Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge: Washington Side vs. Oregon Side

By: Menandro Bacalangco Jr. | August 25, 2026

Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge: Washington Side vs. Oregon Side

Choosing where to stay in the Columbia River Gorge can shape your entire trip. The Gorge stretches along the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington, with waterfalls, forests, mountains, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, small towns, and outdoor activities spread across both sides.

The Oregon side is often the first choice for travelers interested in famous waterfalls, the Historic Columbia River Highway, Hood River, and Cascade Locks. The Washington side offers a quieter atmosphere, mountain scenery, hiking, river activities, and communities such as Stevenson, White Salmon, and Carson.

Both sides offer excellent lodging options, from hotels and vacation rentals to private cabins and retreats. The better choice depends on your itinerary, how much driving you want to do, and whether you prefer a convenient sightseeing base or a quieter place to relax.

Columbia River Gorge: Washington Side vs. Oregon Side at a Glance

Before choosing your accommodations, it helps to understand what each side offers.

There is no single best place to stay in the Columbia River Gorge. Instead, the right location depends on which attractions and experiences matter most to you.

Where to Stay on the Oregon Side of the Columbia River Gorge

The Oregon side is a popular choice for first-time visitors because it provides convenient access to many of the Gorge's famous waterfalls and scenic attractions.

Hood River

Hood River is one of the best-known towns in the Columbia River Gorge. It offers restaurants, breweries, shops, outdoor recreation, and access to both the Gorge and nearby Mount Hood.

It is a particularly good choice if you want your trip to combine outdoor adventures with a lively food and drink scene.

Travelers can also explore this guide to things to do in Hood River, Oregon.

Cascade Locks

Cascade Locks is another popular Oregon-side base. Its location along the Columbia River puts visitors near hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and other Gorge attractions.

The town is also convenient for travelers who want to cross the Bridge of the Gods and explore the Washington side during their trip.

For more ideas, see this guide to things to do in Cascade Locks.

Troutdale and the Western Gorge

Troutdale can be useful for travelers who want to stay closer to the Portland metropolitan area while still having access to the western Columbia River Gorge.

The western section of the Gorge is known for lush forests, waterfalls, and scenic roads, making it attractive for visitors who want to spend much of their trip sightseeing and hiking.

Hood River, Mosier, and The Dalles

Travelers heading farther east can also consider communities such as Mosier and The Dalles. These areas provide access to the eastern Gorge and can be useful for visitors interested in a broader road trip through the region.

Why Choose the Oregon Side?

The Oregon side is a strong choice if your itinerary centers around:

• Famous waterfalls
• The Historic Columbia River Highway
• Scenic drives
• Hood River
• Cascade Locks
• Hiking
• Biking
• Restaurants and breweries
• Easy sightseeing stops

The Historic Columbia River Highway is particularly appealing if you're planning a scenic road trip through the western Gorge.

Where to Stay on the Washington Side of the Columbia River Gorge

The Washington side offers a different experience. Instead of concentrating on the most famous waterfall corridor, travelers can enjoy mountain scenery, forest trails, river views, fishing, kayaking, and quieter communities.

Stevenson

Stevenson, Washington, is one of the best places to stay if you want a peaceful base for exploring the Columbia River Gorge.

Located along the Columbia River, Stevenson provides access to hiking, scenic viewpoints, outdoor recreation, restaurants, and attractions throughout the Gorge.

Its location also makes it practical for exploring Oregon. You can spend one day on the Washington side and another crossing the river to visit Oregon waterfalls and attractions.

For a more detailed look at the area, read why Stevenson is a great base for exploring the Columbia River Gorge.

White Salmon and Bingen

White Salmon and nearby Bingen are good options for travelers who want access to the eastern Washington Gorge.

These communities are especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, kayaking, mountain views, and exploring the river corridor.

Their location across from Hood River also makes it possible to experience attractions on both sides without constantly changing accommodations.

