The Columbia River Gorge, also known simply as "The Gorge," is the only sea-level pass through the Cascade Mountain Range. The Gorge is 80 miles long-stretching south from central Washington state before turning west to the Pacific Ocean, creating a natural state boundary with Oregon. The Gorge is, arguably, one of the most visually-amazing camping areas in the U.S., yet for some reason it is not as well-known as other U.S. canyons, such as the Grand Canyon in Nevada, Bryce Canyon in Utah and the Snake River Canyon in Idaho. However, with just a little research you can uncover some of the best places to camp along or near The Columbia River Gorge in Washington state.
History of the Columbia River Gorge
Somewhere between 20 million and 40 million years ago, thousands of volcanoes erupted in the Pacific Northwest, layering lava, mudflows and volcanic ash throughout the region. These eruptions created many now-popular geographic sites such as the Ohanapecosh Formation, a conglomeration of slippery red clay and greenish volcanic rock that you still can see today near Stevenson, Washington. About two million years ago, following countless volcanic eruptions, the Cascade Mountains began to rise, and as they did the Columbia River carved out The Gorge, 4,000-feet deep in some sections.
Recreational Opportunities Along The Gorge
Kite surfing and windsurfing, fishing and kayaking, mountain biking and hiking, rock climbing and rappelling, picnicking and camping-just about any type of outdoor recreation you can think of is-is available to visitors along The Gorge in Washington state. For instance, you could spend one morning visiting Oregon's Multnomah Falls, the nation's second-highest, year-round waterfall, and then drive 30 minutes east on Interstate 84 to Hood River, Ore., to spend the afternoon windsurfing before bedding down for the night on the Washington side at one of the many campgrounds available.
Wildhorse Campground
Located about one mile from The Gorge Amphitheatre, arguably the most scenic outdoor concert arena in the U.S., the Wildhorse Campground offers camp sites with electric hookups on a first-come, first-served basis, a checkout time of 12 p.m. and a cafe that serves hot meals at reasonable prices for breakfast lunch and dinner. The Wildhorse Campground's location-just about the dead center of Washington state-makes it an ideal home base to camp after you spend the day pursuing recreational activities along The Gorge. You can reserve a campsite at the Wildhorse Campground by calling 509-398-0543.
Washington's North Gorge Campground
Located a short drive from the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Stevens County, Washington's North Gorge Campground is conveniently located near Red Mountain, renowned for skiing during cold months and hiking during the summer. The campground, about three miles outside the town of Ryan, Wash., features 12 campsites, toilets and water, but no electricity hookups. Reservations are available by calling the North Cascades National Park Service at 360-854-7200.
Goose Lake Campground
Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Goose Lake Campground is popular with anglers and campers alike. Goose Lake's campground, which offers room for small RVs and trailers a maximum of 18-feet long, has 25 camping sites with foot trail access to the lake. Goose Lake Campground is located about 20 miles north of Highway 14 through the town of Willard, Wash. There is an eight-mile gravel road leading into the campground. For more information or reservations call the national parks reservation line at 800-280-2267.
Moss Creek Campground
Located about eight miles north of the town of Cook in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Moss Creek Campground offers 18 small campsites that are perfect for tent campers, but still usable by trailers and RVs up to 32-feet in length. Moss Creek offers drinking water and campfire sites, but make sure to check on current fire danger levels and any other restrictions of which you should be aware. You can book a reservation at Moss Creek, but you have to do so with three days notice through the Recreation.gov web site.
Paradise Creek Campground
Also located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the 42 campsites available at Paradise Creek are shaded by evergreen trees with the campground located right next to the water. Paradise Creek can accommodate trailers and RVs as long as 25 feet. The campground also has drinking water and picnic tables for registered users, but no electrical hookups are available. You can reserve a campsite at Paradise Creek through the Recreation.gov web site with a minimum three-day notice.
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