Legends of Love in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge was before anything else, home to various Native American Tribes. Although stories will very dependent on the tribes, a favorite legend and one more commonly heard is the Love story of a beautiful Maiden and two brother Indian Chief's.

Tyhee Sahle and his two sons came down the Great Columbia River. In awe of the land and how beautiful it was each son stated their desire for a piece to them selves. This started a quarrel to which Sahale then decided too shoot two arrows. One he shot to the North and One he shot to the West. Sahale then said to his sons, "Go. Find the arrows. Where they lie, you shall have the land".

One son went over the plain to the Klickitats and was the first grandfather of the Klickitats. The other son followed his arrow to the Willamette Valley, in turn becoming the first grandfather of the Multnomahs.

Then Sahale raised great mountains between the country of the Klickitats and the country of the Multnomahs. He did so, so the tribes would not quarrel. To the white man these were called the Cascade Mountains. The great river was deep and broad. This river was a sign of peace between the tribes. Sahale made a great stone bridge over the river, so that the two tribes might be friends. This was called " The Bridge of Tomanowos".

The tribes grew but they did evil things. They displeased Tyhee Sahale. Therefore the sun ceased to shine, and cold and snow appeared. The people were unhappy for they had no fire. Only Loo-wit said the Indians were cold. So Sahale gave fire to the people. Thus Sahale built a fire on the bridge of the gods, and there the people secured fire. Sahale promised to Loo-wit eternal youth and beauty. Thus Loo-wit became a beautiful Maiden.

Then began the cheif's love for Loo-wit. Many of the chief's loved her because of her beauty. Then came more chiefs, Klickitat from the North and Wyeast from the west. To neither would Loo-wit give an answer . Therefore the chiefs fought, and in turn thier people fought. This made Sahale very angry. Therefore, because blood was shed and because the Great River was no longer a sign of peace, Sahale broke down the Tomanowos Illahee.

The great rocks fell into the water, where they still lie today. When the water is quiet, buried forests can be seen even to this day. Thus the Tribes were separated by the Great River.

Then Sahale made of Loo-wit, Klickitat and Wiyeast snow peaks. Always they were to be cold and covered with ice and snow. White men call them Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.

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April Showers Bring May Flowers...

The statement could not be any more true. Our second day of sunshine after some well deserved days of continuous rain has the flowers popping up all over the property. The cherry blossoms are blooming and color is quickly entering the Gorge once again.

From a birds eye view the best is yet to come. The waterfalls in the area are gushing with winters left overs and yet I saw my first Kite Boarder out on the Columbia yesterday.. He was by himself which may say something.. but none the less he was out their attacking the waves and the wind. If this is not a sign of summer being on its way I don't know what is.

Another sign is the golfer's I keep noticing out on the tee's. We have partnered up with Skamania Lodge to now offer golfing packages for our guests. Their course is a PGA certified layout with some of the top professionals in the business to assist in your experience. They also have a full service pro shop to get you all the "must have" gear.

Our guests this weekend were thrilled after their scheduled wine tour with Martin's Gorge Tours. In celebration of their first anniversary they planned a delightful day of winery hopping together only to find out the night before the excursion that Mrs. Guest was pregnant. Needless to say they enjoyed it just the same and it allowed for great conversation each place they went. We would like to send out another congratulation to them from all of us here at Carson Ridge.

Keep in mind that you can now follow us on both Twitter and Facebook. Doing so will get you some "Tweet" deals on accommodations and packages.

Enjoy the weather and we will see you next time!

The Sun is Shining!! The Birds are Singing!!

Do you smell it? That refreshing aroma as you walk outside? The scent that seems to be traveling through the breeze? SPRING.. it is here.

Finally the sun is out and the flowers are pushing their way to the surface. The birds are back and the guests are planning their hiking and golfing days.

We have been updating our packages and have some exciting new things on the way. Next time you visit Carson Ridge you are going to be able to choose from a variety of activities such as windsurfing and kite boarding lessons courtesy of Hood River Water Play or Golfing at Skamania Lodge. Also choose from fishing on the Columbia River Gorge or if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.

April means it is time for all those spring break vacations . Where are you going? How about you keep it simple.. you can always justify a "staycation". That's right we qualify, being only 45 min. from the Portland/Vancouver metro area Carson Ridge can give you a action packed getaway close to home.

Also don't forget when it comes to those summer weddings Carson Ridge also offers a beautiful venue right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.

So don't waste anymore time book your reservation now as summer months are already filling up!