I-90 Vantage Bridge

For a bridge it’s «fairly» easy to cross, not broken or going into the water unexpectedly. For a bridge that’s pretty awesome for those reasons, (unlike the London Bridge that’s always falling down) extra points awarded for being over water. Extra Extra points for not breaking while we were driving over it.

This is one of my favorite places in Washington so I figure why not give it a review? This bridge is so exciting for young and old, not only for the view but for the exhilarating experience of crossing what is often a windy bridge while simultaneously watching out for semi-​trucks and RVs in case the wind blows them into your lane. Add to that the dramatic incline and decline on either side of the river and you could just about call this a real life roller coaster.
That scenery though — so breathtaking and not in the usual way. We have stopped at the vantage points on the east side of the river and love both of them (though the westbound is our favorite). It never gets old. There is a short, easily accessible walking path to some informative plaques and gorgeous picture opportunities. Last time we stopped we actually took the time to read the plaques and found them interesting. If you’re a geology buff you’ll love the view across the way. (If you’re a wildfire buff you can look just south of the river these days to see the scorched hillsides from one of this summer’s many fires — crazy.)
If you’re able to stop and stretch your legs at the viewpoints, I highly recommend them (even if you don’t feel like getting out of the car, do it — you won’t regret it!). The Vantage area always makes me feel lucky to be a Washingtonian, with all these diverse natural wonders.

This bridge on I-​90, which is the northernmost transcontinental interstate, running between Boston and Seattle, crosses the wide Columbia River near Vantage WA. It’s east of the Cascades, where the leeward side is very dry and does not look like hemlock studded Western Washington in the slightest bit.
There is a view point coming west on I-​90 from Spokane WA to Seattle WA which gives a majestic view out over the gorge and of the bridge, though catching a glimpse of the main span of the bridge is largely blocked by the bluffs. It requires no more than 10 minutes of one’s time, but is a nice stop at about the half-​way point between the two different flavors of Washington state.

Many of the bridges which cross the Columbia are bits of engineering marvels. What sets this bridge apart is location, location, location. The Columbia river gorge in this section of the river is pretty spectacular. Sometimes I have to slow down from 70mph to truly soak in the beautiful scenery here.
Whether you’re heading to Seattle, a show at The Gorge upriver, or down to the river to play in the water, this funky fresh bridge close to the center of WA is a true landmark.