Columbia River Gorge - Boating

Visitors partake of a wide variety of water-based recreation in the Columbia Gorge, but reliable westerly winds, particularly near the town of Hood River, have helped make it known by many as the windsurfing capital of the world. You can also take a historic sternwheeler cruise on the river: The steamers opened up the wild Columbia to passenger and freight travel more than a century ago (the river was the only way to travel until roads and railroads were built, and trucks, buses and Model Ts didn't completely replace the paddle-wheelers until 1917).

A list of companies that provide tours and/or rent equipment are below. Click on any name for more information. For information about lakes, reservoirs, and other boating spots in the Columbia River Gorge area select Lakes and Reservoirs.