Maryhill Museum

We did our ironing early while it was still cool, then headed east along the north (Washington) side of the Columbia River Gorge 40 miles to the Mary Hill Museum. When we stopped to get gas we noted that we have driven 3000 miles already on this trip. But let me tell you my Mary Hill museum story. In 1989 John and I took Amtrak to Seattle with our tent and camping equipment. We rented a car and set out to visit some of the Thousand Trail campgrounds in Washington. On a day trip we drove east to Yakima, south to the Columbia River, and west along the north side of the River to Portland. We stopped at the Mary Hill Museum on the banks of the Columbia River Gorge. In their café they were selling ripe peaches the size of softballs (it was August). It was the best peach I have ever eaten and I’ve fantasized about it ever since. Of course, I ate it standing on the bluff overlooking the Columbia River and it was a gorgeous summer day so that probably added to the charm. So the Mary Hill Museum was on my list of “must sees” for this trip, although I know peaches are not ripe yet.

The building the museum occupies was started as a home for Samuel Hill who purchased over 5,000 acres of land along the Columbia River in 1907 to start an agricultural community. He named the project for his wife and daughter, both named Mary. The building is constructed of steel beams with poured concrete walls, floors and ceilings, quite revolutionary for its time. He converted the house into a museum before it was finished and it was dedicated in 1926 by Queen Marie of Romania, a whole story in itself.

We enjoyed the museum, views of the river, and the outdoor sculpture garden, but no peaches. There is a new Mary Hill Winery and 3000 seat amphitheatre next door and we stopped to buy a bottle of wine. It’s hot out, but they have a lovely covered patio and folks were enjoying their lunch and wine.

From there we drove north to Goldendale where our mail is being sent. It probably won’t arrive until tomorrow but since we’re here, we’ll check. As we drove north we could see Mt. St. Helens in the distance. We had also been able to see Mt. Hood as we drove along the Gorge. Good news, our mail was there. Amazing – two days from San Diego to Goldendale. Guess we will move on tomorrow.

We drove across to the south side of the the River (state of Oregon) at The Dalles and had a late lunch at Romul's, a great Italian restaurant. Our waitress was from Santa Monica. West on the south side of the River, then across the Hood River bridge to our campground (state of Washington).

It’s over 100 degrees outside, but it’s a dry heat and we have air conditioning.