With Horsethief Butte as the scenic backdrop, this lake is a relaxing spot for fishing & kayaking…read more Equipped with bathrooms & showers, a popular place for camping & RV sleepovers. Not naturally formed, flooded into existence by the Dalles Dam. Without a natural circulation of water, the summer creates toxic algae harmful to humans and fish. Warning signs are posted. A petroglyph trail is a highlight for all; in depth tour guide available by reservation. Boat launch access to the Columbia River.

Lovely piece of the Gorge. We've stopped by the lake portion and checked out the Petroglyphs before…read morewhile passing through, as well as briefly jumping onto a trail at the Butte. This weekend we got around to investing more time in the trails of Butte and it was pretty fun. The trails don't allow for a complete loop around the rock, as there's a block for restoration on the east side. But you can wander most of the way around the water side...up and around the rocks is really where's it at though. There are 3 access points to the top from the trails, and the bouldering up is loads of fun. Once atop you can roam all about and enjoy fabulous views from every angle. While the remainder of the trails at Butte are average, we found it pretty entertaining to climb around the rock portion. There's a decent amount of parking...Discover Pass required...as well at a vault toilet at the trailhead.

Cute place! My 3 boys loved stopping here on a road trip to play on the playground and to look for…read moresmall fish in the river. I loved how peaceful this place was and the green grass was perfect for a picnic. There are picnic tables and great shaded areas from the trees. A gas station nearby too!

It gets five stars because it actually is nice for a roadside park. It's well maintained, and they…read morehave signs which deter dog owners from having their animals turn it into a giant dog turd. But, I wouldn't recommend swimming. The water is fetid and smells. The shoreline is not sand, it's dirt. Which is fine, but I see people get in their bathing suits and take a dip. Hopefully they have good health insurance RIP.

On a clear day from this pullover, you can see 4 iconic mountains! Mt. Hood to the south; Mt. St…read more Helens towards 1:00; Mt. Adams standing tall and the most visible; and if lucky, Mt. Rainer. Even on a cloudy day, it's a beautiful sight. As you drive north on Highway 97, past the windmill farm, and start to head downhill, the land is flat with several wheat farms providing an unobstructed view. There is even an old barn in the foreground that makes for some beautiful pictures. I discovered this area on one of my adventures and the first time there, it was a cloudy day. So as soon as summer hit and the blue skies were everywhere, I took another ride out that way. While my smartphone camera couldn't capture it, I was able to see all four mountains. Just gorgeous! The fields are all golden right now, dotted with purple wildflowers, and the sky was bright blue which was the perfect backdrop for the white snow capped mountains. It is quite the panoramic view!!! There is a very large pullover so you can safely park and get out of your car to snap some pictures. Next time I will head out earlier when the sun isn't so bright in hopes of getting better pictures of all the mountains.

A small little park outside of Hood River . The view was amazing . Mount Hood towering over the…read moremany orchards and wineries was breathtaking. Well worth a small side trip.

A surprising gem in the middle of nowhere! While on a drive through Hood River, this was an…read moreexcellent stop, not just for a bathroom but also to stretch legs, take some photos, and enjoy the quiet.

Much windier here. Stopped by after having lunch nearby. There's plenty of parking. Saw many…read morefamilies and people flying kites & a surfing. There are restrooms. Nice park to just enjoy the water & people watch.

Known as the 'Windsurfing Capital of the World', Hood River is a small city in Oregon, on the banks…read moreof the Columbia River. It is known for its concentration of craft breweries in the downtown area, and the ability to consume alcohol publicly on open sidewalks and parks. My wife, mother-in-law, and I drove intentionally to see the city during our visit to the Gorge, and stopped by the famous Park next to the River. It was drizzling and cold this day, so finding free street parking was easy. We found a place to sit, and admire the brave souls surfing. There is a small beach area, and children life jackets to share. And a nice grassy area with playground equipment.

Nice park with fabulous views…read more We dropped by Sorosis this weekend, looking for somewhere new to stretch the legs. It's a lovely drive up, and you get amazing views of the gorge from the lot. There's plenty of parking around, and it appeared that the park has a little something for everyone: ball fields, play ground, disc golf, green space, and a walking path around the perimeter. You're not going to get a hike in here, but a spot to stretch it's got. The grounds looked clean and it appeared there were some improvements in the works. Nice, peaceful park. :)

With expansive views of The Dalles and the majestic Columbia River, Sorosis Park is a gem! Located…read moreat the top of the appropriately named Scenic Drive, this beautiful park has an abundance of offerings. Lots of grass and shady spots to keep you cool on a sunny day with several picnic tables, too. Even a gazebo. A large playground and sprinklers to keep the kids entertained. For those interested in a run or walk, the mile long trail provides great views along the way in every season. There is a softball field and a disc golf park plus a small rose garden. Lots of parking and there are bathrooms, too. Plan your time there so you can catch a spectacular sunset as the day comes to an end.

