While you’re in the area for river rafting, here are some other recommendations for things to do in the White Salmon and Columbia River areas to make your getaway complete...
Whether you're a seasoned veteran hiker 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:
Before you embark on any 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 hike 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 hike, 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, then west on Forest Road 24 for 5.5 miles. About: These caves provide an exciting and fascinating daytrip 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, 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: 2.5 miles Directions: Go south on Washington Route 141 from BZ Corner 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. After about a mile, merge onto 84 West, which you will follow for about 30 miles. Take exit 35 toward Ainsworth State Park/Historic Highway; merge onto NE Frontage Rd and continue on the beautiful Historic Colombia River Highway to this most spectacular attraction in the Oregon Cascades. About: Though a bit of a drive from BZ Corner, this waterfall is worth the travel time. Multnomah has a paved trail leading right up to the top of the waterfall and 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. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
Wahclella Falls Length: 2 miles Directions: Go south on Washington Route 141 from BZ Corner 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. After about a mile, merge onto 84 West, 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 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 hike. 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.
Little Huckleberry Length: 5 miles Directions: Go north on 141 past Trout Lake 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, look out for the Starvation Creek State Park exit just before exit 51. About: The tallest peak in the gorge, Mount Defiance offers a dauntingly steep hike with incredible scenic rewards for the intrepid. 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 hike this area, just a couple of brass ones.
Doug's Beach State Park Directions: Go south from BZ Corner on WA-141, take a slight right onto 141-Alt, and then take a left onto WA14. Turn right at Hood Bridge Road and merge left onto I-84 East toward The Dalles. 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 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 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.
Discover Bicycles 116 Oak Street Hood River, OR 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 Colombia Gorge Phone: 509-493-3167 or 541-490-8397 Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon, and Walleye fishing charters through the lovely Colombia Gorge.
Northwestern Lake Riding Stables 126 Little Buck Creek Rd. White Salmon, WA 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.
The Columbia Valley boasts nearly thirty thousand acres of vineyards, 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, OR Phone: 800-666-9303 The chic wines of Naked Winery can be tasted by appointment only, which fits right in with their mission to "enhance the romantic experience of wine."
Mt. Hood Winery 2265 Hwy 35 Hood River, OR 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, OR 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, OR 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 tastings daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hood River Vineyards 4693 Westwood Drive Hood River, OR Phone: 541-386-3772 The oldest winery in the gorge maintains its prestige with a wide selection of wines including tree-fruit wines 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, OR Phone: 541-296-4707 This vineyard hosts frequent tours and tastings 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.
Wheatridge in the Nook 11102 Philippi Canyon Lane Arlington, OR Phone: 541-454-2585 Located in Arlington, Oregon, this fine winery offers frequent tours and an expansive selection of high quality beverages for the discerning palette.
Wind River Cellars 196 Spring Creek Rd. Husum, WA 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, WA Phone: 509-365-2744 Vinum bonum laetificat cor humanum. Tastings Wednesday through Sunday 11-6.
Bad Seed Cider 221 West Steuben Street Bingen, WA Phone: 509-493-3881 Open daily from 11 to 7, Bad Seed Cider asks, "How do you like them apples?" Find your own answer in the rich flavors of their fermented fruit beverages.
Gorge Wine Merchants 218 W. Steuben (State Hwy 14) Bingen, WA Phone: 509-493-5333 In the tasting room you'll find over 30 wines for sampling, as well as artisan cheese plates and fresh fruit. They had me at "artisan cheese,"...never mind the plates.
Click on any of the links below to check available dates, book your trip, and ask us any questions.
Or, if you'd prefer, feel free to give us a call at (206)938-4030 or (800)228-RAFT or send us an email. We'd be happy to help you plan the perfect trip.
Before you embark on any 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 hike alone.
