Wild and beautiful, the Columbia River Gorge is a natural playground with plenty of fun and exhilarating ways to spend a warm day on the mighty Columbia.
Fishing
The Columbia River Gorge is home to countless fishing sites. In fact, it’s one of the most diverse fisheries in the nation. At the heart of the gorge, the 48- mile-long Bonneville Reservoir is a consistent source of smallmouth and largemouth bass, pan fish, and walleye pike. The region also holds several fast-running rivers with rapids teeming with river trout, salmon, and steelhead trout as well as many pristine lakes with trout and chinook salmon in the spring and fall.
River Cruises
For a laidback way to enjoy the river, there are several companies that do scenic cruises and tours. Some offer overnight cruises to explore the natural beauty of the gorge and its budding wine country, while others offer daytime sightseeing trips, tours that focus on the history and geography of the area, and dinner cruises. There are even steamboat cruises, which make guests feel as though they’ve traveled back in time.
Whitewater Rafting
Another thrilling activity in the gorge is whitewater rafting, and there are many places to do so on the rivers that feed into the Columbia. The White Salmon River, formed from a Mount Adams lava tube, is an actionpacked rafting destination across the Columbia from Hood River, Oregon. With many rafting companies, rapids, falls, and stunning views of basalt cliffs and wildflowers, it is a great place for some excitement on the river.
Kayaking & Windsurfing
The Columbia River is home to a thriving community of kayakers and windsurfers, in fact Hood River is considered the windsurfing capital of the world! There are many kayak rental companies, and some offer guided tours as well. The wind blows through the gorge nearly every day, making it a windsurfer’s haven and the perfect place for a lesson.
Hiking
For breathtaking views of the river from above, the Columbia River Gorge has hundreds of hiking trails ranging from nearly flat to very difficult. The National Park Service website outlines great hikes in the gorge area, and the Washington Trails Association website is a resource for hikes on the Washington side of the river. Hikers can discover epic waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and sweeping views of the gorge and Mount Hood