It's easy to see how water shapes the land. Water has been called the most powerful element because it resists nothing and can wear down rock. A river like the Columbia shapes human lives, too. How about a trip that explores how the river has influenced human life? You can drive from Vancouver to the coast, and back to Portland in a day, and enjoy two states on one tank of gas.

To the Coast through Washington

Ridgefield, WA National Wildlife Refuge (off I-5 near Longview)

Looking to squeeze in one last vacation before fall arrives and the kids (or you) go back to school? Why not do a road trip?