Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River in the heart of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, White Salmon is a charming small town that offers incredible natural beauty and outdoor adventures. If you’re wondering, where is White Salmon located, it can be found in southern Washington state, directly across the river from Hood River, Oregon.
With a friendly community, historic downtown, and proximity to world-class wind sports, vineyards, hiking trails, and more – White Salmon is a gateway to exploring all the wonders of the Columbia Gorge.
Location and Geography
White Salmon is located in Klickitat County in southcentral Washington. It sits on the north bank of the Columbia River which forms the border between Washington and Oregon in this region.
Some key details about the geography
- Located 90 miles east of Portland, Oregon
- Approximately 55 miles west of Yakima, Washington
- Situated at the foot of the Cascade Mountain range
- Positioned directly across from Hood River, Oregon on the opposite side of the Columbia River
- Approximately 70 miles downstream from The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River
- Elevation of 190 meters or 623 feet above sea level
The majestic Columbia River Gorge carves through the Cascade Mountains here, creating stunning cliffs, forested hillsides, and formations like the iconic Beacon Rock. White Salmon rests in the transition zone between the wet western side of the Pacific Northwest and the dry eastern plains.
History and Origins s have lived in this area for over 10,000 years. The site of modern-day White Salmon was traditionally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Klickitat. White settlers began arriving in the 1850s, pushing out the native people.
It became a town in 1907 and was named for the White Salmon fish that used to be common in the Columbia River. The nearby Native American village of Nacotchtank is also important to the history of this area.
White Salmon emerged as a lumber town, with logs transported down the river. In the 1900s, the huge Longview plant began to melt aluminum there. When the smelter finally shut down in 2003, White Salmon changed by becoming a place for outdoor activities and wine tours.
Transportation and Access
While White Salmon feels secluded in the heart of the Gorge, it’s easily accessible by road and the river.
To reach White Salmon by car, take Highway 14 along the Washington side of the Columbia River. From Portland, travel east on I-84 then north on Highway 14. From Yakima, travel west on Highway 141 which turns into Highway 14 at Bingen.
The Bridge of the Gods crosses the Columbia here, connecting White Salmon to I-84 and Hood River in Oregon The historic bridge has a toll
White Salmon is also accessible by passenger ferry, water taxi, rail, bicycle, and more. The Amtrak Empire Builder train passes through nearby Bingen. With an airport in Hood River and Portland a short drive away, White Salmon is easy to access however you travel.
Climate and Geography
White Salmon enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate influenced by winds through the Columbia River Gorge. Summers are warm and sunny but moderated by cool gorge breezes. Winters are generally mild with periods of rain and snow showers.
Weather averages:
- Summer highs around 82°F (28°C)
- Winter highs around 40°F (4°C)
- Annual rainfall 36 inches (915mm)
The surrounding geography is varied and stunning. The cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and mountain views of the gorge surround White Salmon. To the north and east, the foothills of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood rise. The Columbia River provides recreation and defines the essence of this region.
Community Character and Attractions
For a town of just 2,500 people, White Salmon packs a lot of character and charm. The historic downtown along Highway 141 has independent shops, restaurants, galleries and lodging.
Outdoors lovers flock here for windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, trail running and more. The area has become an acclaimed wine destination with scores of wineries dotting both sides of the river.
Whether you seek adrenaline adventures, regional wine tasting, Native culture, or stunning vistas, White Salmon is the perfect home base. The blend of small town warmth and endless activities gives this uniquely located community year-round appeal.
Major Nearby Attractions
- Hood River, Oregon – Sports mecca and vibrant city across the river
- Columbia River – Legendary waterway for recreation and views
- Mt. Hood National Forest – Iconic Cascade volcano rising in Oregon
- Mt. Adams Wilderness – Massive Cascade peak and pristine wilderness in Washington
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area – Protected natural wonderland
- Dry Hollow Loop Trail – Top hike above White Salmon with enormous views
- Beacon Rock State Park – Dramatic monolith towering above the Columbia
- Klickitat Trail – 30+ mile rail trail popular with cyclists
- Maryhill Museum – Eclectic art museum in nearby historic town
- Columbia Gorge wineries – 100+ wineries flanking the river canyon
- Celilo Falls – Ancient native fishing site nearby, submerged but visible
Planning Your Visit
With its small town ambience and wealth of recreation, White Salmon offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The compact downtown makes it easy to park and explore local shops and restaurants on foot.
Lodging options range from riverside VRBO rentals to quaint inns and hotels in town. Camping and glamping options allow you to overnight right on the river or up in the hills.
The prime time to visit White Salmon is late spring through early fall when the weather is mildest. But even during the wet winter, there’s still plenty of indoor fun and storm watching from a cozy cabin.
Whether passing through for a day or settling in for a week, White Salmon serves as an unforgettable home base for taking in the natural wonders of the Columbia River Gorge.
WHAT STATES DOES THE RIVER CROSS?
Washington Map of the White Salmon River, WA | Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife
Condit Dam was built in 1913 to make hydropower. It was an important part of the area’s history and growth. But the benefits came at a high cost. The huge dam blocked the river’s natural flow and wasn’t built with fish passage in mind, so salmon and steelhead could only live in the first three miles of the river.
In the end, Condit caused more damage to the environment than it fixed (an average of only 10 megawatts of electricity) and it was no longer useful. Because it was getting more expensive to run the old dam, its owner, PacifiCorp, made a deal with American Rivers, the Yakama Indian Nation, government agencies, and other groups in 1999 to take it down.
Wild Fish and Scenic Whitewater
There aren’t many things more exciting than riding a whitewater raft or kayak down glacial runoff that flows off the sides of a 12,000-foot volcano. Yet, in 2011, the White Salmon River found a way.
In that year, demolition experts blew a huge hole in the base of the 125-foot-tall Condit Dam. This reconnected the whole White Salmon River to the Columbia River, letting the once-abundant runs of wild salmon and steelhead that fed Native American tribes spiritually, physically, and culturally return. The exciting whitewater ride went five miles further downstream after the dramatic dam was taken down, taking paddlers all the way to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Not that the White Salmon is lacking for scenery in its own right. This famous river in southwest Washington starts on the snowy slopes of Mount Adams and flows for 45 miles. More than 25 miles of it are protected by the federal government as Wild and Scenic. The river is known across the country as a top whitewater destination, and its steep, beautiful canyons and clear water help to support a thriving tourism and recreation industry.
Ten outfitters offer commercial trips on the river, and every year at least 25,000 boaters use the White Salmon, which is very good for the local economy. Paddlers now floating past the former dam site struggle to recognize the plug was ever there.
Along with salmon and steelhead runs, the White Salmon is one of the three best places in the area to catch rainbow trout all year.
The White Salmon offers Class III-IV whitewater in a natural setting that remains runnable virtually year-round.
At 12,307 feet, Mt. Adams (headwaters of the White Salmon) is the second highest peak in the Pacific Northwest after Mt. Rainier.
The United States had never taken down a dam that big before the Elwha Ecosystem Restoration Project on the Olympic Peninsula took down the Elwha Dam and the Glines Canyon Dams.
The White Salmon River after Condit dam | Oregon Field Guide
FAQ
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