Top 10 Attractions on the Columbia River

Just half an hour away from downtown Portland, the Columbia River is a must-see! It’s an accessible and spectacular destination with sceneries everyone will love. In Columbia River Gorge, you’ll get to experience all of the most famous waterfalls, lookout points, and adventurous trails. 

Because of how big the Columbia River can get, it may leave you wondering where to go and what to do when here. When you’re heading to Oregon soon, check out these top 10 attractions on the Columbia River!

Top 10 Attractions on the Columbia River

From fishing charters to numerous trails, there’s always something to do around the Columbia River. Try any of these activities and visit these unique attractions:

Historic Columbia River Highway

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View the gorge by driving by the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is a 70-mile drive beginning from Troutdale, ending in The Dalles. From here, you’ll enjoy the scenic roadway where you can see the Bridge of the Gods, Multnomah Falls, and the Bonneville Lock and Dam!

Crown Point and Vista House

The Crown Point and Vista House offer unique views of the Columbia River. 

Many flock to the area to see natural beauty, but you should also stop and view the hexagonal Vista House, which dons the domed tile roof and stained-glass windows. This area was originally a rest stop for those driving along the Historic Columbia River Highway but now features a gift shop, museum, and restrooms.

Hood River

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Hood River is a popular stopover for many tourists. It’s a small town that offers a ton of shopping and dining opportunities so you can take a full day break from exploring the outdoors. 

Check out the Historic Downtown District, where you can find outdoor gear, books, wine, and many other things for sale. Or, head to Riverside for a lovely dinner with a spectacular view. This restaurant features a large outdoor patio with many local seafood dishes.

Multnomah Falls 

You can’t go to Columbia River Gorge without heading to the Multnomah Falls! This is a 620-foot two-tier waterfall that offers a breathtaking view when you take the short trail towards the Benson Bridge. We highly recommend hiking to Multnomah Falls Upper Viewpoint, where you’ll feel refreshed feeling the most from the falls.

Bonneville Hatchery

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Check out the Bonneville Hatchery to watch the salmon swim upstream. Even when you’re not in the area during the salmon run, you can head to the display pond to view the white sturgeon and rainbow trout. Children can even feed the fish for fun!

Hood River Fruit Loop

The Hood River Fruit Loop is another must-see! It’s a place to be when you want to sample wine and fresh produce around the area.

The Fruit Loop is a 35-mile drive where you can visit and stopover for wineries, fruit stands, farms, and country stores. You’ll even get to see various festivals and events the locals celebrate.

Check the Local Breweries

Top 10 Attractions on the Columbia River

Portland is known to be the epicenter of craft beer, which is why you can also find it in the Columbia River Gorge.

Visit Thunder Island Brewing Co. and enjoy amazing views of the Columbia River with good beer. You can also try the Full Sail Brewery, which is an older brewery and former fruit cannery. They have a delicious black lager and fruity amber for your tastebuds to explore.

For a combination of good craft beer and food, the Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery offers mouthwatering pizza with refreshing India red ale.

Hike to Waterfalls

Locals head to Columbia River Gorge just for hiking to waterfalls. And there are so many trails that will get you there. Columbia River Gorge is known to have the highest number of waterfalls across the United States.

You can head to the Latourell Falls, where the views are seen from the parking lot. But take the 2.4-mile hike and genuinely enjoy the view from the Upper Latourell Falls.

If you want to visit three waterfalls in just one hike, choose the Triple Falls Trail. It’s a 3.2-mile hike that has an elevation gain of about 610 feet, well-used by locals but not crowded at all.

The Pacific Crest Trail and Dry Creek Falls Trail are also excellent choices, which have you pass through forests and lesser-known waterfalls.

Cascade Locks and Bridge of the Gods

This is another place worth stopping over in, and we consider this a secret gem because it’s actually easy to miss. Cascade Locks is a small town with only around 1,200 people, but you can stay for an entire day!

You can head to the old Bridge of the Gods, which connects the Oregon and Washington states. From here, you get stellar views, either through walking or driving over it.

You can also go under the bridge, where you can find a small market where the locals sell fresh and smoked salmon, along with seasonal fruits. Around the town, you can visit lovely parks or local breweries and restaurants, all while enjoying the river views.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

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When you’re on a road trip with kids or just love to learn about the history of places you visit, you’ll love the museum. It’s not just for children, but all ages as well!

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum cover the history of Dallas and its surrounding area. Each level has different exhibits you can learn a lot from. From here, you get to know about history since Lewis and Clark, watch shows, go birdwatching, watch shows, and even walk outside and appreciate the scenic trails.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re heading to Columbia River, don’t forget to plan and head to all those attractions from the list above! It may take some time to visit all of the attractions but do allot at least one weekend for you and your family to experience as much as you can! And don’t forget to try your hand at fishing in the Columbia River; there are many fishing charters you can hire to have a memorable time.

