By Living Room Realty, May 27, 2021
Hi, Readers!
Double vax’ed and ready to rumble? Looking for a last-minute way to celebrate a long weekend and the beginning of summer? Me tooooo.✌️
That’s the great thing about Portland. Head 90 minutes in any direction and the topography, adventure potential and climate changes. Bust out the road trip playlist and head east for a day trip to one of our favorite road boogies: The beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Hiking in the gorge is incredible. There is so much to explore and it’s filled with the most beautiful views, waterfalls and overall a great experience to share with family and friends. Kids and Grandparents alike can mosey or hustle – be sure to pack snacks and water (m&m’s are our secret bribe/weapon for that last elevation gain), and don’t forget to steer clear of overlooks and edges, tempting as it is.
Weekends are lively in Hood River, it’s the windsurfing capital of the world. Wind channels flow through the Columbia River Gorge and create ideal conditions for kitesurfing, SUP and other water sports. While it’s still a little cold for us to SUP, we love to swing by the waterfront to see the epic air caught by kitesurfers and grab a bite from one of the many great spots along the waterfront.
For those who want to wind down for the weekend (it’s been a LONNNNG year!) head to a spa day, walk around town and stop in and check out some cool shops. Oooh, the treasures!
Here’s a quick list to bookmark – have fun and if you decide to go, let me know what you end up doing – maybe I’ll see you on the trails!
Till then, high fives!
Hikes: (Easy to Moderate Trails)
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area – gets crowded and has a ticket system now, plan ahead if you can
- Angels Rest
- Cape Horn
- Beacon Rock
- Hamilton Mountain
- Pro Tip: Before your hike, be sure to check out the trail details and have purchased an OR/WA park day pass
Activities:
- Tours – Bonneville Dam (landmark)
- Portland’s Best Value Air Tours | Envi Adventures
- Big Winds Home – Big Winds
- Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Cruises
Grub:
Shops:
- Pure Stoke® – Hood River Outdoor Retailer – Formerly 2nd Wind Sports – Gear, Kite, Camping
- Spruce Gifts & Provisions: Home – Refreshments and gifts
- Hood River Stationers – cards, gifts, art/office supplies
- find your flavor – teas, wines, oils and cookware
- G.Williker’s Toy Shoppe Inc
- oldtrunkhr – antique shop
Spas:
