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Recreation
in the Columbia River Gorge and The Dalles, OR
Our
Gorge Hotels offer the perfect location to explore the Columbia
River. Visitors can enjoy Mt. Hood which draws skiers, hikers, mountain
climbers and nature lovers year round, as well as white water rafting
on the Deschutes River, and Salmon and Sturgeon fishing on over
8 rivers. Cyclists whiz through wheat fields, cherry orchards and
along historic highways while kiteboarders and windsurfers ride
the wind on the river. The region's growing wine
industry offers "a world of wines in 40 miles."
Sightseeing
The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway follows a route around Mt. Hood
that has been traveled for hundreds of years first by the Native
Americans of the area and then by the pioneers finishing the last
leg of the Oregon Trail. The drive offers spectacular views with
recreational stops along they way. Whether it be skiing at Mt. Hood,
windsurfing, or hiking-all can be found along this historic route,
a great source for day trips, hikes and history! View our list of
scenic driving routes
and explore the entire area.
The
historic Mt. Hood Railroad takes travelers through the picturesque
foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Soak up the scenery through
a domed glass roof as you travel along rivers, through forests and
orchards while a guide leads through the history of the area and
points of interests.
Old
St. Peter’s Landmark is a Catholic church built in 1897
that was saved from demolition by the tenacity of local citizens
keen on historical preservation. A Gothic brick church with brilliant
stained-glass windows, St. Peters is free to the public and is a
treasure The Dalles loves to share.
For
more activities and attractions check out www.gorgeonline.com and
the photo gallery or www.a2zgorge.info.
Art
Galleries
The Maryhill Museum of Art houses a collection of old and new-world
art rarely seen west of the Mississippi. Just up I-84, over-looking
the Columbia River and Gorge, is a world-class museum featuring
an eclectic mix of art including paintings from Romania, an outdoor
sculpture garden, an exhibit highlighting the fashions of post-WWII
France, and a large collection of art and artifacts from the indigenous
people of North America. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits
and has a museum store and café.
A 2,700 square foot glass-blowing studio founded in 2001. Nichols
Art Glass is full of unique blown glass pieces from small tokens
like glass pumpkins and cherries, to larger installments. The artists
who work here have contributed pieces in galleries across the Northwest
and supply larger installations for regional hotels and lodges.
Day
Spas
Columbia Laser Skin Center offers full spa services at their downtown
location. Massage, facials, instant tan, skin treatments and relaxation
therapies.
Museums
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is the official interpretive
center for the Columbia River National Scenic Area. Its over 25,000
square feet exhibit details and brings to life the all the natural
phenomenon that formed the Columbia River Gorge, from volcanic eruptions
to floods. Highlights and features include supplies and equipment
on the Lewis and Clark expedition, theories about the Ice Age, and
a wing devoted to the history of the inhabitants, past and present,
of Wasco County, in which The Dalles is located.
Oregon's
oldest history museum, Fort Dalles Museum, is filled with
pioneer and military artifacts dating back to 1800's. Set atop a
hill, Fort Dalles was the first military outpost in the area and
the central building from which the town of The Dalles grew.
You
can also check out www.historicthedalles.org for special events
& Rodeo information.
Maryhill Museum - WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE A REAL LIFE
FAIRY TALE.
Come explore Maryhill Museum’s world-class collection of art
ranging from early 20th century European works to an extensive Native
American collection. Set in a castle-like chateau on a stunning
6,000-acre site overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill
Museum is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most fascinating cultural
destinations and located just 100 miles east of Portland, Oregon.
The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 80 sculptures
and watercolors by the French master Auguste Rodin, including the
only pedestal-sized plaster version of his famous The Thinker, and
much more.
Fruit
Tours
Drive
through orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities of
the Hood River Valley on the 35 mile, scenic Fruit Loop. Sample
delicious fruits from fruit stands and U-pick farms, experience
fields of fragrant lavender, meet some friendly alpacas, take home
delicious baked goods, and create memories by participating in family
activities hosted at Fruit Loop locations throughout the year.
Vineyards
& Wineries
The Columbia Gorge is the rising star of new Wine Appellations.
With Over 40 wineries in 40 miles, you can taste everything from
Chardonnay, Reisling, Sauvingon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Roses and Pear
Wine to Organic Pinot Noir, Cab's, Syrahs, Barberas, Nebbilos, Zinfandel
and Ports.
Maryhill
Winery, was named "Washington Winery of the Year for 2009"
by Winepress magazine. With views of the Gorge and Mt. Hood, their
tasting room offers a cozy atmosphere to wind-down from your day
of biking, hiking, or museum hopping. Their expansive grounds host
concerts on warm summer evenings attracting such artists as the
Counting Crows, John Legend, and Jackson Browne.
Just
down the hill at Maryhill park, stop and visit Terrance and his
family run wine tasting at Waving Tree Winery. A small production
winery, with great wine and great prices!
Cascade
Cliffs Winery is a family-owned winery, set in the scenic and stunningly
beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Specializing in and crafting red
wines focused on the Piedmont varietals Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo,
our wines begin in our estate vineyard.
Dry
Hollow is surrounded by the Hi-Valley Cherry Orchard in The Dalles,
Oregon. The Vineyard is planted on a south-facing slope in rocky
stone laden soil. These soils and the hot, dry climate in this part
of the Columbia River Gorge combine to create optimum growing conditions
for the wines we make. Our new scenic Tasting Room, nestled among
cherry orchards, is located next to the Hi-Valley Vineyard. Come
enjoy the view and our beautiful surroundings with a picnic and
some wine!
