The Best Things to do in the Columbia River Gorge

Now that we’ve (hopefully) adjusted to writing 2023 on our calendars instead of 2022, don’t you think it’s time you planned something special for the remainder of the year? There are so many incredible things to do in the Columbia River Gorge – a stunning area in southwest Washington that is just begging to be explored.

From exploring the exciting town of Hood River and visiting the famed Fruit Loop on Mount Hood to hiking your way through the sensational trails and waterfalls in this part of the state, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Columbia River Gorge – a fact that’s just as true in the winter as it is in the summer. Whatever adventure speaks to you in 2023, know that our luxury cabins in Washington serve as the perfect home base for all of it.

Rain or shine, we offer the best cabins in the Columbia River Gorge for year-round getaways. Regardless of the season, one visit here is all it takes to see why we’re rated as the best cabins in Washington. With stunning natural surroundings and unbeatable hospitality, you won’t find any lodging like it in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re ready to experience all the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge this year, it’s time to book your cabin getaway!

Checking out various waterfalls like this one is one of the top rated things to do in the Columbia River Gorge

Things to do in the Columbia River Gorge

If there’s one thing to know about your time at our luxury cabins in Washington, it’s that there’s no shortage of things to do in the Columbia River Gorge during your time here. What activities you enjoy depends entirely on what you like to do in your spare time – but there’s a little bit of something for everyone here. The Columbia River Gorge is a truly stunning natural area filled with a broad range of outdoor pursuits, plus plenty of other things to do, including enjoying great food and wine, art, and more.

We could write about something different every day and probably still not cover all the many things to do in the Columbia River Gorge. Even so, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite things to do in the Columbia River Gorge below in hopes of inspiring one adventure after the other this year.

  1. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who rarely treads down nature trails, hiking is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge. There are hundreds of options to choose from – we’d be more than happy to recommend some of our favorite hikes – and most of them involve incredible views of the Gorge and/or surrounding mountains and meadows.
  2. Biking is another of the most popular things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, and there are myriad trails and roadways perfect for all levels of experience.
  3. Don’t miss a trip to Multnomah Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls – not to mention one of the most popular things to do in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s only one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the area, though – but to see many of them, you’ll need to act fast and secure a waterfall corridor permit for 2023.
  4. Explore downtown Hood River, filled with great shops, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and more.
  5. Another one of the great things to do in the Columbia River Gorge during the spring and summer months is to taste the agricultural bounty of this area. One of the best ways to do that is along the Hood River Fruit Loop. If you’re in the area in late June or July, you’ll also want to stop at one of the Hood River Lavender Farms!
  6. Have you heard of Hood River’s legendary windsurfing (kiteboarding) community? The Gorge is considered the windsurfing capital of the world! Whether you want to try the sport yourself or prefer to stay dry and watch the show unfolding on the water, this is a great way to spend a warm summer afternoon in the Columbia River Gorge!
  7. If you like stargazing, you’re in for a treat. The dark skies of the Columbia River Gorge are perfect for it, especially if you head to Goldendale Observatory.
  8. The Columbia River Gorge is the largest National Scenic Area in the country, so it seems natural that one of the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge is to take a scenic drive. There are plenty in the area, though it’s hard to argue with a jaunt along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was the first planned scenic byway in the state and offers numerous opportunities to pull over and snap some photos. You can hike older sections of the Highway as part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.
  9. For one of the most iconic views of the Columbia River Gorge, don’t miss the Vista House at Crown Point.
A cozy fireplace inside our luxury cabins, a great place to unwind and enjoy all the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge

Best Cabins in the Columbia River Gorge

Though the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge speaks for itself, there’s one thing that can make a trip to this gorgeous part of the Pacific Northwest even better: a stay at our luxury cabins in the Columbia River Gorge. Our luxury cabins in Washington are a true sanctuary for couples and solo travelers looking to enjoy the best of the fabulous things to do in the Columbia River Gorge.

Whether you’re seeking romantic escapes to celebrate special occasions or want 2023 to be all about adventure-laden getaways, this is the one-of-a-kind couples getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Each of our cabins is luxuriously appointed with a range of amenities, offering couples all the creature comforts they crave from home but none of the stress that comes with it. Talk about a great place to relax, unplug, and truly get away!

Moreover, our cabins in the Columbia River Gorge are well-located to enjoy the best of this remarkable area throughout your getaway. Leave the world behind for a few days, and enjoy the unbeatable ambiance of our luxury cabins in the Columbia River Gorge. Book your cabin getaway today!

Share This Post

Give The Gift of Carson Ridge Cabins This Christmas

Give your loved one a very special gift of a stay at Carson Ridge Cabins.  We offer gift certificates in many amounts.