Carson

Carson offers a quieter setting surrounded by forests and mountains. It can be a good fit for visitors looking for a relaxing retreat away from busier tourist areas.

The area works particularly well for travelers who want to spend their days hiking, fishing, exploring scenic roads, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.

North Bonneville and Skamania

North Bonneville and the surrounding Skamania area provide another option for travelers interested in outdoor recreation and access to major Gorge attractions.

The Washington side is home to places such as Beacon Rock and Dog Mountain, along with numerous trails and viewpoints.

Why Choose the Washington Side?

The Washington side is a strong choice if you prioritize:

• Quiet accommodations
• Mountain views
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Scenic drives
• River views
• Smaller communities
• Romantic getaways
• Nature-focused vacations

For travelers who want to slow down after a day of sightseeing, Stevenson can be an especially appealing base.

What Are the Best Places to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge?

The best place to stay depends on the kind of trip you're planning.

Choose Hood River if you want restaurants, breweries, shops, and outdoor recreation.

Choose Cascade Locks if you want convenient access to the western Gorge and major attractions on both sides of the river.

Choose Stevenson if you want a quieter Washington-side base with mountain scenery and easy access to outdoor activities.

Choose White Salmon or Bingen if you're interested in the eastern Gorge and want convenient access to Hood River.

Choose Carson if your priority is a peaceful nature retreat.

For first-time visitors who want to experience multiple parts of the Gorge, staying near the middle of your planned itinerary can be more useful than choosing a destination solely because it is the most famous town.

Which Side Is Better for Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls?

If waterfalls are the main reason for your trip, the Oregon side has an advantage because many famous waterfall attractions are located along or near the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Horsetail Falls are among the attractions travelers often include in an Oregon-side itinerary.

However, staying on the Washington side does not mean missing out on waterfalls. Washington has its own scenic waterfalls and hiking destinations, and crossing the Columbia River gives visitors access to Oregon's waterfall corridor.

If you're looking for easier waterfall stops, check out these waterfalls you can visit without hiking.

Which Side Is Better for Hiking and Outdoor Activities?

Both sides are excellent for outdoor recreation.

The Oregon side offers numerous waterfall hikes, forest trails, scenic viewpoints, and routes along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

The Washington side provides mountain trails, river views, fishing opportunities, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and challenging hikes.

Travelers staying in Stevenson can explore the best hiking trails in Stevenson before venturing farther into the Gorge.

Families may also want to consider these family-friendly waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge.

Is It Better to Stay in Portland or the Columbia River Gorge?

Portland can be a convenient starting point for a Columbia River Gorge day trip, but staying in the Gorge gives you more time to experience the area itself.

If you stay in Portland, you may spend more of your trip driving between the city and Gorge attractions.

You also have less flexibility for early-morning hikes, sunset viewpoints, and slower sightseeing.

Staying in the Gorge allows you to wake up closer to the trails, waterfalls, river, and mountain scenery.

For a weekend getaway or a trip focused primarily on nature, staying within the Columbia River Gorge is generally the more immersive option.

How to Choose Your Columbia River Gorge Accommodation

The destination matters, but your lodging can also affect the overall experience.

Travelers can choose from hotels, vacation rentals, inns, lodges, and cabins. If your goal is to spend more time relaxing between outdoor adventures, a private cabin can offer a different experience from a conventional hotel room.

Columbia River Gorge Cabins

For travelers staying on the Washington side, Columbia River Gorge cabins at Artbliss Hotel in Stevenson provide a comfortable base for exploring the region.

The location makes it possible to enjoy Washington-side attractions while still taking day trips across the river to Oregon.

Cabins With Mountain Views

Mountain scenery is one of the biggest reasons travelers visit the Gorge.

If you want the landscape to remain part of your trip even when you're relaxing at your accommodation, consider cabins with mountain views.

