A cute small park on the edge of the gorge of the Columbia River valley. There is ample parking…read more The edge is a short 50 yard walk with a view of the gorge . It a beautiful view well worth it.

Teeny, tiny park with expansive views of the magnificent Columbia River and the basalt cliffs of…read morethe Gorge. It's worth a stop just for the view, in every season. The reason I love this specific view so much is that it incorporates the rugged cliffs of the Gorge to the left, a magnificent vineyard below, and the beautiful Columbia River with the basalt cliffs of WA to the right. In the spring, everything is so green and lush! In the fall, the trees and bushes peppered amongst the cliffs are vibrant orange and gold. In the winter, on a snowy day, wow! Even in the dead of winter and early spring, it's still beautiful the neon lime green moss contrasting against the gray rocks and blue sky. The area is fenced in because the park is perched on the cliff. There is one part where the fence jets out a bit and this is perfect for the money shot. The grassy ground is uneven, lots of big rocks, so if you are unstable, like me, bring a walking stick or cane. There are a couple of picnic tables in the shade if you want to enjoy a meal, just take all the trash with you when you leave. The parking lot is very small but I've never had a problem finding a spot. Sunset is my favorite time to visit.

TLDR: Mostly great trail except it passes directly by the dump and has terrible signage…read more I had read somewhere that there was a 7.5 mile trail from Riverfront Park to The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. From Downtown The Dalles, I had an easy time finding the trail, and finding my way to Riverfront Park. According to the map, the dam is only an additional 2.5 miles east of the park. But, the unpaved section of trail about a mile past the park had a lot of glass and other debris in it, so I decided to turn around. Heading west of Riverfront Park, I had a hard time figuring out where to pick up the trail. There is little to no signage. I kept riding past the dump, thinking, "This can't be right," and turning around. Turns out that the trail is just past this. So, ride until it smells really, really bad. Ride until it smells like death, and then turn right when the road runs into the Google data center. This is where a small aux trail runs from the wide paved Industry trail to the real Riverfront trail. The section from Google to the Gorge Discovery Center is by far the best section of trail. If I only had an hour or two to do this trail and knew everything I know now, I would park at the Discovery Center, and ride from there. Between Google and the river, there is a mini bike park with tables for snacking and stretching, a water bottle refill station, and a bike repair station. There were a lot of older couples and children walking along the trail, so this is not necessarily a great trail for riding fast, but it is very pretty. The views of the volcanic bluffs and basalt deposits along the river are unique and distinct from the rest of the Gorge. Due to the recent fires, a lot of the trees and shrubs on the east side of the trail are currently missing. Even though that's obviously sad, it's resulted in amazing views of the river from the trail. The very last section of trail climbing up to the Discovery Center is a kind of brutal switchback. Coming back down the other way, I got hit by a strong gust of wind that I swear almost blew me straight into the river. I would be very cautious about riding with small children in this area. From the bike trail, you can see so many things that you can't see from the road. There are lots of little inlets full of moss and birds that you would never notice from the freeway. Overall a very pretty trail except for the ride by the dump.

Located in the Columbia River's edge, the Riverfront Trail in The Dalles offers expansive views of…read morethe Columbia River, the basalt cliffs along the Washington side, and The Dalles Bridge and powerful dam with lots of wildlife to see along the way! The ten mile trail goes from The Discovery Center to The Dalles Dam Visitor center winding along the southern bank of the Columbia River. The path is paved, which is why I like it, and it's about 10 feet wide. Plenty of room for those walking, biking, pushing strollers or walking with pets. There are often eagles soaring above, especially from November through January when migrating eagles stay here to feast on the fish and critters. If you go at dusk, there are 50+ nesting in the trees in front of the dam. During the summer, there are hundreds and hundreds of pelicans. They are fascinating to watch, their fishing skills just incredible. They stay together in their flock and when they are hunting, it's a sea of these big white birds diving in and out of the river. Winds can be fierce in this area, which means the current on the river is equally fierce so be aware! And careful. There are also deer in this area which means ticks so wear socks, long pants and stay in the trail. Make sure to check yourself and your dogs after walking especially if you are your pets wander through the grasses. Located off exit 85 on I-8, it's easy access while driving through this area or staying in The Dalles. It's part of Riverplace Park so there are shaded areas with picnic tables, public restrooms and plenty of parking.

