While you’re in the area for river rafting, here are some other recommendations for things to do in the White Salmon River, Columbia Gorge, and Portland, Oregon areas to make your getaway complete...
Big Winds 207 Front Street Hood River, Oregon Phone: 888-509-4210 One of the largest windsurfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddle product and accessory stores in the United States. Big Winds offers daily lessons in windsurfing and stand-up paddling, with special packages for women, kids, and all ability levels. They offer high-quality gear rental as well.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, whether you're delicate and dainty or strong and strapping, whether you're taking a quick frolic or an extended expedition, here are several essential items and preparations to always keep in mind while hiking:
Before you embark on any hiking adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never go hiking alone.
Learn the local rules and regulations for parking, camping, and building fires.
Respect the wilderness and wildlife. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Remember to bring the essential gear which is appropriate for your hiking trip, including but not limited to: an area map; a compass; seasonal clothing; food and extra water; a flashlight; waterproof matches or fire starter; a first aid kit; a whistle; a pocket knife; sunscreen; and/or insect repellent.
Additional Resources: For maps of Gifford Pinchot National Forest or more specific regions, contact the Outdoor Recreation Information Center at the downtown Seattle REI or Portland REI. For any other questions or for more information, contact the Mt. Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake.
Recommended:Guler Ice Caves Directions: Go north on Washington Route 141 to Trout Lake, Washington, then west on Forest Road 24 for 5.5 miles. About: These caves provide an exciting and fascinating day trip for adventurers in the White Salmon area. Since attracting notice as a source of cocktail ice in the high summers of the 1860s, the Guler Ice Caves have been a favorite local attraction for travelers to the area for over a century. Sip tidbits of cool local lore amid the beautiful terrain of the South Washington Cascades. Located near Trout Lake, Washington, the caves consist of six hundred and fifty feet of beautiful formations of rock and water that can be explored by cavers of all experience levels. The footing is rocky, however, so be certain to bring footwear with adequate ankle-support. Also, be prepared for the chilly air (they are ice caves, after all!) and low light. Flashlights, warm clothing, and head protection for the low ceilings are highly recommended.
Multnomah Falls Length: up to 2.5 miles Directions: Go south on Washington Route 141 from BZ Corner, Washington, to 141-Alternate (slight right). Take a left from there onto WA-14. Turn right at Hood River Bridge and enter the great state of Oregon. Merge onto 84 West toward Portland, Oregon, which you will follow for about 30 miles. Take exit 31 to the Multnomah Falls parking lot. About: Multnomah Falls has a paved hiking trail leading to the famous archway bridge, and right up top of the waterfall with spectacular scenery all along. Due to the ease-of-access and splendor of the spectacle, Multnomah Falls generally attracts a large crowd, so be prepared to share the experience.
Wahclella Falls Length: 2 miles Directions: Go south on Washington Route 141 from BZ Corner, Washington to 141-Alternate (slight right). Take a left from there onto WA-14; turn right at Hood River Bridge and enter the great state of Oregon. Merge onto 84 West toward Portland, Oregon, which you should take to exit 40. The trailhead will be almost immediately visible at the end of the exit ramp. About: Just beyond Multnomah Falls climbs this excellent, easy hike that's fun for the whole family. The trail to the viewing area splits into a loop about half a mile up, providing fresh scenery for nearly the whole hiking trip. The highpoint, of course, is the Wahclella Falls viewing area, which allows an intimate experience of the beautiful and powerful waterfalls and a glimpse of the marriages of rock and water that make this area one of the country's most beautiful falls.
Little Huckleberry Length: 5 miles Directions: Go north on 141 past Trout Lake, Washington, until it becomes Forest Service Road 24. Follow 24 for 10 miles and take a left onto FS Road 66. Five miles beyond the turn, the trailhead will appear. About: This is a short, sweet, steep hike up to a lovely summit with a lofty view of the Gifford Pinchot Wilderness. The steep grade, ascending 1800 feet over 2.5 miles, keeps the crowds away, leaving the enterprising hiker free reign over vast huckleberry fields and all the beauty of these high regions. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
Mount Defiance and Starvation Ridge Length: 11.4 miles Directions: Going west on 84 from the White Salmon area toward Portland, Oregon, look out for the Starvation Creek State Park exit just before exit 51. About: The tallest peak in the Columbia River gorge, Mount Defiance offers a dauntingly steep hike with incredible scenic rewards for the intrepid adventurer. Over five miles, the trail ascends 5000 feet, taking the hiker quickly to the best vantage point over the valley. Besides, are you really going to leave this area without being able to tell the folks at home that you scaled Starvation Ridge? No passes or permits are required to go hiking in this area, just a pair of brass ones.
