At first glimpse, the sheer size of the Columbia River gives immediate pause: there’s simply no river in the American West as impressive. Carved by the great Bonneville flood, this 1,200-mile-long river is the only sea-level passage to cross the Cascade Mountains. The Gorge itself is an 80-mile geological wonder of high cliffs, lush vegetation, rushing mountain streams and dazzling waterfalls. The canyon and the volcanic peaks of Mount Adams and Mount Hood that bookend the Gorge on its north and south shores provide an unprecedented number of outdoor opportunities, all of which can be easily accessed from your waterfront home in The Dalles.
The river is a celebrated destination for fishing and watersports recreation. Boating and kayaking are year-around activities here, and the famous winds of the Columbia River Gorge annually attract some of the best kiteboarders and windsurfers in the world. In fact, each summer, the area plays host to the Gorge Games, widely considered to be the premier event in water sports competition. For four days, world-class athletes across many disciplines push the limits of speed and gravity in races, slalom courses and aerial competitions.
Of course, just as much fun can be had on land as on water. The mountain biking, road biking and hiking opportunities are exceptional all along the Gorge. Of particular note is the Historic Columbia River highway – a ten-mile stretch of winding mountain road that grants access to countless trails and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls – the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States.