The Journey: Pacific City to Mt. Hood, Oregon
Distance: 321 kilometres
Elevation Range: Sea level to 1,829 metres
Vehicle: 2020 Range Rover HSE
A low fog rolls into Pacific City, punctuated by rain squalls and wind gusts. The thick window glass and acoustic laminated windshield of the Range Rover provide sanctuary from the weather outside.
Exiting the beach and heading north on Route 101, we merge onto the Wilson River Highway, and the Tillamook Forest comes into view. The vehicle descends into the woods and the pace slows. A little farther down the road, the quiet is interrupted by the roar of one of the many rivers dotting the landscape.
Taking in the view of the forest from the retractable roof, it’s easy to see why people find solace here.
Now heading east on Route 26, it’s a little less than two hours to Portland. Since it’s a cold, wet day, a stop at one of the city’s coffee shops is a must. Finding one is as easy as asking Siri on Apple CarPlay®.* Suitably fortified, it makes the hour-long journey from Portland to the Vista House much more enjoyable.
Twenty minutes down the highway is Multnomah Falls. At 189-metres high, it’s taller than the Washington Monument. To experience its full ferocity, stand on the Benson Footbridge. Wet weather gear is recommended.
The access road up to Rowena Crest is a series of one blind curve after another. At the top of Rowena Crest, the hillsides are awash in sunflowers, but the main attraction is the awe-inspiring views of the Columbia River and the mountains beyond.
Home to the only ski area in North America that’s open year-round, Mt. Hood is the second most climbed mountain in the world after Japan’s Mt. Fuji.
As we gain altitude, the roads go from wet to slushy, then to all snow, making driving conditions treacherous. We engage the Snow mode† to drive up Cloud Cap Road and the towering snowbanks foreshadow what the summit will be like. The views have been compared to those of the Swiss Alps. Now, if only the weather would clear.
RANGE ROVER
FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF WHY THE RANGE ROVER IS SUCH AN ELEVATED DRIVE
UNPARALLELED REFINEMENT
Inside the cabin of the Range Rover, superlative craftsmanship and attention to detail are everywhere. To make your Range Rover a reflection of your personal tastes, choose from a myriad of available features, including Executive Class Seating for the rear-seat passengers, which features one-touch recline.
SMART TECHNOLOGY
The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system features two 10” high-definition screens with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™†, along with 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot# to help keep you connected and entertained.
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Posted: 14-02-2020
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*Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. The user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and message and data usage rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
†These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving.
#The Wi-Fi Hotspot is intended for passenger use only. InControl features may require an additional subscription with separate terms and conditions.