The Columbia River Gorge is your backyard. Have you explored it
lately?
Martin Hecht has introduced a new business venture, Martin's Hike
and Bike.
From daily waterfall hikes to wildflower hikes to Catherine Creek,
Columbia Hills/ Horse thief Lake State Park and the Tom McCall Point/
Rowena Crest Overlook, get better acquainted with the amazing natural
features of our area.
With Hecht's shuttle service and built-in company, you can save
on gas while making new friends.
Most trips are completed in two to three hours, except the seasonal
wildflower tour. Deluxe shuttle transportation, water and a snack
are included. Bring a windbreaker, comfortable shoes and your camera.
Rangers and naturalists often accompany Hecht and answer questions.
He has been working with Bonneville Hot Springs Resort, Skamania
Lodge and Best Western Columbia River Inn in Cascade Locks to offer
guests a better glimpse of the gorge.
The shuttle is also available for special outings while renting
Hecht's services by the hour or by the day.
Hiking tours are $30 per person, wildflower tours are $40 per person,
and bike tours are $60 per person.
Young people 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount with advanced reservations.
Tour the wineries of the east gorge with a "designated driver."
Businesses can hire the shuttle and Hecht's services for an employee
party, baseball games, or other events. Scenic tours can be arranged
for individuals, families, or groups of up to 20 per tour. Later
in the fall, Hecht plans to begin offering bicycle tours.
Waterfall tours are offered to a different location each day. Mondays,
his excursions go to Ponytail Falls, a 2.5 mile hike with an 'easy'
rating.
On Tuesday, it's a two mile hike to Latourell Falls, rated 'moderate'.
Wednesdays are for trips to Wahclella Falls, an easy two mile hike.
Thursday, Hecht heads to Punchbowl Falls, a four-mile hike rated
as "challenging, with cliffs."
Friday is an easy two-mile hike to Elowah Falls, and Saturday is
another easy 1.7 mile stroll to Bridal Veil Falls.
All tours begin between 9:30 and 10 a.m. (depending on the pickup
location) and end before 1 p.m., except for his seasonal wildflower
tours, which begin one hour earlier.
Pickup times are 9:30 a.m. at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort, and
9:45 a.m. at Skamania Lodge. At 10 a.m., the final stop before embarking
on the tours is Best Western Columbia River Inn in Cascade Locks.
To arrange a tour, call 877-290-TOUR, or 509-427-4337. For more
information, go to www.martinshikeandbike.com.
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Welcome Martin’s Hike and Bike
Skamania County Chamber of Commerce
June 2008 Newsletter
Skamania County Chamber of Commerce
The breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge just got easier
to enjoy. With the announcement that Martin's Hike and Bike guided
tour service is leading wildflower, waterfall and other customized
jaunts and bike rides, everyone from the casual tourist to the hardcore
adventure seeker can experience its riches.
Transportation, water, snacks, trailhead fees and more are included
so that families, groups or individuals can focus on the flora,
fauna and majestic beauty that has been called one of America's
natural wonders. These mini adventures on foot range from easy to
moderate, as do the bike tours.
Saturday, June 14 and 28, join Martin on a tour of Horse Thief
Lake State Park to view wildflowers along with Native American petroglyphs
and pictographs. Catherine Creek is the destination for the June
7 hike and Tom McCall Point on Saturday, June 21. Both are prime
locations for wildflower viewing in the Columbia River Gorge. The
tour bus leaves promptly from the front entrance of Skamania Lodge
at 9:00 am and returns around 1:00 pm for each of these excursions.
Please register in advance at Skamania Lodge’s Front Desk.
For more information about Martin’s Hike and Bike, visit www.martinshikeandbike.com.
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See wildflowers and waterfalls on a Columbia Gorge guided hike
Seattle Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2004368307_nwwtravelnotes24.html
Skamania Lodge in the Columbia Gorge offers a package that includes
guided hikes to see wildflowers and waterfalls on the Washington
side of the Gorge from now through June. Available for guests arriving
Friday nights, the package includes lodging in a forest-view guest
room, starting at $199. The hiking tour is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
on Saturday, with three destinations to choose from. Details: 800-221-7117
or www.skamania.com.
Martin's Hike and Bike, LLC
TravelOregon.com
http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Portland-Metro/Outdoor-Recreation/Guides-and-Packers/Guides-and-Packers/Hike-and-Bike.aspx
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