Parks Lush green spaces for activities from hiking to picnicking and camping appear all over Hood River County. Hood River Waterfront Park offers 2 miles of trails along the Columbia River, enjoyed by pedestrians and bicyclists alike, who watch windsurfers and kiteboarders out on the water. Families will love the playground and the swim beach at Waterfront Park. Marina Park — another popular, family-friendly park on Hood River’s waterfront — has a picnic shelter and grassy area adjacent to the Hood River Marina. In Cascade Locks, Viento State Park is known for its trailhead to the nearly 6-mile Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail with great views of the Gorge and waterfalls, as well as its shady campground with river access. Another access point on the same trail, tiny Starvation Creek State Park west of Hood River boasts a waterfall and hikes through mossy forest. Panorama Point County Park is the perfect spot for stunning panoramic views of Mt. Hood and the surrounding orchards and vineyards that make up the Hood River Valley. Tucker Park in Hood River and Toll Bridge Park in Parkdale both offer camping from May through October. Windsurfing and Kiteboarding In the breezy embrace of the Columbia River Gorge, the colorful sails of wind-sport athletes zip and float over the Columbia River from spring to fall each year in Hood River. The Gorge acts as a kind of natural wind channel, with cooler Pacific Ocean air being drawn inland toward the high desert to the east of Hood River. Maps of launch locations in the area are available at the Columbia Gorge Wind & Water Association’s website (CGW2.org). A number of gear shops offer everything from rentals and gear to lessons, as well as friendly answers to all your questions. For those interested in taking some great photos of the action, walk along the riverside path at Waterfront Park or head out to the Hood River Event Site. Hood River Waterfront Park VISIT HOOD RIVER (2) Kiteboarders in the Columbia River visithoodriver.com 7
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