Links

gorgeexplorer.com

SKIING

Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort – the biggest resort on the mountain, approx. 40 minutes South: www.skihood.com

Cooper Spur Ski Area – a half hour's drive, this is a small, affordable family resort with a challenging short face. http://www.cooperspur.com/SkiArea/

Timberline Lodge Ski Area – one hour South, in summer, spend the morning skiing at Timberline, then sail in the afternoon.
For conditions: http://www.timberlinelodge.com

SAILING

Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association, especially see the “links” page with wind reports and live cam of hot spots on the river: http://windsurf.gorge.net/cgwa

Also possible to hire a sailboat to take you out among the windsurfers and kiteboarders, John Copper, Hood River.

HIKING

MOUNT HOOD NATIONAL FOREST, Oregon
The trail: Timberline Trail. Known for: A grandeur rivaling that of the Matterhorn , with Mount Hood 's jagged peak often swathed in a skirt of clouds. Trip tip: Numerous side trails give day hikers a chance to sample Timberline's delights without committing to the long haul. Length: 38 miles. Skill Level: Strenuous. For info: Mount Hood National Forest , 503/622-7674; www.mthood.org.

KAYAKING OR WHITE WATER RAFTING

When there isn't enough wind for sailing, there's still the option to go rafting on the White Salmon River. Companies offering raft trips on this river include Zoller's Outdoor Odysseys (tel. 800/366-2004 or 509/493-2641; www.zooraft.com), Wet Planet Rafting (tel. 800/306-1673 or 509/493-8989; www.wetplanetrafting.com), and All Adventures Rafting (tel. 877/641-RAFT or 509/493-3926; www.alladventures.net). The river-rafting season runs March through October, and a half-day trip will cost around $55 or $60 per person. One-half hour's drive from the house, the White Salmon is on the W ash ington side of the Columbia .

HORSEBACK RIDING

If you're interested in a bit of horseback riding, contact Northwestern Lake Riding Stables (tel. 509/493-4965; www.nwstables.com), which is at Northwestern Lake off W ash . 141 north of White Salmon. A 1-hour ride is $25.

FISHING:

View the fish ladder at Bonneville Dam, feed huge (10-12') sturgeon

TRAIN RIDE THROUGH THE HOOD RIVER VALLEY (have the boysenberry-sour cream pie from the Pie Ladies of Parkdale), www.mthoodrr.com

CRUISE ON THE STERNWHEELER COLUMBIA GORGE, www.sternwheeler.com

Lewis & Clark Columbia River Cruises, www.columbiarivercruise.com

BREWERIES

Full Sail Brewing Co., Hood River , www.fullsailbrewing.com

Stevenson Washington (directly across the river)

SPAS

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort, 800-459-1678, www.bonnevilleresort.com

Skamania Lodge, 800-221-7177, skamanialodge.dolce.com

GREAT OREGON WINERIES

To taste fine Oregon Pinot noir, see listing of wineries in the Willamette Valley , 1 ½ hours+ driving, www.willamettewines.com

LOCAL WINERIES

www.hoodriver.com

GOLF

Indian Creek Golf Course, 15 minutes drive, www.indiancreekgolf.com

BIKING

Mountain biking: bike up Post Canyon , miles and miles of groomed single track.

Discover Bicycles (rentals), www.discoverbicycles.com

CLIMBING

Mt. Hood, 11,235 feet. Take the Palmer chair at Timberline Lodge, then 4-5 hours hiking (start before daylight).

MUSEUMS

Maryhill Museum, Native American Art and beautiful view of the Gorge.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, The Dalles.

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