Cabins With Soaking Tubs

After hiking or sightseeing all day, having a private place to unwind can make a big difference.

Travelers planning a romantic getaway or relaxing weekend can explore cabins with soaking tubs in Stevenson, WA.

Fireplace Cabins

A fireplace can make a cabin especially inviting during cooler months.

Fireplace cabins can be a good option for couples, families, or anyone planning a fall or winter trip to the Gorge.

Dog-Friendly Cabins

If you're traveling with a pet, finding suitable lodging ahead of time is important.

Artbliss offers dog-friendly cabins, making the Washington side a practical option for travelers who want to bring their dogs along.

Best Side of the Gorge for Different Types of Travelers

For Couples

The Washington side is particularly appealing for couples looking for a slower, more intimate getaway.

Stevenson's riverfront setting, nearby trails, mountain scenery, and relaxing cabin accommodations make it easy to combine outdoor activities with downtime.

For Families

Families can enjoy both sides of the Gorge.

The Oregon side is convenient for waterfall sightseeing and shorter attractions, while the Washington side provides hiking, river activities, and quieter surroundings.

Planning your activities around your children's ages and hiking abilities can help determine which side works best.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of reasons to visit either side.

Oregon is excellent for waterfall hikes, biking, and scenic drives. Washington is especially attractive for hiking, fishing, kayaking, mountain activities, and exploring less-developed areas of the Gorge.

For First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors who want to see as many famous attractions as possible may prefer the Oregon side.

However, staying in Washington and crossing the river during the day can be an excellent alternative if you prefer a quieter place to return to each evening.

For a Weekend Getaway

For a two-night weekend, choose a location close to the activities you care about most.

Stevenson works particularly well for a relaxing Washington-side weekend, while Hood River or Cascade Locks may be better for travelers who want to focus on Oregon's attractions.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in the Columbia River Gorge?

A two-night stay can work for a quick weekend getaway, but three or four nights gives you more flexibility.

With two nights, concentrate on one section of the Gorge and avoid spending too much time driving.

With three nights, you can explore one side on one day, cross the river on another, and leave the remaining time for hiking, sightseeing, dining, or relaxing.

With four or more nights, you can explore the western and eastern Gorge at a slower pace and include more outdoor activities.

The Gorge is large enough that trying to see everything in a single day can turn a relaxing trip into a driving itinerary.

Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge

Start with your must-see attractions. Identify the waterfalls, hiking trails, towns, and scenic viewpoints you most want to visit before choosing your accommodation.

Consider driving time. The Columbia River Gorge stretches across a large area, so staying closer to your main activities can save significant time.

Think about the atmosphere. Hood River and Cascade Locks offer more activity and dining options, while Stevenson and Carson can provide a quieter experience.

Look at the entire Gorge. Don't assume that staying on one side means you need to spend your entire vacation there. The Columbia River connects Oregon and Washington, making it possible to explore both.

Choose lodging that fits your trip. A hotel can work well for a sightseeing-heavy itinerary, while a cabin may be better if relaxing and enjoying the natural setting are part of the vacation.

Plan around the season. Weather, trail conditions, waterfall flows, and outdoor activities can vary throughout the year. Build some flexibility into your itinerary.

Final Thoughts

The best place to stay in the Columbia River Gorge depends on what you want from your trip.

The Oregon side is an excellent choice for travelers focused on famous waterfalls, scenic drives, Cascade Locks, Hood River, restaurants, and sightseeing. The Washington side is ideal for visitors looking for mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, smaller communities, and a quieter place to stay.

If you want to explore both sides while having a peaceful base to return to, Stevenson, Washington is worth considering. From there, you can enjoy Washington's trails and river scenery while still making trips to Oregon's waterfalls, scenic highways, and towns.

For travelers looking for a cabin experience in the Washington Gorge, explore Columbia River Gorge cabins at Artbliss Hotel and make Stevenson your base for exploring the region.

Frequently Asked Questions