There’s undoubtedly no better way to end a Wet Planet rafting trip down the White Salmon River than by refueling and unwinding with delicious food and a refreshing beer. Luckily, the Columbia River Gorge boasts not only incredible whitewater but also some of the best breweries around! Whether you’re looking to stay in White Salmon or cross the bridge into Hood River, you’ll have multiple options that will not disappoint. Below we listed our top 5 breweries in Hood River and surrounding areas.
1) Everybody’s Brewing
Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon, Washington is the go-to for Wet Planet staff and the host of many of Wet Planet’s get-togethers. Their laid-back atmosphere of this White Salmon brewery is the perfect setting for reminiscing on the amazing rafting trip you just had with one of their house-brewed beers in hand. If you worked up an appetite while paddling downstream, Everybody’s offers classic pub style fare that will satiate any craving. Their made-for-sharing plate of nachos makes a great appetizer, but we’re not opposed to having it as the main course. They also offer a wide variety of their beers in cans, so you can take a 6-pack home to remember your White Salmon adventures!
- Wet Planet Favorite: Three Sport Day Lifestyle Pilsner
2) pFriem Family Brewers
Located along the waterfront, Pfriem Brewery in Hood River offers IPAs, pilsners, ales, and the best barrel aged beers. These beers sit in barrels for one to three years and explode with unique and complex flavors. Their food goes above and beyond normal the pub-style with seasonal, locally sourced dishes. If you decide to sit outdoors in their patio, you’ll be welcomed by a cozy firepit and if you time it right, a beautiful sunset over the Columbia River.
- Wet Planet Favorite: La Mûre
3) Double Mountain Brewery
Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River is best known for their mouthwatering brick-oven pizza and innovative beers. One of their most popular pizzas is the Truffle Shuffle, and we recommend adding arugula to take this pizza to the next level. If beer isn’t your beverage of choice, they also offer some incredible ciders, made in house with apples and pears from local orchards. With their great downtown location, you’re able to immerse yourself in the laid-back, fun vibe that this Hood River brew pub provides.
- Wet Planet Favorite: Dry Cider
4) Full Sail Brewery
Full Sail Brewery in Hood River, Oregon is one of the top breweries in Hood River, with topnotch river views and beers that can only be found locally. Apart from great beers and fare, they also serve up refreshing hard Kombucha, which is also crafted in house. If you’re an aficionado who wants to learn more about brewing in Hood River, you can take a brewery tour; Full Sail offers one of the best brewery tours in Hood River, Oregon! While sitting up high over the Columbia River, you’ll have one of the best opportunities to look out and watch all the wind surfers and kiteboarders racing around the river. With views like this and beers like these, there’s no better spot to take in the immense beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.
- Wet Planet Favorite: Hood River Hazy IPA
5) Thunder Island Brewing Co.
If you’re looking for a brewery a bit closer to Portland, Thunder Island is the place for you. Located in downtown Cascade Locks, this brewery is a popular stop for PCT hikers. If you want to pass on the stoke you’re feeling after your river trip, feel free to spread some “trail magic” and buy a pint for one of these exhausted hikers! Spend some time taking in the beautiful scenery while sitting on their patio with your best fur friend, as this is one of the best dog friendly breweries in Hood River. Once you get a taste of these views, you won’t want to leave.
- Wet Planet Favorite: Glacier Lily Golden
No matter your taste, you’ll undoubtedly find something to love about any one of these craft breweries in Hood River, White Salmon, and Cascade Locks. Be sure to stop by one of our favorite Hood River breweries after a fun day of rafting the White Salmon River!
Author Hattie Fletcher works as a photographer at Wet Planet. She enjoys being able to capture photos of guests rafting the White Salmon so they can look back and reminisce on their epic
adventure for years to come.