National Geographic Traveler magazine has just released its 2009 Destination Scorecard to the world's most iconic destinations. The Columbia Gorge region ranks #6 overall out of 133 places around the world.
Click here to read about it from National Geographic Traveler
The region received high-praise, including this comment from one of the panelists:
"This is a federally recognized scenic area. Benefits from some of the best land-preservation programs in the nation. The historic road that is the gateway to the region is one of the best-managed historic roads in the nation. Despite large numbers of visitors, the region still has pockets of authenticity, and the magnificent natural scenery is well protected."
Click here to find out more about the 2009 Destination Scorecard
That's a great step forward, now we need to tag Hell's Canyon as the next great geographic icon of Oregon!