McMinnville: Erratic Rock State Natural Site

Just off of Highway 18, near McMinnville, there is a 90 ton rock, the Bellevue Erratic.

Erratic rocks are rocks that do not match the minerals in their area.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacial_erratic

In this case, it is banded argillite from the Northern Rockies, carried here by the Missoula Flood.

This particular erratic is between two private properties, but there is a clearly-marked path.

The shoulder across from the path has room for about five cars. It seems to get frequent visitors, though no one stays for that long.

It is only about half a mile to the rock, though it is a little steep.

You feel gravity on the way up and on the way down.

There is a picnic table at the top -- a place to catch your breath, perhaps -- but the only signage is at the start of the path.

Still, there is quite a view.

There are larger erratics, but this one is ours, and a reminder of the geological forces that created the area.

COVID: It is all outdoors, and though you might meet other people (and dogs) along the way, the meetings tend to be transient.

Accessibility: There is a paved path, all the way to the top and then circling the rock. However, it is pretty steep.

Also, while the path is maintained (we encountered a park ranger clearing the path of the newly trimmed grass), there are some potholes and roots going through and things. Combined with the steepness, there is some risk of falls. Use good judgment. 

Well, let me clarify. I have seen it called a gentle hill and an easy hike. The estimate is that the slope exceeds an 8% grade for most of the hike, but part of that estimate is that it starts out milder and then gets harder in the last 100 meters. 

The park ranger called it a tough hill, but he may have just been being nice. He did not drive away until I made it back down. Possibly a coincidence; possibly avoiding later complications.

Speaking of maintenance -- and dogs -- there is no garbage collection on the trail, so make sure that you pack out anything that gets up there because of you.

https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=96

Troutdale Fred E. Harlow House

 

While donations are accepted, there is no charge to visit the Harlow House.

In fact, we did donate, but I do not believe that affected the amazing tour that we got.

That was based simply on the enthusiasm of our tour guide and the quality of the material.

The odds of there being good material were favorable. The house has only had three families live there, and two of those belonged to sons of Troutdale founder Captain John Harlow.

There are some colorful stories about the building of the town, the building of the house, and many of the furnishings.

We spent more time than we had originally planned on, but could not regret it. Everything was so interesting! 

One might think going in that there is a similarity to historic homes. Perhaps in some ways, but there are notable differences in many ways, sometimes even just the parts on the refrigeration unit.

I heartily recommend a visit to see what you can learn.

COVID: Obviously it is very much indoors, so I recommend wearing a mask.

Accessibility: I am afraid for this one it is not good.

There are steps to get in and stairs to get to the second story. This is not an unusual issue with historic homes, but can still be disappointing. (The barn was the most accessible of the three locations.)

I hope to visit again and spend some time exploring the adjacent Harlow Park. 

We really do recommend it.

https://www.troutdalehistory.org/fred-e-harlow-house

Troutdale: Barn Exhibit Hall

The Troutdale Historical Society has three different locations. We visited them all in a row and they just kept getting better.

One of the draws was the exhibit "King of Roads -- Byway of the People".

We had already learned some things about the Columbia River Highway through Vista House and the Trolley Tour, but there was still more to learn.

While the other places may have had more on the designers, here we learned more about the workers.

The common thread is a shared enthusiasm for the beauty of Columbia River Gorge. 

With Troutdale acting as the Gateway to the Gorge, that enthusiasm is well-represented here.

They have even come up with a few mascots: Finn and Midnight, based on the trouts that gave the town its name and one popular past resident.

Of course, their storybook is not strictly historical, but the museums take care of that part.

There was lots of material to look at and an interested and helpful staff on the premises.

We were glad we went. And then it got better again.

COVID: It is an all indoor location, though it is adjacent to Harlow Park. I stayed masked while inside.

Accessibility: Navigation was pretty good. It might be hard to get a close look at some of the artifacts, but this is an area where I think the staff could be helpful for answering questions and being a resource.

Worth checking out, and don't forget to go next door...

 

https://www.troutdalehistory.org/barn-exhibit-hall