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Experience the Gorge like a local by spending time exploring the main streets and waterfronts of the numerous small towns of the Columbia River Gorge. Each community has a unique character, with eclectic stores, galleries, hotels, restaurants, breweries, parks, museums and more. The countryside is dotted with U-pick farms, wineries, cideries, and other agri-tours. Dollars spent in these communities help support local services, improve local parks, protect natural resources and preserve local traditions. Here are a few culinary tours in the area:

Be sure to check out our official interpretive center at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, and our other visitor centers. Still up for more museum action? Try these local gems:

For more on local festivities and events, visit the website GorgeCurrent.com.

Geocaching & Letterboxing

Geocaching involves seeking out a "cache," a hidden item of some sort, with global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. Caches are typically waterproof containers of varying sizes and shapes and can hold miscellaneous items such as a logbook and trinkets and can be found all over the world by noting their locations on geocaching websites such as https://www.geocaching.com/play. Once the cache is found, the geocacher signs a logbook, remove an item from the cache, and replaces it with an item they have brought with them.

Rules/Guidelines for Geocaching in the National Scenic Area:

We ask you to tread lightly and avoid unintended impacts to sensitive areas. Even "virtual caches," which typically lead people to scenic vistas and unique settings, can cause impacts.

No caches in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness.
Avoid other sensitive areas off the trail, where trampling on vegetation can cause erosion and other impacts.
Please avoid steep drop-offs.