Martin's Gorge Tours Columbia River Gorge Phone: (877) 290-TOUR Featuring Wine Tasting Tours (including Cathedral Ridge Winery, Erin Glenn, Pheasant Valley Vineyard and Winery, Phelps Creek Vineyard, and more), Waterfall Walking Tours (including Horsetail and Ponytail Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Punchbowl Falls), Wildflower Walking Tours, and Native American Rock Art Tour.
Discover Bicycles 116 Oak Street Hood River, Oregon Phone: 541-386-4820 Road rides leave from the above address every Saturday at 8:30 in three groups, based on speed and skill level.
KD Guide Service: Guided Fishing in the Columbia River Gorge Phone: 509-493-3167 or 541-490-8397 Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon, and Walleye fishing charters through the lovely Columbia River Gorge.
Northwestern Lake Riding Stables 126 Little Buck Creek Rd. White Salmon, Washington Phone: 509-493-4965 Equestrian adventures of all kinds for the whole family. Consult their website or give them a call to inquire about a ride for you and your family.
Hood River Saturday Market At 5th and Cascade Hood River, Oregon Phone: 541-387-8349 Hood River Saturday Market has been open since 1990. Located in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, the market showcases work and products from some of the finest artisans and growers in Oregon, as well as best music and coolest activities!
Hood River Aquatic Center 17th Street and May Avenue Hood River, Oregon Phone: 541-386-1303 The Hood River Aquatic Center features year-round fun and educational activities for everyone!
The Columbia River Valley boasts nearly thirty thousand acres of vineyards in both Washington and Oregon, spread amongst fifty wineries and producing some of the best domestic wines on the market. Local specialties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Semillon, Pinot gris, Chenin blanc, and Syrah. Take a day and a designated driver to hit up as many of these fine establishments as possible! For extensive information on the region, visit the Oregon Wine Explorer.
Naked Winery 102 2nd Street Hood River, Oregon Phone: 800-666-9303 The chic wines of Naked Winery are available for tasting daily, with the mission to "enhance the romantic experience of wine."
Mt. Hood Winery 2265 Hwy 35 Hood River, Oregon Phone: 541-386-8333 A small, family-owned winery with summer hours daily from 11am to 5pm. Call to get in on one of their tastings.
Phelps Creek Vineyards 1850 Country Club Rd Hood River, Oregon Phone: 541-386-2607 This vineyard's focus is on-the-vine cultivation of flavorful grapes, which has served them well enough to win their 2006 Pinot Noir "Best of Show" at the 2007 Northwest Food and Wine Festival.
Cathedral Ridge Winery 4200 Post Canyon Drive Hood River, Oregon Phone: 541-386-2882 Cathedral Ridge won a "Best in Show" for their 2005 Zinfandel at the Oregon Food and Wine Festival, and hosts free tasting daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hood River Vineyards 4693 Westwood Drive Hood River, Oregon Phone: 541-386-3772 The oldest winery in the gorge maintains its prestige with a wide selection of wine including tree-fruit wine made from the fruits of local orchards. Being a bit out of the way, the vineyard offers exceptional scenery, which can only be improved by whatever you get into in the tasting room.
Erin Glenn Vineyards 710 East 2nd Street The Dalles, Oregon Phone: 541-296-4707 This vineyard hosts frequent tours and tasting of some of their rarer varietals such as Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Barbera and Viognier. Also, their signature "Tantrum Red" blend is sure to titillate even the most discriminating tongues.
Wind River Cellars 196 Spring Creek Rd. Husum, Washington Phone: 509-493-2324 This highly engaging winery might even spring a brand new flavor on you in the tasting room, where you may encounter the owners themselves tipping a glass alongside you. Cheers!
