Located just below Skamania Lodge, this museum weaves together the many threads that form the area's history – Native Americans, early explorers, pioneer settlers, logging, fishing, shipping, power generation and recreation. It also claims to have the world's largest rosary collection (nearly 4000 on display).
Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
Top choice in Columbia River Gorge
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
26.11 MILES
The building of Timberline Lodge in 1936–37 was a huge project for the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which employed up to 500 workers to construct…
3.86 MILES
This dam was one of the largest New Deal projects of the Depression era. Completed in 1937, it was the first major dam on the Columbia River. Dam…
7.11 MILES
Washington's Beacon Rock, the core of an ancient volcano, is a prominent state park about 7 miles west of the Bridge of the Gods. It offers hiking,…
29.03 MILES
On top of Rowena Crest are spectacular views and vast meadows now preserved as a wildflower sanctuary. Governor Tom McCall Reserve, on Rowena Plateau, is…
History Museum of Hood River County
19.06 MILES
This worthwhile museum depicts the history of Hood River County and the mid-Columbia River region, with displays on Native American artifacts and quirky…
14.02 MILES
Take your own postcard photo of Mt Hood from Lost Lake, which frames the white peak rising from a deep-blue lake amid thick green forest. This inland side…
4.59 MILES
Next door to Bonneville Dam, in pretty grounds with picnic tables, is this visitor-friendly facility. There are several ponds full of rainbow trout and…
19.51 MILES
Crown Point, which marks the gorge's western edge, offers amazing panoramic views across the gorge. Here the 1916 Vista House observatory, an art nouveau…
Nearby Columbia River Gorge attractions
1. Cascade Locks Historical Museum
1.21 MILES
Housed in an old lockmaster's three-story residence (1905) across from the locks, this museum features Native American artifacts, a fish wheel and a…
2. Eagle Creek Recreation Area
3.5 MILES
The beautiful, 13.2-mile Eagle Creek Trail was the gorge's most popular hike before the 2017 fire that has closed it indefinitely. There is no timeline on…
3.86 MILES
This dam was one of the largest New Deal projects of the Depression era. Completed in 1937, it was the first major dam on the Columbia River. Dam…
4.59 MILES
Next door to Bonneville Dam, in pretty grounds with picnic tables, is this visitor-friendly facility. There are several ponds full of rainbow trout and…
7.11 MILES
Washington's Beacon Rock, the core of an ancient volcano, is a prominent state park about 7 miles west of the Bridge of the Gods. It offers hiking,…
14.02 MILES
Take your own postcard photo of Mt Hood from Lost Lake, which frames the white peak rising from a deep-blue lake amid thick green forest. This inland side…
18.65 MILES
If you happen to be around town from May to September, check out the farmers market for crafts, live music, fresh produce and locally made foods. From…
8. History Museum of Hood River County
19.06 MILES
This worthwhile museum depicts the history of Hood River County and the mid-Columbia River region, with displays on Native American artifacts and quirky…