Where is White Salmon Located? A Guide to This Picturesque Washington Town

Nestled in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, White Salmon is a charming small town that offers breathtaking natural beauty and adventure. But many people wonder – where exactly is White Salmon located?

White Salmon sits in Klickitat County in southcentral Washington state. It’s positioned directly across the Columbia River from Hood River, Oregon, about 60 miles east of Portland.

The town’s unique geography gives it spectacular views. Looking south, you can see the Columbia River winding through the valley, with Mt. Hood towering in the distance. To the north, Mt. Adams comes into view. And perched on a bluff 550 feet above the river, White Salmon overlooks it all.

A Brief History of White Salmons have lived in this area for over 10,000 years. The site of present-day White Salmon was part of the traditional territory of the Klickitat tribe. They called the town Nch’i-Wána, meaning “crossing-over place” – a reference to the Columbia River.

White settlers began arriving in the 1850s. Erastus Joslyn, a missionary, and his wife were some of the first non-Native people to settle in White Salmon. Joslyn purchased the land from the Klickitat people.

The town was officially incorporated in 1907. It was named after the White Salmon River, which flows into the Columbia nearby

Over time, White Salmon became a hub for lumber, agriculture, and transportation, thanks to its proximity to the Columbia River Today it retains its small-town charm while drawing outdoor adventurers eager to explore the Gorge

Accessing White Salmon

White Salmon’s location makes it easily accessible for travelers. Here are some of the main transportation options:

• Driving: From Portland, take I-84 East to Exit 64, then head north on WA-14. White Salmon is about a 1 hour drive from Portland. Seattle is about 3 hours away.

• Hood River Bridge: The Hood River Bridge provides the most direct access to White Salmon from Oregon. It’s about a 5 minute drive across the river.

• Rail: An Amtrak station is located in nearby Bingen, offering passenger train service.

• Air: The closest major airport is Portland International Airport. Smaller airports in Hood River and The Dalles also provide regional access.

• Boat: The Port of Klickitat operates a marina in Bingen, which is just downriver from White Salmon.

So while White Salmon feels peaceful and remote, it’s conveniently close to major transportation corridors.

Outdoor Recreation in White Salmon

One of the biggest draws of White Salmon is the abundance of outdoor recreation. Its proximity to the Columbia River, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest means plenty of adventures are just a short drive away.

Some of the top activities include:

• Wind sports: The consistent winds through the Columbia River Gorge make White Salmon a top windsurfing and kiteboarding destination. The White Salmon Beach is a popular launch point.

• Hiking: With waterfalls, alpine lakes, and mountain trails, hiking opportunities abound. Popular trails include Gillette Lake, Mt. Adams, Siouxon Creek, and Dog Mountain.

• Mountain biking: The area has an extensive network of mountain bike trails, from beginner friendly to expert downhill runs. Some favorites are Hospital Hill, Syncline, and Surveyors Ridge.

• Water sports: The White Salmon and Klickitat Rivers offer world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking through breathtaking gorges. There’s also stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and more on the Columbia.

• Skiing: In winter, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood provide downhill and cross-country skiing about 1 hour’s drive away.

Outdoor enthusiasts could spend weeks here sampling all the natural wonders. It’s a playground for those who love adrenaline, nature, and wide open spaces.

Wineries & Breweries Around White Salmon

While known for the great outdoors, White Salmon also boasts a fantastic wine region and brewery scene.

There are over a dozen wineries located in the Columbia Gorge AVA, many within a short drive. The climate here is ideal for growing grapes, and wineries specialize in varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Grenache. Some not to miss include Aniche Cellars, COR Cellars, Hawkins Cellars, and Syncline.

For beer lovers, Everybody’s Brewing is a popular brewpub right in downtown White Salmon. Full Sail Brewery’s Hood River location is just over the bridge. And more great craft breweries are located around the Gorge and Mt. Hood areas.

So whether you prefer wine, beer, cider, or spirits, there are plenty of excellent local options to sample.

Where to Stay in White Salmon

White Salmon offers a range of comfortable accommodations, from hotels and motels to rental cabins, vacation homes, and campgrounds.

Some of the most popular places to stay include:

• Inn of the White Salmon: A downtown hotel with renovated rooms and local artwork.

• Society Hotel Bingen: A trendy, minimalist hotel in a former schoolhouse building.

• Columbia Gorge Hotel: This historic, upscale hotel sits on a cliff overlooking the river.

• Coyote Wall Guest House: Offers gorgeous views of the gorge from luxury tent cabins.

• Vacation Rentals: Find rental homes, cabins, and condos through services like Airbnb and VRBO.

• Campgrounds: If you prefer tent camping, there are sites along the Klickitat River, at BZ Corner, and up towards Trout Lake.

With options for all budgets, you’re sure to find great White Salmon accommodations to match your travel style.

Fun Things to Do In Town

In addition to the surrounding natural areas, there are fun things to explore right in White Salmon’s small but lively downtown.

Start your visit at the White Salmon Visitor Information Center to pick up maps and brochures. Then check out some of these highlights:

• Galleries & shops: Browse works by local artists and potters at galleries like Everybody Art Gallery and Gorge Artists Gallery. Find gifts at boutiques like Wild Hearts Boutique and Dirt Studio.

• Restaurants: Refuel with coffee at North Shore Cafe, fresh-baked goodies from White Salmon Baking Co, or Northwest cuisine at Feast Market & Delicatessen.

• Museums: Learn about the area’s history and culture at the White Salmon Valley Historical Museum. Check the schedule for special rotating exhibits.

• Farmer’s Market: Running May through October, this is a great place to buy local fruits, veggies, flowers, baked goods, and crafts.

• Festivals and events: Throughout the year White Salmon hosts events like Hood River County Fair & Rodeo, Hops Fest, and holiday light displays.

• The brewery: No visit is complete without stopping at Everybody’s Brewing for one of their homebrews and a juicy burger on the patio.

With a lively main street and welcoming small town vibe, White Salmon offers plenty to keep you entertained during your stay.

Planning Your Visit to White Salmon

If you’re looking for natural beauty, small town charm, and outdoor adventure, White Salmon is an ideal destination.

Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, it provides easy access to all the area has to offer. You can be hiking to a waterfall, kayaking a river gorge, or wine tasting at a vineyard within minutes.

With many lodging options, great dining, interesting shops, and events happening year-round, White Salmon truly has something for everyone. It’s the perfect home base for exploring this iconic region where the sun meets the rain.

White Salmon, Washington, is generally considered a good place to live for those who appreciate a smaller town atmosphere with strong outdoor recreation opportunities. The town offers a scenic lifestyle in the Columbia River Gorge, a friendly community, and a slower pace of life.