Cor Cellars 151 Old Highway 8 Lyle, Washington Phone: 509-365-2744 Vinum bonum laetificat cor humanum. Tasting held Wednesday through Sunday 11-6.
Pheasant Valley Winery 3890 Acree Drive Hood River, Oregon Phone: 866-657-WINE Deep in the Columbia River Gorge with views of Mt. Hood, the winemakers at Pheasant Valley Winery believe in the progressive Oregon tradition of winemaking, using every new technique available to improve their wine, yet respecting the sustainable truths that allow Mother Nature to produce her very best. Buy a bottle of their award-winning Estate Organic Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir, before their limited supply runs out!
Doug's Beach State Park Directions: Go south from BZ Corner, Washington, on WA-141, take a slight right onto 141-Alt, and then take a left onto WA-14. Turn right at Hood Bridge Road and merge left onto I-84 East toward The Dalles, Oregon. After 40 miles, take exit 104 and take a left onto US-97. Reenter Washington and look for Doug's Beach just off the highway! About: This lovely, undeveloped area on the banks of the Columbia River provides riverside fun for the whole family as well some of the most highly rated windsurfing in the area. Though surfing is rated for skilled and experienced adrenaline junkies only, it provides excellent entertainment for the whole beach! A rich variety of wildlife and archaeological sites make for a day's worth of diversions, and the basalt formations of the river bank are elegant enough to extrude everyone's inner geologist! No permits are required for the park. Summer hours are from 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Columbia Hills State Park Directions: Go south from BZ Corner, Washington, on WA141, take a slight right onto 141-Alt, and then take a left onto WA14. The park is right at mile marker 85, about 50 miles down the road! About: This vast and stunning wilderness area includes the Horsethief Lake Area and The Dalles Mountain Ranch Area, providing hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, rock climbing and river activities on over 3300 acres of trails, fields, beach, and mountainous areas. The generally accessible areas of the park are open from 6:30 a.m. till dusk, and camping areas provide an overnight option.
Beacon Rock State Park Directions: Go south from BZ Corner, Washington, on WA-141, take a slight right onto 141-Alt, and then take a right onto WA-14. Follow that for 30 miles to this lovely park. About: Beacon Rock State Park boasts superb rock-climbing, hiking, biking, horse-riding and camping. The Rock, the enduring core of an ancient volcano, is home to a rich and rare variety of nesting birds around which, at a respectful distance, climbing enthusiasts test their skill on highly technical routes. There are kitchen and camping facilities in the park, for which reservations are recommended. Summer hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the general access areas of the park.
Strawberry Mountain Salon White Salmon, Washington Phone:(509) 493-1316 Our full service salon, day spa & fitness center welcomes you, your friends and family. Come relax in our salon & spa's comfortable country setting complete with hard wood floors, luxurious red doors and soft music. During warmer seasons sit outside on the private tile and cedar porch with views of the beautiful surrounding hills and water fall. Private hairstyling stations and treatment rooms ensure a relaxing and satisfying visit. Our professionals take excellent care of you as you enjoy our services.
Full Sail Brewery Hood River, Oregon Phone:(541) 386-2247 One of the Northwest's classic breweries, chock full of Northwest personality and unique taste. Stop by the brewery and tasting room for one of their classic beers: Amber, IPA, and Pale Ale. Or stay longer for some fine cookin' at their restaurant.
Apple Valley Country Store Hood River, Oregon Phone: (541) 386-1971 Apple Valley Country Store in Hood River Oregon is celebrating its 20th year as one of Hood River’s favorite visitor attractions. Located in the midst of picturesque orchards, forrests and farmlands, our family has been making homemade jams, jellies, and pies in the store's kitchen for over 20 years.
Celilo Restaurant and Bar Hood River, Oregon Phone: (541) 386.5710 Enjoy this Pacific Northwest cuisine featuring fresh and local ingredients. Relax with friends, family or coworkers in the warm atmosphere created by local artists and craftsmen.
Strawberry Mountain Salon
Full Sail Brewery
Before you embark on any hiking adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never go hiking alone.
