We were on an ACL cruise at the end of April with a stop in Hood River and we signed up for the…read morekayaking excursion. Fantastic experience! Justin was very thorough with explanations of the surrounding environs and it seemed everything around. He pointed out different wildlife in the area and our group even saw a white bunny (in the wild). We also went looking with him for morel mushrooms on land (sadly, none found). The company provides most everything you need for a comfortable kayaking experience, (outer wear, life jacket, dry bag, two types of single kayaks, or double, paddles) included (refresher) instructions for paddling, and helpful tips, assistance and corrections throughout if needed. Even though it was a bit chilly (50s) windy and slightly misting, we stayed warm enough throughout. Would recommend waterproof shoes or watershoes (bring a change of shoes and socks for afterward). Just enjoy the scenery. Such a great way to spend an afternoon! Thank you, Justin for the amazing experience and contributing to our memorable 30 year anniversary!

We had a terrific kayak tour with Hood River SUP and Kayak. Our two guides were super, very helpful…read moreand encouraging with our novice paddling skills. The scenery is spectacular and it was the perfect way to end our first visit to the Columbia River Area. We would recommend this tour company highly.

THREE GENERATIONS TOGETHER ON THE WATER Recently did a…read morehalf-day trip on the White Salmon with Zoller Outdoor Odysseys. Three generations all in one boat. - Grand Dad OMS - Son and Good Wife - And two Hellion Grandkids aged 7 and 11 First time on the water for the young ones and they LOVED IT!! What a GREAT DAY AND EXPERIENCE! Aaron was a superb guide, educating and entertaining. Even with two youngers he always made us feel safe and secure. And Phoenix did a great job providing safety in her kayak. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Zoller and Aaron and Phoenix. And would not hesitate to take the kids again! Make it a great family adventure, One that won't be forgotten!! Thanks Aaron. Thanks Phoenix. Thanks Fluffie! David

It was an amazing experience. I was scared but out guide Casey helped me fell totally saferead more

Lovely setting...but way too loud to stay overnight…read more Decided to stay at the campground while exploring the area. The setting of the campground is really pretty, and felt quite peaceful until dark. I'd noticed the sign on the info board warning of noise. But honestly I assumed it would be the normal passing train noise we always experience when staying along the gorge. But this location was something different...train whistles were sounded throughout the entire night. No sleep was to be had for me here. Regardless, we prepped to roam the trails that morning. While I didn't have big expectations when we started off along the river we really ended up enjoying the trails. The hillsides around the Deschutes provide a simply stunning landscape. There are multiple, parallel levels of trails from which to choose. We opted to take about 5 miles round trip, starting on the lowest trail and looping back via the next level up. The trails are narrow & winding, with uneven surfaces. On that sunny day it was very serene, with only the sounds of the river and birds. I wouldn't consider using the campground again, simply due to the train whistles. The sites weren't at all private, some level/some not...but all with nice river views. I would definitely recommend use of the trail system, however.

This is an ok park if you are stopping for a picnic or to take a hike. It's right on the river so…read morethere are great views, fresh air and all that the Gorge has to offer. However, being the Gorge it can get windy. Sometimes very windy. I don't camp but if I did it wouldn't be here. It's right on the rail line and five mile long freight rains pass by a few hundred feet away every five minutes..... literally. Other than that, it's a good State park with all the amenities. Easy to get to so if you are on the Interstate and need a break you'll find this area more refreshing than a highway rest area.

UNFRIENDLY - RUDE - SLOW Cooper Spur was my grandmothers…read morechoice to spend Mother's Day lunch. The staff did not greet us. The staff first waited in the people that came in after we did. We sat 15 minutes for our waitress ti finally amble over to take our order...again unfriendly. We will NEVER eat at this place again.

