The Columbia River
Gorge is a beautiful and spectacular river canyon
cutting through the Cascade
Mountain Range. It's
80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep with the north
walls in Washington and the south walls in Oregon. Much
of the Gorge is located within the Columbia
River Gorge National Scenic Area
The climate of the Gorge ranges from temperate
rainforest in the west, to sagebrush desert in the east. The
Columbia River Gorge Hostel is located in the
amazing transition zone between those two worlds. Our
summers are mostly sunny and dry, with a strong and
constant breeze, unmatched for water sports such as windsurfing,
kiteboarding, and sailing. And yet our
spring rainfall and snowmelt produces an incredible
display of wildflowers
unmatched nearly any
where else in nature.
The high volcanic walls and rock formations of the
Gorge create innumerable astonishing vistas and
breathtaking vistas. More than one hundred
waterfalls plummet down the cliffs and plunge
into the Columbia River. Three snowy volcanoes
flank the Gorge: Mt. Hood to the south, Mt. Adams to
the northeast, and Mt. St. Helens to the northwest. In
short, the Gorge is one of the most beautiful places
on Earth.
Historically, The Gorge was significant as the
terminus of the Oregon Trail pioneer
route and
as part of the path of the famous Lewis &
Clark Expedition. Native Americans have left their
mark on the Gorge with their pictographs and
petroglyphs, which are still visible today.
Today, the Gorge offers outdoor enthusiasts perhaps the
most diverse range of activities in North America. You can hike or backpack
along the
innumerable trails, marvel at diverse wildlife, catch
the wind on the river with your sailboard or kiteboard,
kayak or raft one of the many wild and scenic rivers
that plunge into the Gorge, test your mountaineering
skills against the high snowy peaks of Mt. Adams or
Mt. Hood, ski and snowboard late into the season, dunk
your head under a waterfall, gape at the terrible
volcanic splendor of Mt. St.
Helens, ride horseback
across the range, mountain bike on gorgeous trails
both technical and casual, bicycle tour for miles
along dedicated bicycle-only routes that wind along
mountain plateaus, cliffs, and ravines, take your family for a swim
on a
sunny river beach, test your line and rod skills
against some of the most rewarding freshwater
game-fish in the world, and, at the end of the day,
rest your weary muscles in a hot spring spa. (What
more could you ask for?).
And the Gorge isn't lacking for the cultural connoisseur.
The nearby Maryhill
Museum of Art features a more
inclusive collection of Rodin sculptures than you'll
find at almost any metropolitan museum. In addition, Maryhill
also sports a huge collection of exquisite and unique vintage
chess sets, royal Queen Marie Romanian furniture and
artifacts, the world renowned Theatre de la
Mode Mannequins, an
outstanding and comprehensive Native American heritage
display, revolving displays of by local artists, and
sculpture flower gardens with free range
peacocks.
Art galleries, museums, and pottery studios abound in nearby
towns of Hood River and White Salmon. Some studios
offer classes and encourage participation of visitors.
Come and try your hand at glassblowing at the fabulous
White
Salmon Glassworks, or just watch the masters
work their craft in shop's comfortable seating area.
Or visit the Columbia
Art Gallery for a whole range of classes and
opportunities.
For the wine lover, many local wineries offer lots of
opportunity to sample some of the fruits of some of
the most productive vineyards in the United
States.
There are plenty of good
restaurants in the towns of Bingen, White
Salmon and Hood River, from small,
delightful taquierias and comfortable coffee shops to
upscale dining experiences. Hood River and White
Salmon offer a wide range of gift shops, gear
rental shops, and specialty stores. Hood
River and White Salmon also offers all the essential
services you'd expect--hospitals, car repair
shops, banks, supermarkets, department stores, etc.
In short, it's all here, within a short drive from
your base at the Columbia River Gorge
Hostel!
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