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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