Travel to less-visited places is becoming more popular. quiet landscapes The US has been buzzing with the excitement of travelers in the know about the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia River Gorge—The following are some examples of how to get started: it’s easy to see why. Splitting Washington and Oregon This National Scenic Area, which is split in half, stretches over 80 miles, while the river winds its way west through the Cascade Range. It creates a magical borderline area that straddles the two states. This is a rare combination of small-town charm and natural drama. Canyons were carved by Ice Age floods. Fast-moving rivers make for great paddling or rafting. Rolling hills are lined with lavender farms and forested paths. The Gorge is protected for its visual and ecological beauty. It has become an exclusive luxury getaway for those who know how to enjoy it. Days are spent sipping Chardonnay and chasing waterfalls. Nights end with hot tubs by the river, treehouse cabins or sleeping under canvas.
The riverside is awash with new, innovative hotels and public transport options. PortlandNo wonder that visitors are expected to increase in the next year. But beyond the jaw-dropping landscapes, there’s a real sense of place—one that thrives thanks to local businesses and grassroots organizations. This region depends on travelers who are curious to preserve its charm. Continued exploring here means supporting the mom-and-pop operations that define the soul of the Gorge—so keep the small vibrancy of these communities in mind when you go (and hence, resist the creeping tide of chain stores and big brands that could change its heart).
That said, whether you’re here for wildflower hikes, wine weekends, or to slow down in a fertile, scenic corner of the Pacific Northwest—you’ll find yourself surrounded by what makes the Gorge unforgettable: big views, fresh air, and a sense that you’ve stumbled into something both grounded and extraordinary. Read on for all there is to know about traveling to this underrated pocket of this region—and why it’s calling visitors, now.
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FAQ:
When is the best season to visit the Columbia River Gorge?
The Gorge’s beauty is breathtaking all year long, but early fall (September – October) and late spring (April – June) offer mild weather and fewer people, as well as vibrant foliage or blooms. Summer brings sunshine and easy access to vineyards and hiking trails, but it can also be very hot and crowded. Winter brings dramatic frozen waterfalls and solitude—best for seasoned hikers or cozy cabin stays. You can choose your time based on what you want to do: wildflowers, wine-tasting, waterfall hikes or winter solitude.
How do I reach the Columbia River Gorge from my location?
Most visitors start in Portland—just 45 to 90 minutes away by car, depending on your destination. You can take I-84 to the Oregon side, or the scenic Highway 14 to the Washington side. The Columbia Gorge Express and shuttles for wine or hiking tours from Portland are two car-free options. Local buses and bike-friendly transportation make it possible to explore quickly without a vehicle, even if you experience less than you would with a motorized vehicle. This is especially true during peak season (and if your hotel offers convenient programming).
What is the best place to stay in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon?
Stay in Hood River if you want to focus on wine tasting or waterfalls. Airbnb. White Salmon has a small town feel and offers a variety of accommodations, including spacious group rentals and quiet cabins. For nature lovers, elevated cabins or glamping (like the aforementioned) are best. Under Canvas You can also find out more about Skamania Lodge)—both offer immersive stays near trails, ziplines, and the forest. If you want to be alone, romantic retreats are the best choice. Tenzen Springs Hot tubs, soaking pool, and beautiful views are all available at riverside cottages located in Stevenson, Washington.
What should I include on my itinerary?
Start with waterfalls—Multnomah, Wahclella, and Panther Creek are must-sees. Bike ride through the countryside. Bike the Gorge Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting and e-bikes at Syncline You can also find out more about South Hill Vineyards. Consider a visit to Hood River Breweries, or a picnic at sunset on the Washington side of Mount Hood. White Salmon has quirky bakeries and shops, while a white-water trip is also available. Wet Planet If you feel adventurous.
Where to eat
In an area as wide and wild as the Columbia River Gorge, dining options can be spread out—so it’s worth plotting your meals with intention. White Salmon, on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, and Hood River, across the bridge, are the two places to go for the most vibrant food culture. These two small towns have a lot to offer when it comes local flavor. From high-end tastings menus to artisanal pastry and nostalgic roadside treats, they are sure to please.
White Salmon is the perfect way to start your day White Salmon Baking CoA warm, beloved, wood-fired baker known for its heirloom grains pastries, rich, seasonal galettes, rustic loaves. Locals line up to get their croissants and polenta cakes, while the patio shaded by Mount Hood offers a view. Only a few blocks away, Feast Market and Delicatessen is your go-to for trail snacks and gourmet provisions—think cured meats, cheeses, and handmade sandwiches that travel well. Hood River is a great place to visit. Common House This stylish wine bar is also a bottle shop with a pop-up kitchen. There are events such as Detroit style pizza nights, or visiting chefs. If you want to have a more refined evening, Votum Brings a taste of fine dining in this laid-back city with a hyperlocal menu created by a team with Michelin credentials.
Don’t forget to visit Portland if you are heading into or out of the city. Sugarpine Drive-In Troutdale is perched along the Sandy River. It’s a modern take on the classic roadside diner—soft serve, smashburgers, and seasonal specials served under string lights and towering evergreens.
Where to Stay
Hood River is located in the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa This polished classic offers grand river views, curated spa packages and historic grounds with a full service spa. Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel is this standout downtown Airbnb—set in a converted railroad building with two bedrooms—offers soaring ceilings, vinyl records, and rooftop views of the river and passing trains. Washington, across the river. The Inn at White Salmon places you right in the heart of a vibrant little town, with cafés, wine bars, and trailheads all minutes away. Groups of larger size can stay at The NeuHausYou can choose between a midcentury style home with panoramic Mount Hood views and the Gorge. rustic Airbnb cabin Tucked above a Ranch in the Husum Valley. Elk and Turkey sightings will be common.
The newly opened Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge The luxury safari tents are the perfect way to spend a romantic stay. West Elm furnishings and front-row views of Mount Hood—all wrapped in wilderness. Only a few miles away, Skamania Lodge In Stevenson, there is a resort that offers a variety of accommodation options, including treehouses, glamping and lodge rooms. There are also golf courses, ziplines, and forest trails. Also in Stevenson Wilder and Pine Riverside Cottages The cabins are decorated with a rustic woodsy theme and have soaking tubs on site. Tenzen Springs is a dreamy six-cabin hideaway with Scandinavian-interiors and Japanese-exteriors, private geothermal tubs, and bluff-top views of Wind Mountain and the Silver Star Scenic Area. Book this if you’re looking for a more unique and unusual experience. A-frame Airbnb Yacolt is located in Washington. It’s the ultimate escape, tucked away in the trees along the Lewis River. The treehouse has a hot tub and a swimming beach.
Playing in the Park
The adventure here is fueled by the fresh air, rushing waters, and breathtaking scenery. I found out. Bike the Gorge while I was staying at Under Canvas myself—they offer e-bike rentals (as well as cruisers, trikes, and kids’ gear) so you can follow car-free waterfall trails along the Historic Columbia River Highway. My partner and I trailed the lush and winding trails together with Bluetooth helmets, which let us talk as we rode—it was oddly romantic, and a low-effort way to stay connected.
