Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

Review: Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, Washington - AFAR

"Set on 120 forested acres in Washington’s White Salmon River Valley, this Under Canvas outpost felt tailor-made for soft-adventurists like me who want creature comforts with a nature fix. I stayed two nights with my husband and two kids in the Mount Hood Suite Tent—two safari-style tents joined by a deck and outdoor lounge that offered an epic view of Mount Hood—and appreciated the spacious tents outfitted with West Elm furnishings, bedside lanterns, USB charging packs, gas fireplaces, and en suite bathrooms with hot pull-chain showers, sinks, and flushing toilets. The camp is about 80 miles northeast of Portland (roughly a 90-minute drive from PDX without traffic) and works well as a base for biking along the Columbia River, kayaking or fishing the White Salmon River, or paddleboarding and windsurfing near Hood River, with breweries, wineries, and orchards close by for day trips. There’s no Wi‑Fi or screens, so guests ranged from toddlers to octogenarians; multigenerational families and friend groups enjoyed hot showers, clean sheets, outdoor fireplaces for s’mores, board games in the spacious lobby, and on-site programming like meditation and yoga. The staff were helpful organizing excursions and the kids loved summer-camp–style activities (making Father’s Day cards and charm bracelets, cornhole, and root beer floats). The property offers accessible tents, restrooms, and parking, but much of the terrain is rugged dirt or gravel, so contact the property if you have accessibility concerns. Rates start from $229." - Julia Cosgrove