September in the Columbia River Gorge is best described as all the fun with none of the summer crowds. The days are still long and sunny, recreation and fun are easy to find, and the locals that you meet are happy to tell you about their favorite river, special hike, or event to attend.
A September Gorge visitor will find plenty of places to stay and things to do. There is truly a type of adventure to suit everyone’s style. Wet Planet has numerous lodging partners who offer discounts for guests who are rafting with us.
Below is a snapshot of Gorge activities that hold something for everyone, as well as insider tips to help you experience something special on your visit.
- Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
- Other Water Activities
- Hiking & Biking
- Explore the Fruit Loop
- Wine Tasting
- Brew Pubs
- Relax & Spa
- Pickleball
- Dining
- Events
1. Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
A fully immersive experience, whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River is on many people’s bucket lists. People travel from all over the world to experience the bountiful waters of the White Salmon River, and a trip in September is guaranteed to be exciting and scenic. Think fall colors, balmy weather, and a good chance to see spawning salmon and other wildlife.
Looking for a more immersive whitewater experience? Another great option is our 3-day Beginner Whitewater Kayak course. This learn-to-whitewater kayak course is an immersive way to dip your toes (or your non-kayaking partner’s toes) into this dynamic sport. All around, it will improve your paddling skills and awareness on the water and perhaps turn you into a life-long whitewater paddler.
2. Other Water Activities
Kiting, winging, windsurfing, and standup paddleboarding are tremendously popular activities in the Gorge. With average daytime temps in the upper 60s and prevailing westerly winds usually blowing daily, wind enthusiasts can enjoy the awesome conditions up and down the beach, from Stevenson in the west to Doug’s beach and other points farther east.
Insider tip:
Our mountain lakes are worth a visit for a serene day of paddleboarding and viewing the fall colors. Mt. Hood Lakes, such as Lawrence Lake, Timothy Lake, and Lost Lake, are all great options. While the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is home to beautiful Goose Lake and Takhlakh Lake.
3. Hiking & Biking
Hiking and biking are easy to find in the Mt. Hood National Forest, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area. Up-to-date biking information can be obtained at any of our local bike shops, and hiking information abounds in both hiking guidebooks, the All Trails app, and simply word of mouth.
Insider tip: “Curious Gorge by Scott Cook is an excellent local guidebook that takes you beyond the obvious, traffic-choked viewpoints to some of the area’s most beautiful and intriguing locations. An essential checklist for locals, seasonal visitors, or anyone willing to get beyond the latte stand at Multnomah Falls and do some exploring!” — Lisa, Waucoma Bookstore
4. Tour the Fruit Loop
The Columbia River Gorge is a well-known fruit-growing area. You can access this bounty when you are touring by checking out this handy guide: Hood River Fruit Loop. There are a lot of events in September at individual farms, including the Kiyokawa Family Orchard Honeycrisp Festival.
Late summer months like September is a great time to collect some U-Pick apples or hand-select your first fall pumpkin.
5. Go Wine Tasting
For those who like their fruit fermented, wineries and cider houses abound. The Gorge is home to about 50 wineries from Troutdale, Oregon to Maryhill, Washington, and local restaurants and tap rooms can be found everywhere. For wine enthusiasts, here is a good resource to get you going. We highly recommend whitewater rafting in the morning and wine tasting in the afternoon.
6. Visit local Breweries
Don’t forget the local breweries. Hood River OR, and other Gorge towns boast numerous microbreweries. Hood River, OR boasts well-known brews from Full Sail, White Salmon WA local flair from Everybody’s, and Stevenson WA adds another great option at Walking Man. There are so many local breweries to choose from, you can find more and help plan your weekend with this guide to Breweries In The Gorge.
7. Relax & Spa
If treating yourself to a soak, massage, or facial is essential for a good time, especially after rafting, hiking, or biking, then you are in luck. Here is a complete list of places to pamper yourself in Hood River.
Insider tip:
The Spa and Bathhouse at Bingen’s Society Hotel is considered “the pearl of the Columbia Gorge.” The Society Hotel’s spa has an indoor saltwater soaking pool, an outdoor hot pool, a cold plunge pool, and a cedar sauna. We love this place and think you will too. For a memorable experience, we also recommend the Carson Hot Springs. With its 1930s bathhouse, Carson Hot Springs delivers an authentic and traditional bathhouse experience with its clawfoot tubs and vintage styling. Mineral water is pumped directly into the tubs for an all-natural, healing bath which you can follow with a linen wrap.
8. Pickleball
Like many places around the USA, the Gorge is Pickleball crazy. Indoor and outdoor play can be found daily in Hood River, White Salmon, and the Dalles.
Several Gorge communities use Playtime Schedule to manage open play. Daily morning open play in Hood River can be found at Golden Eagle Park. The sweet spot for daily indoor play is The Dalles Athletic Club. This club has 6 beautiful indoor courts and, if you are not a club member, you can access the club by purchasing a punch card.
Insider tip:
Pickleball in the morning and rafting in the afternoon is a great combination!
9. Dining
From farm to table, bistro and pub food, to fine dining — the Gorge has it all! During your visit, please ask the local folks you meet to recommend their favorite places to dine, or watering hole to visit. Some favorites of ours in White Salmon, WA include, Everybody’s, Henni’s, and the White Salmon Baking Company.
White Salmon, Washington offers a delightful and diverse dining scene that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Despite its small size, this quaint town boasts a surprising array of culinary options that showcase the Columbia River Gorge’s bounty. White Salmon has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a cozy brewery, a family-friendly restaurant, wine tasting, or an upscale dining experience. So, come hungry and prepare to indulge in a memorable culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.– explorewhitesalmon.com
10. Events
In September, the town of Bingen, Washington celebrates the area’s famous local berry at the annual Huckleberry Festival in Daubenspeck Park. At the festival, you can eat your fill of huckleberry pie, bratwurst, and other festival foods, listen to local musicians in the park pavilion, participate in a cornhole tournament, watch the parade, and much more. A full schedule of events can be found here.
Another unique September event is held in Hood River at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM). The Annual Hood River Fly-In attracts hundreds of people and is a great way to see old aircraft fly as well as meet the awesome people who pilot them.
Insider Tip:
Trout Lake Hall, in Trout Lake, Washington is where the locals go to hear good music and have a really good time. Take our word for it, you will have fun and leave with lots of stories to tell!
Whatever activities you choose, taking the time to explore the area and making the most of your day or weekend allows for days filled with lasting memories. The White Salmon River is a great late-season trip to enjoy. As bonus, you can book a trip in the AM or the PM so you can pair whitewater rafting with another fun activity. Additionally, take a full weekend learning to whitewater kayak. With a full weekend, you have ample time to explore the numerous wineries, breweries, and restaurants that the Gorge has to offer. We hope to see you on the river this September!