Hopefully, this article helped you with your itinerary to Columbia River. Check them out, and let us know what you think of some of these places!

Top 10 Attractions Near Depoe Bay

Ah, Depoe Bay, one of the must-visit destinations, especially if you love fishing and marine life! It boasts of the title, ‘Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,’ where you can find a tall sea cliff bounding the entire city. The elevated view can have tourists and locals alike get the opportunity to spot migrating whales from December to March!

We can’t deny the beauty Depoe Bay exudes, which is why many tourists flock to the area. If you’re planning to do the same with family, friends, a partner, or even go solo, you need to plan ahead! This article will show you the top 10 attractions near Depoe Bay to have an amazing vacation.

Top 10 Attractions Near Depoe Bay

There are so many things to do and see near and within Depoe Bay! From fishing charters to whale watching tours, delicious restaurants to recreation areas, here are some of the best attractions near Depoe Bay:

Otter Crest Loop

If you’re going on a drive, make it a worth the ride by driving along Otter Crest Loop, where you can discover interesting views and formations. You get fantastic coastal landscapes you can only find in Oregon, so it’s definitely a must-see when you’re in the area.

Beverly Beach State Park

Beverly State Park is known as one of Oregon’s largest Creekside campgrounds. If you’re looking for a place to camp in, then you’ll definitely enjoy what the vast state park has to offer. From here, you’re only steps away from the ocean, wind-sculpted trees, and even a playground and picnic area!

Whale Research EcoExcursions

It’s not just about seeing the whales, but learning all about them, too!

The Whale Research EcoExcusrions are unique trips that have everyone learn more about whales while giving you the opportunity to see them close up. You’ll be on a boat and head to the waters with a guide showing you the way, with the goal of giving you the safe and educational trip of a lifetime.

Flying Dutchman Winery

This is the only working winery along Oregon Coast, located right beside Devil’s Punchbowl State Park! It also happens to be the state’s most unique winery where you can witness the production of their wine.

Not only can you enjoy a fantastic glass of wine, but you can enjoy the spectacular views of Oregon Coast while doing so! It’s located above the coastline and features an intimate tasting room with an outdoor patio showing the views.

Boiler Bay State Wayside

Boiler Bay State Wayside is where you can check out the surf action from the rocky spurs. You and your loved ones get amazing panoramic viewpoints where you can also go whale watching in! Make sure you bring your binoculars because it’s regarded as the best locations in Oregon to find ocean birds, from jaegers to pelicans, looks to murrelets!

Mossy Creek Pottery

This cute attraction is where you can find the amazing artworks of 40 Northwest ceramic artists. The owners are artists themselves! Dan Wheeler is a potter while Susan Wheeler works with fused glass.

From here, you can find various artworks like beautiful dishware, whimsical creatures, teapots, lamps, vases, and the like. You can also find a ton of porcelain, stoneware, and raku in various glazes and colors. If you want, you can buy one of the artwork as a souvenir to display at home or a gift for a loved one.

Fishing Charters

This isn’t technically an attraction, but a really fun activity you can find by the waters of Depoe Bay. Besides viewing whales and marine life from viewing decks, why not head to the waters with a professional captain and crew to attend to your needs?

Not only can you enjoy the waters and the entire trip, but you can also even learn about fishing or hone your skills as you try catching the big one!

Alderhouse Glass Blowers

The Alderhouse Glass Blowing will give you a unique glassblowing experience and have you see the real thing, just like what they do in Venice or other glass venues worldwide. The glassblowing process will be explained in detail and you can ask artists any questions you have on it, even watching it happen in real life. It’s quite a sight to witness and learn about!

The Whale Watching Center

Depoe Bay’s Whale Watching Center is located on a seawall where you can enjoy the stunning ocean views from their viewing deck. It’s one of the perfect areas where you can go whale watching, hence the name. From here, you can avail binoculars and read about the fun facts about whales.

The park staff and volunteers are extremely helpful and accommodate, ready to answer any questions you have and show you how to look out for whales and marine life.

Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area

Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area is where the creek and ocean get to meet, with grassy areas and beach access. Whether you want to go on a picnic or have a little adventure by the wooden foot bridges, you’ll have a ton of fun with family and friends.

As you walk and explore the recreation area, you’ll find a ton of beautiful wildflowers and hear the sound of chirping birds everywhere you go. You can even watch out for whale spots from the beach or go to the meadows to find the forest reclaiming old benches.

