Spring is one of the best times to visit the Columbia River Gorge. The days start getting longer, the wildflowers are blooming, the waterfalls are flowing from spring runoff, and it’s a gorgeous time to be outdoors. Best of all – traveling in the spring allows you to beat the summer rush and enjoy a quieter, less crowded trip! This spring, we’ve partnered with some of our favorite local businesses to put together the perfect Spring Adventure Package! Book your first adventure, and unlock discounts to the rest.
Whitewater Rafting at Wet Planet
Spring is one of the best times to raft in the Columbia River Gorge. With runoff from Mt. Adams, the White Salmon River is flowing higher, and the class III-IV rapids are big and exciting! It makes the half-day White Salmon River rafting trip a completely different experience from the summer months. The scenery in the Spring is also steps up a notch – small waterfalls flow over the basalt canyon walls through the lush, green foliage. It’s exactly what you think of when you think “Pacific Northwest.”
In addition to the White Salmon River, the Klickitat River is also a unique rafting opportunity, only running in the springtime! This whitewater rafting trip begins on the eastern flank of Mt. Adams, as glacial snowfields melt to fill the river during warmer spring months. Rafting the continuous class II-III whitewater, the Klickitat River flows through thick pine forests, steep canyons, basalt cliffs, twisted lava formations and scrub oak forests. One of the only ways to experience true Pacific Northwest wilderness, this whitewater raft trip gets you away from the roads and crowds in other popular recreation destinations within Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
E-Bike Tours at Sol Rides
Sol Rides offers guided E-Bike tours through the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River Valley for a unique way to experience the scenery and culture of the area. Join us for a spectacular tour of award winning wineries, seasonal U-pick orchards, and enrich your knowledge of Oregon’s Historic Highway and Mount Hood. The ease and propulsion of an E-Bike will keep the effort minimal and the enjoyment at its max.
Vineyard Tours & Wine Tastings at loop de loop
No vacation to the Columbia River Gorge is complete without a vineyard tour or wine tasting in this thriving wine region! The Arboreal Vineyard sits at 1200 feet on Underwood Mountain, with a panoramic view of the Columbia River and Mount Hood. They grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gruner Veltliner, in a vineyard nestled between two forests and surrounded by incredible biodiversity. Loop de loop’s unique vineyard is perfect for lovers of the outdoors – combining a love for wine with an area surrounded by incredible wildlife. Red-tailed hawks, osprey, various owls, bobcats, elk, black bear and turkeys live in these forests and visit the vineyard from time to time, and you might even be lucky enough to spot one as you’re sipping on a glass of their fabulous wine.
Stay at RubyJune Inn
After a full day of adventure, you’ll need the perfect spot to rest your head. The RubyJune Inn is located right next door to Wet Planet Rafting, making it the perfect overnight stay for your spring adventures. Nestled directly across from the White Salmon River, the Ruby June Inn is warm and welcoming for travelers, adventure lovers & locals alike. Share in community with special events, chef-inspired dinners, and fantastic wine as you explore the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy the cozy circa 1890’s brick IceHouse Wine Bar, featuring a revolving menu of favorite local and boutique wines from around the world. A simple, locally sourced breakfast is included with your stay and artisan nibbles can be enjoyed in the bar. It’s the perfect cozy bed & breakfast central to all your spring adventures!
2022 Spring Adventure Discounts
We’ve put together the perfect Spring Adventure Package to make your Columbia Gorge Vacation more affordable. Book your April or May rafting adventure at full price to unlock discounts with our local partners!
- RubyJune Inn: 10% off first night’s stay in April & May
- loop de loop wines: 10% off vineyard tours, tasting fees and wines purchased from March 1st – May 26th
- Sol Rides – 10% off e-bike tours in April & May for groups of 4+, and 10% off e-bike rentals
Stay, play, and explore the Columbia River Gorge this spring!
