The Columbia River Gorge is as diverse in the nature of its communities as it is in its geography and wildlife.  From the 'big city' of Troutdale, Portland's easternmost bedroom community at the west end of The Gorge, to the 'wide spot in the road' known as Biggs Junction at the eastern end of The Gorge, each town has its own distinct character and importance to the whole.  Below is a listing of the towns from west to east along each of the major highways in The Gorge, with a short descriptive note.  You may click on the name of a community for more complete information.

 IN OREGON, ALONG I-84

Troutdale - over 15,000 people call Troutdale home.  A good place to gas up for your trip up The Gorge. 

Corbett - Between the Sandy River and Crown Point, Corbett is a great jumping off place for hikes and picnics.

Cascade Locks - The south terminus for the Bridge of the Gods and a great place to start your 'on the water' experiences.

Hood River - the tourism capital of The Gorge.  Best known for wind and kite surfing, mountain biking, great restaurants and fun shops.

Rowena - a tiny unincorporated community best known for its wildflowers and panoramic views of the Columbia River.

The Dalles - The largest community on the eastern end of The Gorge.  The climate and geography of The Dalles is dramatically different from Gorge communities to its west.

Biggs Junction - officially a 'census-designated place' with a population of only 50, Biggs Junction is at the crossroads of  U.S. Highway 97 and Interstate 84, at the southern terminus of the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge.

     WASHINGTON, ALONG HIGHWAY 14

Stevenson - Gateway to the Washington side of The Gorge.  A bustling small town on the mouth of the Lewis River at the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Carson - Unincorporated community originally built around still extant geothermal hot springs.

Home Valley - at the confluence of the Columbia and Wind Rivers with lots of options for family fun.

White Salmon - 'The land where the sun meets the rain.'  At the confluence of the Columbia and White Salmon Rivers.  Home to the arts, history and recreation.

Bingen - Business and employment center at the northern terminus of the Hood River Bridge.

Lyle - One of the windsurfing centers in The Gorge - 'Doug's Beach' is just outside of Lyle.  A very pretty community of just over 500 people.

Wishram - a 'census-designated place'  of just over 200 people famous for the now-submerged Celilo Falls

Maryhill - another 'census-designated place' with just over 100 people.  Maryhill is home to the Maryhill Winery, the Maryhill Museum, Washington's Stonehenge, Maryhill State Park, and Peach Beach campground.