Paul’s Local Gorge Guidebook
Food scene
Tasty comfort food right by the Sandy River.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sugarpine Drive-In
1208 E Historic Columbia River HwyTasty comfort food right by the Sandy River.
This local roaster in historic downtown Troutdale is known for great brews, good pastries, and supporting local charities.
117 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Good Coffee
4747 SE Division StThis local roaster in historic downtown Troutdale is known for great brews, good pastries, and supporting local charities.
This former county poor farm has been converted to a compound of dining and entertainment, including a movie theater, spa, two restaurants, multiple bars, a tea house, and a small golf course. Worth grabbing a drink and exploring the grounds and gardens, or going late to enjoy peanuts and whisky in The Little Red Shed (Paul’s favorite spot on the grounds).
203 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
McMenamins Edgefield Winery Tasting Room
2126 SW Halsey StThis former county poor farm has been converted to a compound of dining and entertainment, including a movie theater, spa, two restaurants, multiple bars, a tea house, and a small golf course. Worth grabbing a drink and exploring the grounds and gardens, or going late to enjoy peanuts and whisky in The Little Red Shed (Paul’s favorite spot on the grounds).
Easy to miss, this glorified convenience store is a local secret for barbecue (they smoke it on site). Perfect spot to get a few groceries and a barbecue pork sandwich either to go or to eat at the simple tables in the corner. Trust us!
Corbett Country Market
36801 Historic Columbia River HwyEasy to miss, this glorified convenience store is a local secret for barbecue (they smoke it on site). Perfect spot to get a few groceries and a barbecue pork sandwich either to go or to eat at the simple tables in the corner. Trust us!
Great local brewery with solid beer lists, good food, and views of the Gorge. Loved by locals and tourists alike. Their nachos are perfect to share!
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thunder Island Brewing Co
601 Wa Na Pa StGreat local brewery with solid beer lists, good food, and views of the Gorge. Loved by locals and tourists alike. Their nachos are perfect to share!
Great views of the river and solid diner food make this a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or a post-hike milkshake.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bridgeside
745 NW Wa Na Pa StGreat views of the river and solid diner food make this a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or a post-hike milkshake.
This local favorite is a video-game themed brewery that offers the chillest patio around, food trucks for something to eat, and some of the most tasty beer in Portland—with the most clever and funny brew names. Be sure to ask what the bartender is drinking at the moment—they often have interesting and unique recommendations.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Level Beer
5211 NE 148th AveThis local favorite is a video-game themed brewery that offers the chillest patio around, food trucks for something to eat, and some of the most tasty beer in Portland—with the most clever and funny brew names. Be sure to ask what the bartender is drinking at the moment—they often have interesting and unique recommendations.
This local cafe is a good spot for a tasty drink or some food (be sure to try their bacon jalapeño quiche if you are looking for breakfast), and to get some reading or work done.
Stomping Grounds Coffee House
21825 NE Halsey StThis local cafe is a good spot for a tasty drink or some food (be sure to try their bacon jalapeño quiche if you are looking for breakfast), and to get some reading or work done.
Downtown Hood River has a lot to offer—and this Scandinavian brunch spot is the right place to start. Their boards are classic!
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Broder Øst
102 Oak StDowntown Hood River has a lot to offer—and this Scandinavian brunch spot is the right place to start. Their boards are classic!
The beers are really good, but we just have three words for why you should go to Double Mountain: wood fire pizza.
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Double Mountain Brewery
8 4th StThe beers are really good, but we just have three words for why you should go to Double Mountain: wood fire pizza.
This subterranean sushi joint is a local favorite, with great, fresh rolls. You won’t leave hungry!
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sushi Okalani
109 1st StThis subterranean sushi joint is a local favorite, with great, fresh rolls. You won’t leave hungry!
This great local restaurant is a favorite for pizza and beer, with both indoor and outdoor seating. We are partial to pies with the local lamb sausage—raised right here in Bridal Veil.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Way Out Inn
275 E Columbia River HwyThis great local restaurant is a favorite for pizza and beer, with both indoor and outdoor seating. We are partial to pies with the local lamb sausage—raised right here in Bridal Veil.
