httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERcff9bThEI

Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce

Hood River County Chamber of Commerce

West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce

Skamania County Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesty of Mike Godsey and Windnotes Design

The majority of schools are public with a few private schools in the larger cities. Head Start and Montessori programs are also really popular for parents looking for a more hands-on learning experience. The size of school also varies greatly. Hood River High School for example has about 4 times as many students than Columbia High School in White Salmon.

Please view the websites below for more information on education in the Gorge:

Hood River County School District

Skamania County School District

Sherman County School District

Klickitat County School District

Wasco County School District

Where to view the flowers:

The Catherine Creek trail and/or the Tom McCall Nature Preserve are the best sites offering easy hikes for exploring and viewing wildflowers. Both lie in the transition zone between the damp western end of the Gorge and the drier eastern side. Their location contributes to a diversity of wildflowers that runs to more than 200 different species, some unique to the Columbia River Gorge.

Other helpful links:

Tom McCall Preserve

Plummeting 620 feet from its origins on Larch Mountain, Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. Here, all your senses will come alive as you experience the sights and sounds of these magnificent falls.

At the base of the falls lays historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Built in 1925 the lodge provides fine northwest cuisine with a panoramic view from your table.

The water of Multnomah Falls is located about twenty minutes east of Troutdale. The Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area extends from the Sandy River, all the way to the Deschutes River, nearly 80 miles east. The winding road of the scenic highway will deliver you to Multnomah Falls while simultaneously captivating you along the way with breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Seasons
Unlike many of the West’s famous falls, Multnomah Falls does not dry up in the late summer. Rainwater, an underground spring and snow melt feed the falls through all four seasons and ensure a spectacular sight any day of the year.

Tips:
- Pets are allowed at Multnomah Falls, but must be controlled and on a leash at all times.
- Multnomah Falls does NOT require a Northwest Forest Pass.
- Spray and mist cause a cooler micro-climate within the falls viewing area so be sure to bring a sweater in summer or coat in winter for added warmth.

Other helpful links:

Friends of Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls Lodge

The Columbia Gorge area is also home to the best orchards in the Pacific Northwest. Some of the main agricultural products include apples, pears, and cherries. Many of these orchards encourage families to come and pick the fruit. There are also fruit stands set up in various areas during the summer months selling delicious fruit.

The presence of these orchards, fruit stands, and farmer’s markets are just a couple things that contribute to the amazing sense of community found in the Columbia River Gorge.

Other helpful sites:

Gorge Grown Food Network

Hood River Saturday Market

About wine in the Gorge:

“Wines of the World in a 40-mile stretch!”

There are over 50 different vineyards growing Columbia Gorge grapes right now! The Columbia Gorge region is an official American Viticultural Area or AVA. Meaning the area is certified to grow grapes and produce wines. The vineyards are located in portions of Hood River, Wasco, Skamania and Klickitat Counties. The Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (ATTB) designates viticultural areas to allow bottlers to better describe the origin of wines.

The 280 square mile Columbia Gorge viticultural area straddles the Columbia River for 15 miles, and extends into south-central Washington and north-central Oregon. The area surrounds Hood River, Oregon, and White Salmon, Washington, and is generally bordered by B Z Corner, Washington, on the north; Lyle, Washington, on the east; Parkdale, Oregon, on the south; and Vinzenz Lausmann State Park, Oregon, on the west. The area is just west of the established Columbia Valley viticultural area.

Growers have raised grapes in the Columbia Gorge for over a century. In the 1880s, the Jewitt family, founders of the town of White Salmon, built terraces on a wide south-facing slope on the bluff above Bingen, Washington. They planted American vines that they had brought with them from Illinois.

The primary grape varieties grown in the Columbia Gorge are Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris. Some Lemberger, Merlot and Zinfandel are also planted. In general, the whiter grapes grow better on the west side and the deeper reds grow better to the east.

There are also over 25 different wineries in the Gorge offering a variety of wines as well as tours and tastings. The Columbia River Gorge has a diverse wine community with a number of connoisseurs and novice wine drinkers. Taking a winery or vineyard tour may turn out to be a lifelong memory here in the Gorge.

Other helpful links:

Columbia Gorge Wine Growers Association

List of Wineries in the Gorge

Satisfying food in the Columbia Gorge:

Although the local towns along the Columbia River are relatively small during the low-tourist season, there are numerous restaurants to satisfy any palate. There are food choices of almost any variety including: Chinese, Mexican, Italian, American, and many more. Bistros and brew pubs that serve an assortment of foods to satisfy the entire family are also quite prevalent.

Some unique things about the Gorge are the family owned restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream stands. They really do add character to the towns. There are very few chain restaurants. Instead, people flock to food establishments that have great food, a welcoming atmosphere, decent prices, and staff that makes you feel like family even if you’ve just met.

Check out these links to find out more about specific restaurants in the area:

Hood River Restaurants

White Salmon & Surrounding Area Restaurants

The Dalles Restaurants

Whitewater Rafting in the Columbia Gorge:

Here in the Gorge you can choose between four of the best mild to wild rivers for white water rafting in Washington State and Oregon State.  The White Salmon River, Deschutes River, Klickitat River, and Wenatchee River offer some of the best whitewater in the Columbia Gorge area. Take advantage of the crystal clear water and stunning scenery of the Pacific Northwest on these whitewater rafting trips for all skill levels of rafters in the Columbia River Gorge.

For those looking to develop the skills necessary to run rivers on their own, or experienced paddlers looking to improve their technique, several water schools offer kayak and whitewater rafting instruction for beginning to advanced students. If you are looking to get on the water, there is a rafting trip that suits every desire here in the Columbia River Gorge.

Best time to plan a trip:

May through September there are several whitewater companies that can guide you on your desired adventure. Certain tours are restricted by water levels and time of year.

Other helpful links:

Wet Planet Whitewater

Rafting the White Salmon River

Rafting the Deschutes River

Rafting the Wenatchee River

Rafting the Klickitat River

Kayaking in the Gorge:

The Columbia River Gorge area offers both whitewater and flat water conditions perfect for kayakers. Most beginners should use a guide and have some pool practice before attempting whitewater in an enclosed kayak. There are kayak schools that offer full whitewater programs, with pool and river lessons, as well as river rescue clinics and flat water kayaking tours in the Columbia River Gorge. They also have whitewater, flat water, and sit on top kayak rentals.

Kayaks are classified by their intended use. There are six primary classifications: polo, slalom, whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping and general recreation. From these primary classifications stem many sub-classes. For example, a fishing kayak is simply a general recreation kayak outfitted with features and accessories that make it an easier kayak from which to fish. A creek kayak is a certain type of whitewater kayak, designed to handle narrow gully-type rivers and falls. Also within these classifications are many levels of performance which further separate the individual models. In other words, not all touring kayaks handle the same!

There is no doubt that kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge area will evoke a deep respect for the local rivers. Kayaking truly takes river exploration and adventure to the next level.

Other helpful links:

Columbia Gorge Kayak School

Columbia River Kayaking