Best time for this hike is end of April and May when the wildflowers are in bloom and cover the…read morehillsides with purple widow's grass, yellow balsam root, blue lupine and lavendar bachelor buttons. It's my favorite time to be in this area! Best place to park is right before the Mosier Creek Bridge as you leave the tiny two block downtown area. As you begin the hike you come to the cemetery of the founding father's of this charming town. Continue for another 10 minutes to the falls and the swimming hole below. The falls are small, not like the 7 popular falls you see along the Old Historic Highway by Multnomah Falls, but still lovely. Continue on and up where views of the Columbia River from this vantage point are breathtaking. The river widens In this area and slight turns as it makes it's way through Mosier and onto Rowena making for a beautiful vista to take in and photo ops. Unlike at Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Preserve, dogs are allowed on these trails.

Pretty fun trail with a variety of sites!…read more There's a small parking area right in town just on the other side of the bridge from where the trail begins. You can make a very short hike of it and just go to the falls. Or you can continue on from there and complete the approximately 3 mile out and back with a small loop at the top...I recommend the latter. There's nice signage at the start explaining some trail details. You'll pass by a cool, tiny cemetery and venture on to the falls. Mosier Falls was a bit more substantial than I'd expected, set in a pretty canyon with an overlook for your viewing pleasure. Should you wish to continue on the trail...and you really should...you'll start up the side of the hill on switchbacks and stairs to the top. Tiny flowers popping up were blanketing the entire hillside, and I'm guessing it'll be quite a show in couple of weeks. After zigging and zagging multiple times you'll reach the top and come to an overview with spectacular views of the gorge. There's a bench there should you need a little rest or just wish to sit and take in the view for a bit. From the viewpoint you'll see the dirt trail continue on. It meanders further down to the end of the line...a short loop that offers even more gorge views. The trail is quite narrow and fairly unshaded most of the way and there are regular signs warning hikers of private property lines. We enjoyed it on a Saturday morning, along with quite a few other hikers. It's a decent workout, a pretty waterfall, and some beautiful gorge views...not too shabby!

Wow. The views! We came by to use the clean restrooms on our way home. We were blown away by the…read morefantastic views from the parking lot. I wonder what the policy is for parking overnight? There is lots of picnic benches and plenty of green space to stretch out. I didn't check out the boat launch, but I saw it from the freeway and it looked nice. Another great rest stop on our way home.

I stayed here twice: 08/25 and 09/25. The most peaceful, quiet, and calming place. I felt so at…read morepeace here. my service dog loved it, too. Unfortunately we were on a time crunch both ways. We will be heading there again this year to stay for a few days.

Never disappoints. Winter is less touristy but the water Colin is much better to make more and…read morebetter waterfalls. There are spots with warnings of slides, beware and respect them - don't risk your safety. I even found still maturing blackberries that are bright red in mid December! And a bunch of cute looking mushrooms. The air is amazing. The gorge view is breathtaking and never gets old. Love it.

One of many great places to pull off the 84 and see waterfalls...but here you can park and easily…read morewalk to 3 in no time. Do yourself a favor and make this stop when heading east...otherwise you'll be loons like us and have to go past, come back east, and then east again in order to head back west. Worth the out-of-the-way loop? Yes! 3 nice falls for literally anyone with any walking ability. There's a decent sized lot, as well as restrooms. Starvation Falls is right there, just steps away from the lot. Head up the trail westward and you'll hit both Cabin Creek and Hole in the Wall Falls before you know it. I didn't time it exactly, but if you've got 30 mins I'm sure you can take it all 3. Each falls has its own character and gorgeous setting, as well as picnic tables at Starvation. Yes, ANOTHER stop along the 84 to see waterfalls. There are a couple others nearby should you have a bit more time to hike, but a short stroll gets you a sweet pic times 3!

We stop here every time we visit Hood River - our kids love to play here. There is plenty of…read moreparking, the location is right in town, and the playground is in great shape. We'll be back!

One of the coolest parks I have seen for children. The large castle structure is the first thing…read morethat catches your attention and draws you in. But there is so much more! Swings, slides, jungle gym, tires, play houses, tunnels - you name it, it's there. Even a decent bathroom. Parking lot is somewhat small but there is also street parking. Part of the City of Hood River public park system, this is a fabulous place for your children to play, run and have fun!