Columbia Gorge Real Estate Blog

For a more efficient way to heat water, go tankless! Water is heated quickly and delivers an endless supply of hot water as long as you need it. With a tankless water heater, you only pay to heat the water when you need it and for as long as you want it rather than a constantly heated Standard water heater which is heated and reheated all the time, even when your asleep.  I have been researching tankless brands and like the Rinnai. This is the one we are planning to install in the house we are currently building.

For more information on which unit may best suit your needs please visit:  http://www.foreverhotwater.com/

AMERICAN FORESTS has documented the largest known specimens of every native and naturalized tree in the United States since 1940.  The largest tree of its species in the country is known as the National Champion.

There is much more than beauty, size, and strength of trees. Big trees provide much needed cooling shade and abundant places for wildlife to perch and nest. They also provide us with carbon dioxide, trap pollutants, and purify water.  Most trees outlive humans-100-200 years is not unusual.  They do develop problems as they age from disease and insects, weather-wind, rain, and drought. Sadly, they are often seen as "in the way" for property development and are cut down. 

Mature trees in neighborhoods are an attractive feature. I know of several newer developments in my area where the existing trees have been saved and incorporated into the community for all to enjoy.

This beautiful yellow poplar-tulip tree-(Liriodendron tulipifera L) located in Stevenson, WA. won an award in 2002 as one of the largest non-native trees in Skamania County.

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits are now available in the Mt Hood National Forest

If you're looking for an old fashioned holiday experience here's an idea.  How about a day trip into the Mt. Hood National Forest to cut a wild tree?

Christmas tree cutting permits will be available starting on Monday, November 19, 2007. Permits sell for $5.00 each (cash or check only). There is a limit of five permits per household.

When you purchase your permit you will receive an information sheet explaining what to do. Forest Rangers will be happy to direct you to the area that most fits your needs. You may cut a tree up to 12 feet tall. Trees taller than 12 feet may be obtained for an additional permit cost.

Winter weather in the forest can change rapidly. Forest Service roads are not plowed. Be aware of winter road closures and snow park permit requirements. Travel prepared for rain, snow and icy conditions. Bring extra food and clothing. We recommend that you start early in the day in order to be out of the forest before dark. Bring along a tool to cut your tree, a shovel and tire chains. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to return.

Christmas Tree Permits Sold at these Locations in  the Columbia River Gorge Area:

Hood River Ranger District, 6780 HWY 35, Mt. Hood-Parkdale, OR. 541/352-6002. Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM thru 4:30 PM

Mt Hood Country Store, HWY 35 (just north of the Ranger Station), Mt Hood, OR. 541/352-6024
Open Monday thru Sunday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Barlow Ranger District, Dufur Ranger Station, 780 court street Dufur, OR. (15 miles south of The Dalles) 541/467-2291 Monday thru Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM 

Tygh Valley General Store, TV Road, Tygh Valley, OR. 541/483-2324
Open Monday thru Friday 6:30 AM - 6:00PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Kramers Market, Main Street, Dufur, OR. 541/467-2455
Open Monday thru Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Permits also sold at these locations in Clackamas County:

Clackamas River Ranger District, 595 NW Industrial Way, Estacada, OR. (off HWY 224) 503/630-6861 Monday thru Saturday in November 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Dec. 1 thru Dec. 16, the Ranger Station will be open Sat. and Sun from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Mt Hood National Forest Headquarters, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy Or. (SE 362 and HWY 26) 503/668-1700 Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed 11:30 to 12:30 for lunch)

Zig Zag Ranger District, 70220 E. HWY 26, Zig Zag, OR. 503/622-3191. Monday thru Saturday in November 7:45- 4:30 PM. Dec 1 thru Dec 16, the Ranger Station will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 2:00 PM.

Estacada Tackle Shop, 210 SE Hwy 224, Estacada, OR 97022
Sunday thru Wednesday 6:00AM to 8:00PM and Thursday thru Saturday 6:00AM to 10:00PM

Here are the sales for Hood River County by area for Oct 2007 compiled from the RMLS.