Bolton
Cellars is another winery of note producing one hundred percent
estate wines from local vineyards. The volunteer staff at the Bolton
Cellars tasting room produces hand made jewelry, wallets, sunglass
cases, note cards, and wine bags. It’s a truly local experience!
Erin Glenn winery, located in the Old Mint Building on 2nd Street
downtown, offers excellent Reds. Try some Tantrum , Pinot Noir,
Dolcetto, Tempranillo, Bordeaux, Cab Sauv, Barbera, Syrah, all grown
in the Columbia Valley!
Heading West on Hwy 14, and up Old Hwy 8, you will also find Jacob
Williams Winery, Domaine Pierre Noir, Cor Cellars, and Klicitat
Organic Winery. Heading 20 miles West on Hwy 84 in Hood River you
will find Cathedral Ridge Winery, Pheasant Valley Winery, Phelps
Creek, Marchessi, Mt. Hood Winery, Wy East Winery, The Gorge White
House, Hood River Winery, The Pines, Naked Winery, Viento Winery,
and Springhouse Cellars.
Experience all the wineries on a personal guided tour with Hood
River Wine Tours.
Or Book a Room and Tour Package for a great discount! Call us today
at 541-769-0001
Golfing
Husum
Hills Country Club is a 9-hole regulation length golf course in
nearby White Salmon, Washington. The short layout course has three
sets of tee boxes for golfers of all skill levels, offering a fun
but challenging golfing experience. It's signature hole is a 215-yard,
par 3, featuring a stunning view of the mountains. Locals say course
is a great walk and fun for the whole family!
Horseback
Riding
Located
just up the river, outside of White Salmon, you will find a unique
horseback riding experience. Northwestern Lake Riding Stables lie
in a beautiful valley surrounded by the majestic Cascade Mountains
of Washington State. Explore trails that meander up and down hills,
through creeks and streams, and offer spectacular views of the valley
and Mt. Hood. Local wildlife flourishes in the area, as there are
frequent sightings of deer, wild turkeys and even the occasional
elk. Northwestern Lake Riding Stables offers guided trail rides,
from one to four hours, offering the right ride for all skill levels.
Mountain
Biking/Cycling
Northwest mountain bikers know The Dalles is the Gorge’s best-kept
secret, as its dry climate lends the area to early spring riding.
The course of the Cherry Festival Mountain Bike Race is open to
riders most of the year. The trailhead is located in Sorosis Park
in The Dalles. The network of trails on the course will keep riders
pumping, turning and skidding for hours. Specific directions and
a map can be found at Life Cycles, 418 East 2nd Street, Downtown
The Dalles. The professionals at Bicycle Adventures have done their
homework and offer the best guided bike tours in the region.
The
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail follow the path where
U.S Highway 30 once crept around curves high along the cliffs of
the Columbia River Gorge. Cyclists love the paved pathway and leisurely
turns which showcase the view of the mighty Columbia. The trail,
two disconnected paved ribbons along abandoned stretches of the
historic highway, give cyclist more than 10 miles of sightseeing
thrills.
Fishing
Local and experienced fishermen head out on the Columbia, The John
Day, and The Deschutes to cast for salmon, sturgeon, walleye, trout,
and steelhead, but for the novice or traveling angler there’s
Young's Fishing Service. Young's offers guided eight hour fishing
trips, over-night camping trips, and all the amenities of a top-=notch
guide service at reasonable rates.
Parks
and Forests
The
Tom McCall Preserve, a nature and wildlife preserve atop a plateau
over looking the Columbia Gorge is a transitional zone between the
moist, heavily forested areas of Western Oregon and the drier grasslands
of the East making its landscape, flora, and fauna diverse. Enjoy
the preserves several trails, which offer a look at rare plants
and animals.
Horsethief
State Park across the Columbia River in Washington, was formerly
a Native American village and camp to Lewis and Clark on their journey
across the American West. During the building of The Dalles Dam,
the village was flooded, which resulted in the creation of the 90-acre
lake that today offers many boating and water-sport options. With
its 7,500 feet of shoreline on the Columbia, the park is the prime
picnicking spot. Keep an eye out for ancient Native American pictographs!
Windsurfing/Kite
Surfing
Just up I-84 in Hood River, Hood River Waterplay offers lessons
in windsurfing and kite surfing for every age and skill level. Lessons
start on land and quickly move to the waters of the Columbia as
Brian’s expert staff guides surfers through the ins and outs
of this exciting water sport!
For
more information on places to see and things to do in The Dalles
and the Columbia River Gorge, visit thedalleschamber.com or www.gorgeonline.com
Whitewater
Rafting & Kayaking
Take
advantage of the crystal clear water and stunning scenery of the
Pacific Northwest. River Drifters (Deschutes and White Salmon),
Zollers, & Wet Planet offers whitewater rafting trips for all
skill levels of rafters. From the remote wilderness stretches of
the class III Klickitat River and Tieton River, to the classic glacier
waters and basalt canyons of the White Salmon River, to the challenges
of class V whitewater rapids on the Wind River and Farmlands, they
have designed a variety of day-trips that are certain to meet the
expectations of any whitewater rafter.
For those looking to develop the skills necessary to run rivers
on their own, or experienced paddlers looking to improve their technique,
the Wet Planet Kayak School offers kayak instruction for beginning
to advanced paddlers. The Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking Center
is located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, on
the Washington state side, along the banks of the White Salmon River.
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