Sightseeing
This must-see waterfall is the most-visted tourist destination in Oregon for a reason. Incredible views of the two-part falls can be easily had from the paved main viewing area, from the iconic Benson Bridge after a short hike, and (for intrepid hikers with good shoes) the top of the falls after a brisk climb.
Parking is tight and sometimes tickets are required—so plan a little bit ahead and try to go at non-peak hours (early and late in the day).
974 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Multnomah Falls station
This must-see waterfall is the most-visted tourist destination in Oregon for a reason. Incredible views of the two-part falls can be easily had from the paved main viewing area, from the iconic Benson Bridge after a short hike, and (for intrepid hikers with good shoes) the top of the falls after a brisk climb.
Parking is tight and sometimes tickets are required—so plan a little bit ahead and try to go at non-peak hours (early and late in the day).
This iconic trail is well worth the effort to get to the top—but be sure to go prepared! Taking water, an extra light, proper clothing, and good footwear is a must.
The hike is moderate to strenuous, and requires a short scramble up a rock face at the end. Be very aware of cliff edges and other dangerous features of the trail. But the views are spectacular, and along the way you will see many of the Gorge’s unique flora and fauna, including (depending on the season) bald eagles, columbine flowers, trilliums, and many other natural wonders.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the stone “hut.” When you find it, you’ll know you are almost at the top.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Angel's Rest Lookout
This iconic trail is well worth the effort to get to the top—but be sure to go prepared! Taking water, an extra light, proper clothing, and good footwear is a must.
The hike is moderate to strenuous, and requires a short scramble up a rock face at the end. Be very aware of cliff edges and other dangerous features of the trail. But the views are spectacular, and along the way you will see many of the Gorge’s unique flora and fauna, including (depending on the season) bald eagles, columbine flowers, trilliums, and many other natural wonders.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the stone “hut.” When you find it, you’ll know you are almost at the top.
Iconic falls that offers beautiful, restful views and a paved trail to explore.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Latourell Falls
Iconic falls that offers beautiful, restful views and a paved trail to explore.
Beautiful falls at the site of an old lumber mill. A gentle, paved hike with lovely creek and forest views on the lower portion, and beautiful views of the river and highway from the basalt cliffs on the upper portion. Be sure to hike both!
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bridal Veil Falls
Beautiful falls at the site of an old lumber mill. A gentle, paved hike with lovely creek and forest views on the lower portion, and beautiful views of the river and highway from the basalt cliffs on the upper portion. Be sure to hike both!
This state park has a lot to recommend it, including fishing sites, a frisbee golf course, a small playground for the kids, and (for the adventurous) one of Oregon’s nude beaches.
Wonderful views of the Gorge, and a good place to stick your toes (or more) in the water. The Eastern portion of the park is the “clothing optional” section—stay to the West or middle if you would prefer to avoid any unclothed encounters.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal Rooster Rock
This state park has a lot to recommend it, including fishing sites, a frisbee golf course, a small playground for the kids, and (for the adventurous) one of Oregon’s nude beaches.
Wonderful views of the Gorge, and a good place to stick your toes (or more) in the water. The Eastern portion of the park is the “clothing optional” section—stay to the West or middle if you would prefer to avoid any unclothed encounters.
The best views of the Gorge, period. If it is open be sure to go into the historic building and marvel at the unique 1920s architecture (look for the busts of local native chiefs up toward the ceiling).
131 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Vista
40700 Historic Columbia River HwyThe best views of the Gorge, period. If it is open be sure to go into the historic building and marvel at the unique 1920s architecture (look for the busts of local native chiefs up toward the ceiling).
Be sure to visit and buy a book of stamps or send a postcard from this historic post office, set in the old saw house of the former lumber mill in Bridal Veil. It’s especially popular to send wedding invitations (guess why?) but has the honor of being the (second) smallest post office in the United States.
United States Postal Service
47100 West Mill RoadBe sure to visit and buy a book of stamps or send a postcard from this historic post office, set in the old saw house of the former lumber mill in Bridal Veil. It’s especially popular to send wedding invitations (guess why?) but has the honor of being the (second) smallest post office in the United States.