-Steward
- This Messy Season – Kayla
- Mommy on the Mound – Ashley Peavey
- Angie’s Angle – Angie Agerter
My Modern Pioneer Trek Through Government Camp to The Dalles
I got to visit one of the most beautiful places of the Oregon Trail, which I’m also lucky enough to call home – Oregon! My photographer (*coughhubbycough*) and I started out in Beaverton and took US-26 pretty much all the way to Welches, Oregon. I had never actually taken 26 this far before, nor had I ever taken the back road to the Mt. Hood area! It was such a beautiful drive through the forest, and I immediately had feeling of wonder and adventure as we got closer to our first stop, Jonsrud Viewpoint.
Looking out at the beautiful river from Jonsrud made me reflect on what it must have looked like to the pioneers coming off the Oregon Trail. Imagine reaching the top of this viewpoint after twisting and turning through mountains and forest, probably for several weeks, and looking down on the beauty you’d just adventured through. Ugh, makes me nostalgic for times and experiences I’ve never even had!
After Jonsrud, we continued along the Mt. Hood Highway to a little place called Wraptitude. At this point, it had started to rain pretty hard, so we were simultaneously looking for some shelter and some good food. Known for their gourmet burgers, wraps, and beers, Wraptitude provided us with just that! Eihab ordered a Hickory BBQ Burger, which I ended up eating because it was so good haha. The fries were also to die for! I also loved the atmosphere; there was plenty of outdoor seating along with an area for a live band and a spot to play horseshoes! I could just imagine stopping here after a day up at Government Camp skiing!
Our last stop of the day was our hotel. Unfortunately with all the rain, we weren’t able to make it to Zig Zag Trail (something I was really looking forward to!). It’s a super easy trail that you can definitely do rain or shine, but with me being seven months pregnant, I didn’t want to risk slipping and falling. #clumsymama
So we decided to skip the trail and head right to the Resort at the Mountain. Fun fact – if you want to stay somewhere on the Oregon Trail that embodies the history and feel of the 1800’s, I would HIGHLY recommend the historic Balch Hotel. Even though we didn’t get to stay at the Balch (it was fully booked), it would have been a great way to tie in everything we were learning about the Oregon Trail!
The Resort at the Mountain worked out perfectly for us, because it was so close to Wraptitude and put us on the most beautiful drive through Government Camp. That night we spent snuggled up on our king size bed playing cards and having a great little “babymoon.” We even went to dinner at Altitude, the restaurant located in the resort. If you’ve never tried garlic foam before, then definitely order the scallops next time you’re there to have your taste buds explode with excitement LOL!
Meeting the Fort Dalles Floozies and Friends
The next morning we got up super early and started our drive to The Dalles. We drove through Government Camp and actually encounter some snow, can you believe it?! We didn’t take any photos, but be sure to check out the video below documenting the beautiful drive!
Once we got to the other side of Mt. Hood, the weather turned warm and sunny and we arrived in The Dalles to bright blue skies. We parked at the docks, walked down to the pier, and immediately recognized The Floozies! The Fort Dalles Floozies and Friends are a historic themed group that helps promote the pioneer history of The Dalles. Meeting these fun ladies and gentlemen was such a great time, and it was wonderful to see people who love their community and their history.
We met The Floozies at the docks and were immediately introduced to ‘Madam Mary,’ and her husband ‘The Brothel Inspector.’ :p They meet at the docks a couple times a week to welcome tourists off the boats that travel along the Columbia River through The Gorge. It was fun to meet all these modern pioneers and learn a little about their history! They even made me an ‘honorary Floozie’ for the day!
After meeting up with The Floozies and Friends, we went up to the fort and toured the Fort Dalles Museum. This was so fun because there was lots of historic artifacts from the Oregon Trail, including historic information about the Native Americans in the area and the Chinese history of The Dalles. We even got to tour all of the old antique vehicles that had once roamed the streets of The Dalles!
What it Means to be a 'Modern Pioneer'
After meeting the wonderful Floozies and spending the morning with them, we had about a two-hour drive back to Portland. The hubs was pretty exhausted and napped most of the way, and I spent a lot of the drive reflecting on the events of the weekend. I thought about how close I live to Mt. Hood, Government Camp, and The Dalles, but how I’d never spent any time there. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of today’s modern life to slow down, remember Oregon’s history, and meet new people really made me ask myself where I fit in. Am I a ‘modern pioneer?’ I think the answer to that is a resounding YES! I’m a young woman trying to navigate my way through a corporate career, marriage, and motherhood (while still trying to maintain somewhat of a fun social life, ya feel??). Nowadays there isn’t a whole lot of uncharted land, but if you think about it figuratively, the Modern Pioneer seeks out new lands of opportunity through modern means, be that careers, social media (bloggers anyone?!), or life in general. I’m proud to be a Modern Pioneer!
What is a ‘Modern Pioneer’ to you? Have you explored any parts of the Oregon Trail? I hope you enjoyed this post, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!
xo,
B
Those views are impressive …..and those fries!! I can’t get fries like that here!! What an amazing experience, I’ve been to a few places in the USA but there is so much more that I’d like to see – The Oregon Trail is now one of those places!
Girl they were so good! There is definitely so much to explore in our country, and usually a lot is close to home as well! Thanks so much for reading! xoxo
Well I def want those fries and “honorary Floozie” made me LOL!
LOL Eihab made me wear the feather boa all day LOL
Your pictures look like so much fun! My husband would love to explore the Oregon Trail. Sounds weird, but we played the computer game The Oregon Trail in Middle School and he still talks about it to this day haha! Such a cool trip!
Man I feel like I missed out, I never got to play a game for the Oregon Trail! Thanks for reading Megan!
This is awesome! I’m just in Seattle and I geeked out when I saw this post! I’m going to need to head there to check it out and help celebrate!
Ah that’s awesome, you’re def not far! It’s definitely something neat to check out, if you’re into the history of our country!
This is such a very impressive views. I have never been in that place but I know Oregon have a lot of amazing place to explore.
Yes Oregon has TONS of natural beauty to explore! Hope you get to visit someday!
I havne’t explored the Oregon Trail in person but through game. Oregon is so beautiful.
Hi Luci, thanks for reading! Hope you get to explore it someday 🙂
What an interesting read! I remember learning about it in school (and the game! Who can forget the game) but I didn’t even think there was a way (or still… a trail?) to learn about in person! That’s so freakin neat!
I never knew there was a game! Sounds like a bunch of readers played it, so crazy I’ve never heard of it lol
What a great trip! The views make this a trip one trip to remember.
Definitely, the views were spectacular!
I’ve been to Oregon so many times but never thought to follow the Oregon Trail. It looks like you had a very insightful and educational weekend!
It was definitely interesting! xx
The view are truly amazing. I enjoyed reading your experience in the trail. Hope to visit this place soon and inhale all the fresh air hehehe.
They’re so beautiful! I hope you get to visit, it’s a wonderful place!
Wow I never thought to explore the Oregon Trail in Nebraska but now I am thanks to you! thanks for sharing ??