Guide to The Gorge

Beacon Rock

Outside Skamania, Washington is the 848 foot-tall Beacon Rock that overlooks a breathtaking section of the mighty Columbia River. The core of an ancient volcano, Beacon Rock is essentially a basalt plug; the Missoula Flood waters eroded away the softer outer material. Captain Clark wrote in his journals, “…a remarkable high rock on Stard. Side about 800 feet high & 400 yds round…” His estimates were exceptionally close. Today, the site is on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail’s list of High Potential Historic Sites.

Multnomah Falls

A waterfall as magnificent and memorable as any in the country is located just a 30- minute drive outside of Portland. Visiting Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring, awe-inspiring cascade of icy water, lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close and with ease. From the parking area off of I-84, a 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls. Timed reservation are required.

Vista House

The Vista House was built in 1917 on one of the most beautiful scenic points on the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was constructed to provide travelers a place to rest and refresh themselves as they made their way down the magnificent Columbia River Gorge. A perfect stop on your way into the Gorge coming from Portland. Located in Corbett, OR.

Hood River Fruit Loop

The Hood River Fruit loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood. This valley is host to Oregon's largest fruit growing region. Over thirty percent of the nation's winter pears are harvested here, along with a variety of apples, berries, peaches, and cherries. The 'Fruit Loop' is comprised of twenty-six member stands offering a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Offerings change seasonally and you can check out their Facebook page to see what's fresh.

Mount Hood Railroad

The Mount Hood Railroad offers an unforgettable train journey through the scenic valleys of the Columbia River Gorge in the shadow of Mt. Hood in Oregon. Leaving the valley floor you will cross and ride along 3 miles of the lower main fork of the Hood River while we navigate a 3% grade that takes you on one of only five switchbacks remaining in the United States. All the while, you’ll be enjoying peek-a-boo views of Mt Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak. Departing from Hood River. Reserve in advance.

Hood River Lavender Farms

Hood River Lavender Farms was established in 2003 by a cosmetologist and esthetician of 30 years who worked to create products that were healthy and beneficial for the skin using the healing properties of lavender. Visitors are encouraged to explore both the winery and lavender farm as well as stop by the barn to greet the resident farm animals. Pairs well with a scenic drive through the 'Fruit Loop'. Stunning views of Mount Hood.

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Cruises

May through October, this authentic sternwheeler takes visitors on a relaxing scenic cruise on the Columbia River. Sights may include the Bridge of the Gods, Native American Fishing Platforms, Wind Mountain and more. You can take a sightseeing, brunch or dinner cruise and experience the Columbia River Gorge from a unique perspective. Departs from Cascade Locks. Reserve in advance.

Mount Hood & Scenic Byway

Mount Hood National Forest extends across more than a million acres of forested mountains, lakes and streams, and the iconic Mount Hood. With the base of this potentially-active stratovolcano only 60 mins from Bingen/Hood River or 90 mins from Portland, it doesn't take long to get up-close-and-personal with Oregon's tallest glacier capped peak. Consider following the Scenic Byway route, taking the Mount Hood Railroad from Hood River, or even extending your trip for a day of skiing (yes, you can ski in June!). Got to the Oregon Tourism site here for more info on the wide array of possibilities. If you plan to overnight, check out the Timberline Lodge, a sister property of the Society Hotel.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

Located at the eastern gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is home to numerous exhibits to help introduce visitors to the geology, flora, fauna, history, and economic development of the Gorge. Learn how balance among many competing interests is helping preserve the region for future generations. Located in The Dalles, OR.

Bonneville Lock & Dam

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains Bonneville Lock and Dam for hydropower production, fish and wildlife protection, recreation, and navigation. Visitors can experience the operation of two hydroelectric powerhouses, watch migrating fish traveling upstream at the underwater viewing rooms next to the fish ladders, and see salmon and sturgeon in the fish hatchery. Located in Cascade Locks, OR.

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum

The WAAAM Air & Auto Museum has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country. The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they're full of LIFE! Located in Hood River, OR.

Maryhill Museum of Art

Set on a stunning 5,300-acre site overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, Maryhill Museum of Art is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most fascinating cultural destinations and located just 100 miles east of Portland, Oregon. Located in Goldendale, WA.

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum

Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum brings to life the human stories and natural history of one of our nation’s most compelling landscapes. The mission of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is to share the story of Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge. Located in Stevenson, WA.

