Water Activities

The Gorge is a great place for water lovers. Though there are no designated swimming areas maintained by the Forest Service, creeks and waterfront parks on the Columbia River offer splashing and wading opportunities. The Columbia River also offers premier sites to paddle or kite board as well as kayak or raft on nearby Wild & Scenic Rivers! 

See also: Oregon State Parks and Washington State Parks for additional locations for water activities within the Columbia River Gorge.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Commercial river trips are offered by outfitters and guides who hold a special permit to operate commercially on the White Salmon and Klickitat Wild & Scenic Rivers. 

Windsurfing

Thanks to a powerful wind tunnel effect, the Gorge is enjoyed by windsurfers and kiteboarders from around the world! On calm days, stand-up paddleboarding is a popular alternative for getting out into the water.

Please note that some of the best launch sites along the Columbia River are protected tribal fishing sites that have been in use for generations. Respect local cultures and their treaty rights, which grant them access to these traditional fishing sites, by sharing the river with respect. 

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Non-Motorized (7)

Swimming (4)

Windsurfing (2)

Showing: 1 - 9 of 9 results

Columbia River - Oregon Shoreline Access

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is home to one of the most spectacular stretches of the Columbia River. These state, county, and local parks provide shoreline access from the Oregon side. Be…

Columbia River - Washington Shoreline Access

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is home to one of the most spectacular stretches of the Columbia River, and within our boundaries lie a variety of state, county, and local parks that provide…

Dog Creek Falls Observation Site

Site Open

A small pulloff of Washington State Route 14 with a very short hike (0.1 mile) to a viewpoint of Dog Creek Falls.  Take a swim in this cool creek or enjoy train-watching!

Eagle Creek Day Use Area

Site Open

This historic site is a great accessible spot for a picnic alongside the mouth of the stunning Eagle Creek canyon. Today's picnic area was once the site of the first developed campground in the U.S.…

Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground

Site Open

This historic site was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam. Great for family gatherings and other group events.Set on a…

Husum Boating Site

Site Open

Located in Husum, WA, this site offers an opportunity to portage around Husum Falls, a class V waterfall requiring a lot of white water boating experience or a guide to pass. 

Klickitat Wild & Scenic River

Site Open

The lowermost 10.8 miles of the Klickitat River, from Wheeler Creek to the confluence with Columbia River, are designated as a Wild & Scenic River. This stretch of river begins as a broad…

Northwestern Park

Site Open

This park was the site of a reservoir, before Condit Dam's removal from the White Salmon River in 2011. Today, it is a small park owned and managed by Pacific Power that provides a key take-out…

White Salmon Wild & Scenic River

Site Open

From Gilmer Creek, near the town of B Z Corner, to Buck Creek, the Lower White Salmon is designated as Wild & Scenic. Along this stretch of the river, glacial headwaters are supplemented by seeps…