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Come Work and Play
Welcome to the Columbia River Gorge! The Columbia
River Gorge begins just east of Portland, Oregon and encompasses
both Washington and Oregon states.
About the Gorge & Recreation
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
stretches approximately 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep
encompassing both Northern Oregon and Southern Washington States.
The Columbia River Gorge is truly a year-round
playground. Whether you enjoy the outdoor activities, the arts &
museums, attractions, a relaxing spa treatment, wine tasting, great
dining & shopping or there is something for everyone!
Known for it’s recreation, the Gorge is
a mecca for waterfall & wildflower viewing, hiking, biking,
golf, fishing, whitewater rafting & kayaking, windsurfing &
kiting, scenic sternwheeler cruises on the Columbia River or Alpine
& Nordic skiing or Snowboarding on Mt. Hood.
Great Fishing
Don’t miss the great fishing on the mighty
Columbia River or nearby tributaries. The most popular fishing includes
salmon, steelhead and sturgeon. Fishing guides are highly recommended.
Whitewater Rafting
The Columbia Gorge offers some of the best whitewater in the country.
Whether you’re a first-time rafter or a Class V kayaker, you’ll
find numerous opportunities to enjoy the rivers of the Gorge. Rafting
trips can range from relaxing float trips to intense, challenging
rapids.
The Columbia River Gorge Area is a true paradise for whitewater
enthusiasts. The numerous rivers flowing into the Columbia River
offer trips that are perfect whether you’re a first time rafter
or you’ve lost count of your times on the river. There are
rivers suitable for families or class V adrenaline junkies. These
are the most popular rivers:
• White Salmon River:
Season: April through September. Level: beginner to advanced, age
10 years and up.
• Klickitat River:
Season: April through early June. Level: beginner to advanced, age
10 years and up.
• Wind River:
Season: March through May. Level: experienced, age 18 years and
older.
• Deschutes River:
Season: April through September. Level: beginner and up, perfect
for families with younger children.
For more information on the specific rivers, please visit the individual
website of our member outfitters.
Choosing an Outfitter
There are many outfitters eager to take you on the water, and whether
you’re rafting or kayaking, it’s an exciting way to
experience the stunning natural beauty of the Gorge!
Please visit the rafting outfitter websites listed on this website,
choose the company that meets your group’s needs best, and
give them a call!
Whitewater Kayaking
You’ll also find world-class kayaking here. Kayakers from
all over the world visit this area to kayak down the wide variety
of rivers of the Columbia River Gorge. From flat water kayaking
to expert class V kayaking, it is all right here.
You can get started yourself. Kayaking schools
offer beginner lessons and kids’ classes, as well as overnight
whitewater kayaking courses. The variety of rivers in the region
and the expert instructors make it easy to kayak at the level that
is right for you.
Please visit the kayaking outfitter websites
listed on this website, choose the company that meets your group’s
needs best, and give them a call!
The National Scenic Area
The National Scenic Area was created with two
main purposes: To protect and enhance the scenic, natural, cultural
and recreational resource of the Gorge; and to protect and support
the economy of the Gorge.
The Gorge is a place of incredible beauty and
diversity. It is the only sea-level passage through the Cascade
Mountain Range and has a rich cultural history spanning over 10,000
years. The 620-foot cascading Multnomah Falls, off of I-84, is just
one of about a dozen waterfalls that are accessible from the Scenic
Columbia River Highway off of I-84.
Whether you are looking for a hike, to
find one of the 15 endemic wildflower species or explore the 40
million years of geologic history, this is the place to start your
journey. The National Scenic Area Office & USDA Forest Service
Information Center can provide maps, directions, interpretive information
and sales items to help you in your endeavors.
We have included some helpful materials. Click
on any of the items listed below for a downloadable brochure, map
or other great information about the Columbia Gorge.
Gorge Vistas Brochure
Click
here for a downloadable brochure on the Columbia Gorge!
Hiking Trails:
Washington
Trails Association - Northwest Hiking Guide
USDA
Forest Service - Current Trail Updates and Info
Bike Trails:
Columbia
River Gorge Bike Map
Columbia Gorge Maps & Columbia River
Gorge National Scenic Area Info:
USDA
Forest Service Maps
Columbia
River Gorge Scenic Area Map
Information
about the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Multnomah
Falls Forest Service Information Center - 503.695.2372
Skamania
Lodge USDA Forest Service Activities Center - 1131 SW Skamania
Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA 98648 - 509.427.2528
Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon:
Forest
Headquarters, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy,
OR 97055 - 503.668.1700
Hood River Ranger District - 6780 Highway 35 South, Mt. Hood-Parkdale,
OR 97041 - 541.352.6002
Barlow Ranger District - P.O. Box 67, Dufur, OR 97021
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
Forest
Headquarters - 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682 - 360.891.5000
Please click
here to view our Member Directory and a complete list of our
recreation members.
Columbia River Gorge Visitor's Association
404 W. 2nd Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058
Tel: 800-98-GORGE (46743) Email: Info@CRGVA.org
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