Mountain views and outdoor recreation in White Salmon
Along the scenic Columbia River, just north of the Washington-Oregon border, White Salmon is a Pacific Northwest community with plentiful outdoor recreation. The area has a close-knit community and a small offering of local businesses; the active shopping and dining scene of Hood River, Oregon, is just 3 miles south. Views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams serve as the backdrop to everyday life in White Salmon, with fishing, hiking and boating spots all accessible from town. “Outdoor activities are what we’re known for,” says Lori Clark, a longtime White Salmon resident and broker/owner with Pathfinder Real Estate. “You can name a recreational activity and we almost certainly have it within a short drive, from white water rafting to rock climbing.”
The Cascade Mountain community is named for the nearby White Salmon River and was known for its lumber and fruit-growing industries throughout the 20th century. Today, there are still numerous orchards and farms surrounding White Salmon and Hood River, while lodging, recreation and retail have become prominent industries. The area has a close-knit community, and a small offering of local businesses, while the active shopping and dining scene of Hood River, Oregon, is just 3 miles south.
Hillside homes and spacious yards near the Columbia River
Early 20th-century bungalows sit next to 1990s ranch-style homes, early 2000s craftsman builds and brand-new houses in White Salmon, with property sizes ranging from 3,000 square feet to 2 acres. Many homes feature large, south-facing windows to maximize views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River. “A lot of retirees have been moving here in recent years,” Clark says. “It’s a bit more affordable here in Washington because you don’t have to pay income tax, and you can quickly cross the river into Oregon where there’s no sales tax.” Single-story houses and manufactured homes range from $345,000 to $540,000, while large builds with spacious properties can go for $620,000 to $850,000, with prices increasing with lot size and recent renovations. Riverfront and hillside homes with some of the best views in town make up the high end of the market, with prices going from $1.05 million to $2.8 million.
Agriculture-based courses at Columbia High School
White Salmon is served by four public schools, starting with Hulan L. Whitson Elementary School and Wallace & Priscilla Stevenson Intermediate, which earn B and B-minus grades from Niche, respectively. Henkle Middle School receives a B. The B-minus-rated Columbia High School offers a variety of hands-on agriculture-based courses, including horticulture, natural resources and small-animal science. The school partners with Yakima Valley Community College for its dual credit classes. “A lot of locals are really involved in the community,” says Clark. “We have a parent’s association with the public schools and an active environmental activism group.” The White Salmon Valley Community Library is near the center of town and hosts a wide array of programs each week, from gardening workshops and a fiber arts club to family story times and book groups.
Riverside recreation and nearby hiking
The Columbia and White Salmon rivers meet just west of the community, and anglers can reel in steelhead, salmon and trout. There are nearby boat launches in Sailboard Park and across the water in Hood River Waterfront Park and the Port of Hood River. Mountain bikers can traverse the trails at the White Salmon Bike Park, complete with ramps, jumps and narrow bridges. The Jewett Sports Complex plays host to local baseball and softball leagues. White Salmon is within an hour of both Mount Adams and Mount Hood, each of which draws in thousands of visitors every year for camping and hiking. Mount Hood is known for its ski resorts, from Timberline Lodge to Mount Hood Meadows.
Annual events in White Salmon
There’s a community event for every season in White Salmon, from the Wildflower Festival in May to the costume parade every Halloween. “Mayfaire is each spring,” says Clark. “Everyone comes together to enjoy a big barbecue and catch up with their neighbors. There's live music and craft booths.” In September, El Grito is a free event celebrating Hispanic culture with live music, authentic Mexican fare and kids' activities.
Local eateries and shopping across the river
Small businesses line Jewett Boulevard downtown, including Nativ Cafe, which serves coffee, kava, baked goods and brunch bites. Next door, The Book Peddler sells used books and has been serving the area for over 20 years. Henni’s Kitchen & Bar uses locally sourced ingredients and has a menu that rotates with the seasons, from cedar plank salmon to beef skewers that can be enjoyed alongside a specialty cocktail. Everybody’s Brewing is a local favorite with around a dozen staple and seasonal beers on tap and live music on Monday nights. Shoppers can get their groceries from Harvest Market or take the short drive south to Safeway and Walmart. The White Salmon Farmers Market is held on Tuesday evenings from June to September.
Drive along I-84 or hop on the Amtrak
The Hood River Bridge can take locals to Interstate 84, which spans around 65 miles west to Portland and 25 miles east to The Dalles. From the Bingen-White Salmon Amtrak station, travelers can ride to cities along the Empire Builder Amtrak line, including Portland, Pasco and Spokane.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