Wrapping It Up

Depoe Bay has a lot to offer, so if you’re planning to visit the area for some fishing action, make sure you also check out the other attractions as well. Suitable for the whole family or group of friends, there’s something for everyone.

Hope this list will help you with your future travel plans! If part of that plan includes fishing charters in Depoe Bay, give us a call and we can share what we can offer to make your trip an even better one.

5 Reasons to Book a Newport Oregon Fishing Charter

Newport, Oregon, is home to a lot of fun tourist attractions and fishing adventures. If you’re interested in going on a fishing trip in Newport, you should consider availing of fishing charter services.

You might have been considering hiring a boat for yourself and your loved ones to fish on your own, but you might find more reasons to book a Newport Oregon fishing charter instead. But why?

Read on to learn about the benefits a reputable Newport Oregon fishing charter can offer.

5 Reasons to Book a Newport Oregon Fishing Charter

There are a ton of benefits to reap when you hire a reputable Newport Oregon fishing charter. If you’re still not convinced, here are a couple of essential reasons why you:

Your Safety is Prioritized

This is one of the—most essential advantages when hiring fishing charters. Your safety must be the top priority!

When you rent your own boat and head out to the waters without a professional crew, there’s a chance you can come across accidents, technical difficulties with the boat, or even get lost out at sea.

With a fishing charter, the captain and crew ensure that all the safety measures are in place, which is required by law. Furthermore, they all have the professional experience to ensure everyone’s safety at all times when out at sea.

They even provide training in case of accidents and preventative measures. As long as you listen to the crew, they will take care of everything for a smooth ride.

Everything is Included

Sure, you have to pack a few things like your hat, extra clothes, sunscreen, and any personal medication. However, everything else will most likely be included. Everything is prepared for, such as the:

• Boat
• Captain and crew
• Fishing equipment, baits, and tackle
• Lunch and drinks
• Life jackets
• Training on safety procedures and fishing techniques

Simply schedule the booking, pay in full, then enjoy your day out at sea. No need to worry about anything else but landing the big one!

Professional Crew Who Knows Everything

Besides the adventures you’ll experience during your dishing escapade, your goal is to catch some fish. And of course, the bigger, the better!

Reputable fishing charters will have the experience and knowledge to show you where the fish are. They know how and where to find the fish, teach you how they do, and navigate the waters to find your chosen fish species (like salmon) quickly. This saves you time compared to searching for fish yourself, which can take hours!

Besides this, the crew will provide all the help needed when you’re hooking huge game fish. They can also teach you the best techniques to hook fish and bring it on board to take a photo or take home, if fishing regulations allow it.

Even if you’re totally new to fishing and brought no equipment, the crew will take care of you. You’ll learn all about the basics of fishing and new techniques for future fishing trips.

They will also have extensive local knowledge of water conditions, weather, location, and Oregon fishing seasons. This plays a significant role in giving you a fun and successful day out fishing. Professional fishing charters have such knowledge and are adept at reading the water and weather conditions. That will also add to the safety of your fishing trip.

It’s Actually Cost-Effective

Think of it: You rent a boat, bought the food and fishing equipment, and gathered up all your loved ones. However, you’re mainly stressing over where to go, spending a lot of time trying to navigate the waters and asking everyone to help with the boat to ensure all your safety. Then when you’re out in the waters, you still need to take care of the boat, prepare the fishing equipment, and maybe even teach your loved ones how to use it.

This is a lot of time wasted trying to do everything on your own, and you can end up getting lost or in a location where there are no fish. The fishing trip is ruined!

With a Newport Oregon fishing charter, you get more than what you pay for and actually spend your money having fun rather than stressing over everything about the trip than actually fishing.

More Fun, Less Work

No one wants to spend most of their time trying to take care of the boat than actually fishing and focusing on time with loved ones. That’s why one of the major reasons why people opt for a Newport Oregon fishing charter is for more fun and less work!

Rather than driving the boat a

nd ensuring everyone’s safety, you’re more focused on having fun as you try catching the big one. You get to slow down and relax as you wait for bites, rather than run around trying to take care of everything.

You get the complete fishing experience, with fishing charters accommodating to individual preferences, particularly if you book a private charter. If you want to spend the entire day out in the deep sea catching specific fish species, they can do that for you! And during the entire trip, everyone will assist you as needed and take you to where you want to be to bring home more catches.

There are various tour options fishing charters offer, just communicate with your Newport Oregon fishing charter company to get the fishing trip you desire.

Wrapping It Up

When it comes to fishing, you’ll want to invest in fishing charters for you and your loved ones. While it may seem pricier compared to renting your own boat, you save a lot of time, money, and effort in the long run. Just make sure you work with a company with proper licensure and certifications.

