Just across the bridge from Hood River, the quiet town of White Salmon resides atop a 550 foot bluff overlooking the Columbia River. White Salmon, Washington, is 65 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and 150 miles north of Bend.
There is plenty to keep you busy in White Salmon—from nearly two dozen restaurants, wine bars, and cafés to a handful of boutique shops and parks. If you’re looking for even more to see and do, head across the Hood River Bridge. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll find yourself in downtown Hood River amidst art galleries, shopping, salons, and much more. Fill up your itinerary.
The weather in White Salmon is considered mild, and boasts the best of all four seasons. Summers are dry and warm with highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 50s. Winters, by contrast, are cold and often snowy, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s, lows in the 20s and 30s. The rainiest part of the year is November through March, with averages of 10-14 days of rain each month during that period.
White Salmon and Hood River tend to get less rainfall and are sunnier than Gorge towns to the west.
Named after the White Salmon River, where Lewis and Clark witnessed local tribes catching unique white-fleshed salmon, this little town has a rich narrative that stretches back to its first non-Native settlers, Erastus and Mary Joslyn in 1853. These pioneering spirits started with a humble orchard and vegetable garden, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving community. Through the years, White Salmon has blossomed, embracing its heritage and thoughtful growth. Today, White Salmon is a beacon for outdoor lovers, with its laid-back vibe and access to endless activities.
