If you're here to ride the wind or just want to watch, head to the Columbia Gorge Sailpark at Hood River Marina, the nearby Event Site, or The Hook, all of which are accessible via exit 63 off I-84. Across the river in Washington, try the fish hatchery (The Hatchery), west of the mouth of the White Salmon River, or Swell City, a park about 4 miles west of the bridge. If you're a windsurfer or kiteboarder, you'll find all kinds of windsurfing- and kiteboarding-related shops in downtown Hood River. Classes are available through Hood River WaterPlay (tel. 800/WND-SURF or 541/386-WIND; www.hoodriverwaterplay.com) and Gorge Kiteboard School (tel. 541/490-4401; www.windguide.com), which teaches only kite boarding.
When there isn't enough wind for sailing, there's still the option to go rafting on the White Salmon River. Companies offering raft trips on this river include Zoller's Outdoor Odysseys (tel. 800/366-2004 or 509/493-2641; www.zooraft.com), Wet Planet Rafting (tel. 800/306-1673; www.wetplanetrafting.com), and All Adventures Rafting (tel. 877/641-RAFT or 800/74-FLOAT; www.alladventures.net). Although the White Salmon can be rafted anytime of year, the most popular season runs from April through September. A half-day trip will cost around $60 or $65 per person.
Mountain biking is also very popular, and Hood River bike shops can direct you to some fun area rides. Check at Discover Bicycles, 116 Oak St. (tel. 541/386-4820; www.discoverbicycles.com), or Mountain View Cycles, 205 Oak St. (tel. 541/386-2453; www.mtviewcycles.com), both of which rent bikes. Expect to pay between $25 and $60 per day.
If fly-fishing is your passion, drop by the Gorge Fly Shop, 201 Oak St. (tel. 541/386-6977; www.gorgeflyshop.com), which can fill all your angling needs and point you to where the fish are biting; they can also connect you with a local fly-fishing guide.
Hikers have their choice of trails in Mount Hood National Forest, the Columbia Gorge, or across the river (head up Wash. 141 to Mount Adams). At 12,276 feet in elevation, Mount Adams is the second-highest peak in Washington. For more information about hiking on Mount Adams, contact the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Adams Ranger District, 2455 Wash. 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650 (tel. 509/395-3400; www.fs.fed.us/gpnf).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