Are you still looking for reputable fishing charters to hire when heading to Newport? Don’t hesitate to contact us and learn more about our rates and services. We can provide the ultimate fishing trip you and your buddies deserve!

5 Reasons to Book a Depoe Bay Oregon Fishing Charter

When in Depoe Bay, you’ll want to go crabbing or head to the open seas and try your hand at fishing. Because of the fishing and sightseeing opportunities out in Depoe Bay waters, there is an abundance of fishing charters to choose from. You’re probably wondering, ‘why should I book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter in the first place?’

This article tackles the five primary reasons why you should book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter for the trip of your life!

5 Reasons to Book a Depoe Bay Oregon Fishing Charter

You might be thinking about how expensive a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter can be. But when you think about it, you actually get more than what you pay for, especially if you’re an angler keen on catching a lot of fish and spending time with loved ones. Here are the reasons to book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter:

Spend Time with Loved Ones

This is one of the most obvious reasons why you should book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter. It’s a unique way to spend time with your family, friends, or romantic partner. Whether you want to connect with your children, parents, siblings, friends or go out on a date with an avid angler, you spend a ton of time together.

Fishing charters offer an enjoyable experience everyone will remember. There are many downtimes while fishing, and you can enjoy the vast waters and stunning views. You all get to slow down on the waters, having the long conversations you usually can’t have anywhere else. Have a no-device rule (unless it’s an emergency) and slow down a bit!

Besides this, you can also teach your loved ones how to fish or enjoy spending time doing a hobby you all love together. You’ll learn a lot, make new memories, and build your relationships in the best way possible.

If you’re going alone, you get to join other single anglers on tour, where you can make new friends and learn a lot.

Everything is Covered

Whether you’re new to fishing or an experienced angler, you won’t have to bring much or worry about the trip. The licensed captain and professional crew have got you covered with all you need.

You might not have all your fishing equipment with you due to the luggage restrictions, or you have none, to begin with yet. That’s fine because fishing charters would have the equipment on board, so you don’t need to spend buying any. They would usually offer the bet and latest fishing equipment, and the crew can teach you and your loved ones how to operate it.

Besides that, they can also teach you new fishing techniques, tips, and where to go around Depoe Bay to catch certain fish species.

That said, make sure that you get a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter that has the proper licenses and certifications to operate.

Not only is this for legalities and to ensure rules are followed, but for your protection and safety out in the waters.

Have a Unique Adventure

There are many kinds of fishing charter services to choose from. You can go fish near the shore for an hour or so, go deep sea fishing for half a day, or go overnight. Whatever the case may be, you can have the adventure of your life the way you want it.

Deep sea fishing allows you to head out miles offshore for at least half a day to catch the big one. Or, you can go bottom fishing and try new fishing techniques the expert crew can train you in. It has you truly feel like you’re in the ultimate fishing adventure!

Choose Specific Fish Species

If you have a specific fish species in mind, let the captain and crew know and they can take you to locations where fish are abundant. You will surely catch a few bites and have a great adventure as you go fishing.

For your loved ones who want to go whale watching or see certain marine life creatures in Depoe Bay, you can ask the fishing charter about it. They can navigate where to go and recommend when to schedule the fishing charter for a higher chance of catching or seeing the species you desire.

In Depoe Bay, you can catch a variety of fish, from salmon to halibut, walleye to sturgeon!

Focus on Having Fun

Some people consider renting their own boat and being the captain of their own ship, bringing their equipment and using loved ones as crew for help. This may be fun and add to the adventure, but it can also be very stressful and dangerous.

If you and your family aren’t as well-experienced to handle the boat, you can run into trouble. Furthermore, if you’re new to Depoe Bay, there’s a chance of getting lost and not going to places where you can surely get a catch.

Plus, bringing your own or purchasing fishing equipment is expensive, and you won’t have a crew helping you out.

That’s why a Depoe Bay fishing charter is worth the price. It may be a bit pricier per person compared to renting a boat, but you have everything you need. All you need to worry about is getting seasick, but other than that, you leave the professionals with the tough stuff as you enjoy the trip.

Wrapping It Up

When traveling to Depoe Bay, you must try to go on an ultimate fishing trip, or at least head out to the waters to go sightseeing! That’s why fishing charters are highly recommended when in the area, as they can take care of everything for you. With so many reasons why a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter is beneficial, it’s hard to see why you shouldn’t hire one!

Are you interested in availing a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter? Contact us now and learn all about our packages and what we can offer to meet your wants now!