Explore White Salmon

White Salmon is a laid-back mountain town with a vibrant art scene and filled with folks who love the outdoors, craft beer, tasty wine, and good food. All year-round kayakers come from around the world to kayak our rivers and waterfalls, kite-boarders and windsurfers gather here in the summer, mountain bikers start hitting it hard in the spring, paragliders love the bluffs, skiers and snowboarders thrash the Hood, snowmobilers ride the national forest, and PCT hikers arrive in the summer. In White Salmon, you will feel like a local but with all of the benefits of the Columbia River Gorge, White Salmon River, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and the Mt Adams Wilderness. You also get a fantastic view of Mt Hood from almost any location in White Salmon.

Explore Hood River

Just across the river from Bingen, you'll find the city of Hood River- (befittingly) self-declared as 'Mother Nature's Favorite'. It’s the go-to destination for foodies, trekkers, historians and adrenaline junkies. Called the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is located at the panoramic crossroads of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range. It’s chock-full of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, craft breweries, wineries and farm-to-table bounty. We recommend doing it all.

Take a guided tour

The Gorge is easily accessible on your own, but sometimes its easier just to leave the details (and the driving!) to someone else. A guided tour allows you to pack-in lots of great sites in one day, plus you'll benefit from learning about its rich history directly from a local. Consider trusting Martin's Gorge Tours as your on-the-ground expert for exploring the Gorge. If you'd like to share your tour with other guests, let us know and we can pass it along.

Kayak or SUP on the Columbia River

Learn to Windsurf or Kiteboard in these sport's world-capital

Ski or Board @ Mt Hood

Biking / eBiking in the Gorge

River Rafting (White Salmon River, Klickitat, Deschutes River)

Golfing

Zipline, Aerial Park, Mini Golf @ Skamania Lodge

Scenic Glider Flights

Paragliding

White Salmon Baking Co. (White Salmon, WA)

Pixán Taqueria & Cantina (White Salmon, WA)

Broder Øst (Hood River, OR)

Celilo Restaurant & Bar (Hood River, OR)

Ferment Brewing Company (Hood River, OR)

Three Rivers Grill (Hood River, OR)

pFriem Family Brewers (Hood River, OR)

Henni's Kitchen & Bar (White Salmon, WA)

Dreaming of lip-smacking cider made from apples plucked straight from local orchards? Or are you in search of an unforgettable wine tasting experience at an award-winning winery? No matter what you choose to delight in, the Gorge’s list of local libations offers something for everyone!

Beer & Cider

Everybody's Brewing (White Salmon, WA)

pFriem Family Brewers (Hood River, OR)

Ferment Brewing Company (Hood River, OR)

Crush Cider Cafe (Hood River, OR)

Wine

Hiyu Wine Farm (Hood River, OR)

South Hill Winery (Underwood, WA)

Maryhill Winery (Goldendale, WA)

Hawkins Cellars (Underwood, WA)

Le Doubblé Troubblé Wine Co. (Downtown White Salmon, WA)

Analemma Wines (Mosier, OR)

COR Cellars (Lyle, WA)

About wines from the Gorge:

EXPERIENCE THE EXPRESSION OF 40 MILES OF INTENSE GEOGRAPHY AND TRANSITIONING CLIMATES

Less than an hour east of Portland, nestled between the majestic peaks of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams lies the Gorge Wine region. This grape- growing region is defined by the Columbia River as it cuts through the Cascade Range at the only sea level passage, between the Arctic Circle to San Francisco in the Western Cordillera Ranges. Here, vineyards experience an alpine influence due to proximity to the Cascade Mountain Range — terrains range from sea level to mountainous altitudes with many variables for orientations. The dramatic transition in landscape and climate is enhanced by the cool moisture flowing eastward from the ocean, bringing 50 inches of rain per year to the eastern foothills of the Cascades and dropping to as little as 10 inches to the region’s arid eastern end.

Though most wine regions don’t cross state lines, the Gorge Wine region is comprised of an intrepid group of winemakers and growers on both shores of the river, in Oregon and Washington, bound by their passion for the craft and commitment to the land. Utilizing more than 50 different premium grape varieties grown across this 40 mile stretch, winemakers have a unique opportunity to create distinction and reveal place as they hone their craft.