Through Hell's Gate back to the U.S.

Once we arrived at Prince George, we had a two-day drive south to the border and our crossing at Sumas. We pretty much followed the course of the Fraser River, named after explorer Simon Fraser, the man who fully traced the river in 1808.

We spent a night in Cache Creek where we left Highway 97 to follow Highway 1. The fires to the west of us made the air smoky.

 South of Cache Creek, the Fraser's descent becomes steeper and it has gouged out a series of rock gorges at it passes between the Cascade Mountains on the east and the Coastal Range on the west. We decided to stop at Hell's Gate, a tourist attraction that offers an air tram ride down to a particularly narrow spot. It was the perfect time to stretch our legs.

The tram descends about 3000 feet to facilities and a suspension bridge at the bottom. Hell's Gate was actually formed when a building a railroad tunnel. A blast of dynamite caused a rock slide that changed the course of the river. According to a travel Web site, "At peak spring levels, over 200 million gallons of water surge through this 35 metre (110 ft) wide gorge. That is twice the volume of Niagara Falls!" As we watched, one of the jet boat rides came up and zoomed around the treacherous whirlpools formed by the raging water. The U.S. and Canada teamed up to build several fish ladders so salmon could continue their migration.

After Hell's Gate, it was all downhill! Soon we were in Hope, where we spent some of our last Canadian dollars on lunch. We had a very easy border crossing at Sumas and headed to Mt. Vernon to park at a friend's property. We may be stuck here a few extra days.... Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Comments

[Mike Erps]

Jaimie, there is a lot worse places to be stuck. We are currently just south of Mount Vernon at my cousins place. We will be here about 2 more weeks before we head south. Going over to Port Townsend today for a reunion with my 2 brothers.
Welcome back from a great trip.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

I agree, Mike. Mt. Vernon is a lovely area. We love shopping at the co-op and bookstore in Mt. Vernon. Other friends who traveled to AK are also here so we'll enjoy our visit. Enjoy your family reunion!

Jaimie

[Yarntangler]

Have you driven (sans rig) along Chuckanut Drive to Bellingham and the tide pools at Larabee State park? Gorgeous views. We lived in that area for 11 years and our son still is in B'ham. There is so much to see- Don't rush away. Again I'm green with envy!.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

It sounds lovely. Unfortunately this trip we won't have time - we do have a commitment in Oregon. This whole area is gorgeous and I could spend lots of time exploring.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Jaimie