We stayed at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort for the weekend while celebrating our small wedding…read morereception in their restaurant, and it was perfect. The staff was so friendly and welcoming, which made everything feel easy and relaxed. Our cabins were extremely comfy- quiet, peaceful, and cozy. It felt like the kind of place where you can truly unwind; we never even felt like we needed to lock anything up. Our family joined us for one night and had a wonderful time as well. The atmosphere was calm and refreshing, with beautiful surroundings that made it feel like a true getaway. The food at the restaurant was also very good and added to the experience. Overall, Cooper Spur provided exactly what we were hoping for: comfort, peace, and genuine hospitality. We're so glad we chose it for such a special occasion.

A short, but pretty cool trail in BZ Corner along the White Salmon to a waterfall…read more We noticed this falls mentioned in an online article. Since we were hiking nearby, we decided to drop by and check it out. Clearly a popular drop-in site for rafters and kayakers, the day-use site has plenty of parking, as well as toilets. From the lot the trail starts off with a rail system to assist in sliding crafts down to the water. Pretty cool setup, I'd actually never seen this type of system. Once you reach the base of the cliffs, the hiking trail takes off to the left while the rails continue to the right and down to the water. The trail is an out and back about a 1/2 mile with various types of footing...planks, a boardwalk, rocks, and dirt...all fairly muddy right now. We also had to hopscotch through running water a couple times, nothing huge though. The trail runs between the cliffs and the river all the way, and with the waters running fast right now the sound was fabulous. It comes to an end on a platform overlooking a small falls in the river, as well as one coming over the cliff...the latter of which was pretty hidden in the brush and trees currently, but you can get a peek of it. There's actually a gate on the platform that allows you a bit more access to get a closer view of the falls. We got a bit muddy last weekend, but to be expected this time of year. The trail is quite pretty, with one exception at the end. Unfortunately someone has dumped a couple old tires over the cliff that settled just below the partially hidden falls off to the left of the viewing platform. Such a shame... Overall it's a short and easy hike for most any ability in a pretty river setting. Not too shabby... besides those tires. Grrrr.

Moderately challenging, the "non-launch" trail is a neat walk. A good view of the power of the…read moreriver, the trail was dry on this spring day. It's less groomed though so shoes with decent grip would be well-advised.

Small lake right next to the Columbia suitable for fishing. North shore. Not that far from Hood…read moreRiver. Seemed very remote and undiscovered when we came by during the week.

Small, serene park. Perfect for a lunch after hiking the nearby Catherine Creek Trail or Arch Loop…read more Especially since they have clean restrooms with soap and water. 5 stars just for that! When it's windy, it is a great spot to watch the windsurfers and kites. There is launch area for small boats. I've seen people fishing, too. And people playing with their dogs, fetching their toys from the water. Lots of picnic tables, the kind where you can slide into from the side, another plus! Peaceful place to read, have a picnic or just chill. Plenty of parking. And just a minute from the downtown area of Bingen and just a few more minutes from the bridge over to Hood River. Lots of times when I'm exploring the trails and sights on the WA side of the Gorge, I stop here afterwards to use the restroom and have a snack or lunch that Ihave packed. Feels like a secret since there is hardly anyone here!

Hidden treasure in Sherman County. Yet another well maintained and placed Oregon State Park…read moreCampground. I am so impressed by all Oregon SP's. especially their campgrounds. Wow! We stayed in Cliff Swallow Cabin which was beautiful. Smelled like Juniper inside. The park boosts many amenities. Including a bike repair and tire fill station clean and hot water showers, and in each cabin was a small fridge and conditioner and heaters. Plus there is a bbq and big sinks on the side of the bathroom/showers to wash dishes if you wanted to cook. We saw Nighthawks and heard Common Poorwills in the evening. I will definitely be back!

This is a nice State park as most of Oregon State parks are. Well kept, helpful Rangers, great…read moreviews and perfect for a picnic lunch. Several hiking trails. This is one of the better State parks in Oregon. Right off SR206 south of Wasco. $30/yr for an annual pass or $50 for a two year pass and well worth it. Oregon has one of the best State park systems in the USA.