Everything You Need to Know About Portland Oregon Fishing Charters

Portland is a unique area to visit for various reasons, especially for anglers. There are numerous fishable rivers around the area, from the Columbia River down to the Willamette River. That’s why you can find numerous Portland, Oregon fishing charters around to give you the best fishing trip of the season!

But before you go on to Portland, Oregon, what should you know about the fishing scene? This article will show you what to expect when fishing in Portland, Oregon, and why you need reputable fishing charters for your trip. Read on!

Everything You Need to Know About Portland Oregon Fishing Charters

With so many fishing opportunities in Portland, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed with all the information. Let’s cut it down to different sections and show you the basics to prepare you better when in the area.

Where to Fish

Here are some of the more popular rivers in Portland, known for their excellent fishing opportunities:

Columbia River

The Columbia River is one of the largest rivers in the US and one of the more popular ones for fishing. It runs right through Portland, where you can find a ton of salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead. Here, you’ll also find many guided fishing charters to help you locate and catch a ton of fish.

Willamette River

This river is known for bisecting Portland into west and east sides and being one of the US rivers that have salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities in large metropolitan areas.

You can find boaters drifting beneath bridges to find salmon and steelhead, as well as shad, smallmouth bass, and sturgeon. This is another popular area where you can find fishing charters for hire.

Clackamas River

Find a lot of native Chinook and Coho salmon, summer and winter steelhead, and many trout varieties in the Clackamas River. It is popular among anglers all year long, even having a boat ramp nearby.

Sandy River

Sandy River attracts a lot of people, including fly and baits fishers. The calm waters would also attract rainbow trout and winter steelhead, along with Chinook and Coho salmon.

Wilson River

This is one of the best areas where you can catch Chinook salmon and steelhead. Wilson River would flow west, and through Tillamook State Forest, where you can find campgrounds and day-use areas, anglers can take advantage of to access the river easily.

Where Else to Fish

Of course, there are so many other lakes and parks to go to for fishing as well, such as:

• Bethany Lake Park
• Gilbert River
• Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site

What Fish to Catch

Here are some of the best fish you can catch when around Portland, Oregon:

Salmon

Portland is also popular for its salmon runs every year, which starts with the spring chinook salmon. That’s why many Portland, Oregon fishing charters begin their operations come mid-March, so clients can get their hands on some Chinook salmon to show off to their friends.

During the summer, sockeye and chinook salmon come along, found in Columbia River and similar areas, you’ll find summer steelhead. Come fall season; the Coho salmon comes out with more Chinook salmon!

Steelhead

While smaller than salmon, steelhead can put up a fight, so you get to have a fun day fishing when targeting this fish species. They look similar to salmon, but steelhead is rainbow trout that made the run to oceans and back. There are two types of steelhead seasons in Portland.

There is the summer steelhead, where they weigh about 6-12 pounds on average. There is also the winter steelhead, where they weigh about 8-12 pounds on average.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon look like prehistoric fish and are commonly found in Columbia River and Willamette River bottom feeders. These fish can grow up to 12 feet long and reach up to 150 years, hence their prehistoric appearance!

When in Portland, sturgeon fishing is from November to June and given their size, expect a ton of action as you try reeling them in. You’ll be wrestling oversized sturgeon, and when you do get to catch it, it will be a sight to behold!

Portland Oregon fishing charters offer trips where you can get the opportunity to catch spring salmon while also battling it out with huge sturgeon, making it fun for all types of anglers.

Why Hire a Portland Oregon Fishing Charter?

Now that you know where to fish, the type of fish to expect, and when to find them, the next question is: Why hire Portland Oregon fishing charters?

Here are a few things to learn about Portland, Oregon, fishing charters, which can help make your trip a more memorable one:

They offer transportation

Portland Oregon fishing charters already have the boat ready, with a licensed captain, professional crew, and amenities that children and adults will appreciate. All you need to do is sit back and relax without worrying about maneuvering the boat.

You have a guide and gear.

The professional crew and captain will know where to go, having driven around the Portland waters for years. There’s no risk of getting lost or going to areas without fish, so you don’t waste time and energy.

Furthermore, they have high-quality gear available for you to rent and use, with the crew teaching you how to use the gear and what technique to try on the fish you want to catch.

There’s no need to prepare for anything.

As mentioned, you already have a boat, the crew, and even fishing gear. The only thing you’ll need to prepare for is your budget and yourself, as well as some food. That said, some fishing charters even include food in their packages!

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, you learned a lot about what it’s like to fish in Portland, Oregon. If you would like to hire fishing charters for your next trip, feel free to contact us to acquaint you with the different services we offer.