Not a huge bark, but a decent size park to sit down on the bench during the spring or the summer…read moreand enjoy the nice breeze, green grass and beautiful, smelling flowers from the trees in the garden, but there's also a nice little gazebo type area where you can also enjoy some peaceful relaxation row, reading a book or listening to music. So come on in town and quaint park. It's been here for years and I remember since the 1990s when I come here to go to Betty's diner.

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!

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.

Secluded lake park perfect for those who want a lake to themselves…read more Boat ramp available but the lake is not large enough for anything more than Jon boats. Plenty of well worn trails around the lake, some leading down to the banks to fish alongside. All trails are fairly easy for all ages. Views are serene. Ample parking, bathrooms available but bring your own wipes ;) *Warning* as there is no fresh water source to circulate, signage indicates extreme toxic levels especially during warm weather seasons. Safer to avoid during the summer.

Down a dirt road, past some industry sits this little lake(s). Certainly an unassuming park, it's…read moregot a bit to offer if you're ok with the not-so-pleasant constant odor wafting through the area (I assume from one of those businesses we passed on our way in). There are 2 "lakes" here, more pond-like I would say. Quite a bit of parking is available, with a vault toilet, boat ramp, life jackets, and a trail running the circumference of Spear Lake. We took that path, which is mostly single file width and easy for anyone. Lots of birds and ducks...as well as wind...with lovely views of ridges on both sides of the Columbia. There's a graveyard for an old car on the far side that Mother Nature is absorbing best she can. Would I go out of my way to visit again? No. But it's a decent place for a stroll if you live nearby or are passing through...as long as you can ignore the smell. Heads up, ticks are out here already this spring...we noticed one hitchhiker halfway around.

Deserves zero stars…read more Stayed here during the summer solace June 2025. Bought a camping pass for camp site #49 and put my reservation receipt on the post at 4pm. As instructed by the campsite rules. Went to a wedding in Hood River to come back to a trailer being parked in the spot I had payed for 4 hours earlier. Keep in mind this is the longest sunlit day of the year and it was still very bright when I arrived. When I asked why my spot was taken and given to someone else, the camp host he said: "So I understand this is uncommon and upsetting to you, but in this county there is a law that states that we can cancel a reservation and sell it to someone else if we believe the campers have left the site". "We recommend leaving camping gear behind in order to keep your spot" So I'm supposed to leave my gear to get stolen? Why did I reserve a spot for 40 dollars only for it to be sold out from under me? The host gave me the run around "I've been here for 11 years, it's legal in this county to sell the spot" I then moved to another spot (which had no river view) and asked the host "you going to kick me out of this one also if I shower for too long"? He wasn't amused by my question and offered to give me some fire wood and snacks if I wanted. I refused his "gifts" and told him he can get out of my face and leave me alone for the rest of the night. The best part of the story is that there were plenty of available spots for the people who stole mine. I believe the campers who took my spot were friends or related to the hosts. It was a prime spot on the river. I searched the laws in the county. There is no such law that states a camp host can do what this camp host did. The host is a liar, thief and a clown. Camper beware!

Small park just outside of Hood River on your way to Dee. While I didn't camp there, I enjoyed…read morewalking the trails listening to the sounds of the river and birds chirping. You park your car and within a few feet, you are immersed in nature. For the kids, there is a swing and play area with green grass and sand area. People were swimming and kayaking in the river. Showers (pay) and toilets available during the in season. You can pay for your campsite via kiosk. Campfires allowed as long as it's not during the dry wildfire season. Its not crowded and is truly serene and peaceful for a site so close to everything.

Great spot for families- especially if you have kids! Awesome spot for swimming in the summer as…read morewell, there's a little sandy area for easy access to the river for swimming.

A pocket park, as it states online, seems like a fitting description. We were looking for different…read moreaccess to the Riverfront Trail, and that pretty much sums up Klindt Cove. It's got a decent sized lot, as well as bathrooms. Clearly a desired resting spot for geese...watch your step...there is a bit of green space and some benches overlooking the water. There's also a handy-dandy bike repair station -- nice touch. It really is a great midpoint access point to the trail, should you just want to wander a couple miles one direction or the other. The views along the trail are nice, and bird sightings pretty common. Maybe not a park so much, but for it's obvious intended purpose, it's doing it's job.