Cascade Locks- Area 361-  2 sales

Hood River- City- Area 362-  9 homes     11 condo units

Hood River-Westside-Area 363- 6 sales

Hood River-Eastside-Area 364-  0 sales

Odell-Area 366-  3 sales

Parkdale- Area 367-  1 sale

Total October 2007 sales for Hood River County- Single family homes/townhomes-21      Condo units- 11

Here are the latest sales  for Oct 2007 for Skamania County Washington.  This information was compiled from the RMLS-Regional Multiple Listing Service.

Skamania- Area 111      0 sales

North Bonneville- Area 112    0 Sales

Stevenson- Area 113     1 sale   $190,000

Carson- Area 114     3 Sales

Home Valley-Area 115   0 Sales

Cook/Underwood-Area 116   0 Sales

Total Sales for October in Skamania County- 4 sales

The Historic Columbia River highway-with its intricate stonework, graceful bridges and viaducts-was heralded as a technical and civic achievement of its day.  It is the oldest scenic highway in the United States. Work began on the Highway in 1913, dedicated in 1916 and completed in 1922. The Highway's design and execution were the result of two visionaries, Samuel Hill, lawyer, entrepreneur, and good road's promoter; and Samuel C. Lancaster who was an engineer and landscape architect.  Many citizens also provided leadership and advocacy for construction of what became known as "The King of Roads."

Today two sections of the original highway remain open to auto traffic. One is the 22 mile section between Troutdale and Ainsworth State Park. This section provides convenient access to numerous parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The other is a 9 mile fragment between Mosier and The Dalles with commanding views of the eastern Gorge.

Located directly across the Columbia River from Hood River, Oregon is the tiny town of Bingen, WA.  Many improvements have changed and continue changing this small mill town. Now you can eat at the popular Solstice Wood Fire Cafe, or Viento restaurant. Sample wines and hard ciders at the North Shore Wine Cellars. Live music is also offered on occasion on weekends. Find that special item or piece of furniture at Antiques & Oddities. Visit the Gorge Heritage Museum located in an old church with many artifacts and tales of the areas's Klickitat tribe. Stop at Dickey Farms for some delicious fresh produce.

Visit Bingen Point Marina Park located along the river, the

perfect place for a picnic lunch.  Insitu has brought economic growth to the community as well.  For current Bingen  news check here. Bingen News.    

Smart Development Corporation has done some nice projects in the Gorge. One of the projects currently underway is called Wyers End located in White Salmon Washington. This cottage development is located just three blocks from the center of town. There are both river and mountain views from these homes. They are walking distance to downtown White Salmon, shopping, post office, etc. They are small but have a lot of character.

It won't be long and the custom house we built 3 years ago will be for sale.

We started building our newest house in July and are now preparing to get the roof on. Pictured below is the house we are currently building.

The house that will be for sale soon is nearly 3400 sq. ft. 5 BD/4BA. My husband custom designed it for the lot we built it on. The garage and bottom level are built of ECO-Block (Insulated concrete forms-ICF) This is a super energy efficient way to build. There is a fully self contained 1 bdrm apt complete with radiant floor heat, kitchen w/dishwasher,range,fridge & micro,  & bathroom with washer/dryer. The apt also has a living room,large eating bar and separate outside entrance.   On the main level there is a beautiful fireplace surround with raja slate and clear verticle grain fir built ins and window trim in the living room. The floors are clear verticle fir and raja slate. The kitchen features stainless appliances, birch cabinets, & butcher block countertops. The master on the main suite features a private bath with antique pedestal base soaking tub, travertine floors and walk in shower with pebble stone floor, & adjoining sauna off the shower. All the doors are solid fir/hemlock with 3 flat panels. Upstairs are two more bedrooms, family room, study or sewing nook, and another bathroom. This home is located on a private deadend culdesac in Stonegate, a planned Unit Development, with nature trails, a wildlife habitat pond area, and plenty of trees, greenspaces, and community common areas.  Pictured below is the house that will be listed soon in Hood River, Oregon