Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For a break from the norm, the
Columbia River Gorge Hostel
(Humboldt and Cedar Streets, 509/493-3363,
www.bingenschool.com
)
might
be just your style. This restored 1938 schoolhouse offers 48 hostel beds ($19 pp) and six private rooms ($49 d). This place is a big hit with visiting
windsurfers and rock climbers—so much so that windsurfing rentals and lessons are offered on-site and one of the Inn's amenities is a private
climbing wall. A weight room, indoor basketball court, and kitchen area are among the hostel amenities. The Inn is home to memorabilia from the
old school days. Reservations are recommended in midsummer.
Right on the northern side of the Hood River Bridge,
Bridge RV Park and Campground
($39) runs a well-manicured park with riverfront ac-
cess and pretty views of the Gorge. Its location puts it within easy striking distance of Hood River and all of the Washington-side recreation activ-
ities. With full hookups for RV campers and shady tent spots, plus a spic-and-span shower and laundry facilities, this is a comfortable camping
spot to serve as base camp for multiday Gorge explorations.
Food
Those craving a hearty breakfast can count on satisfaction at
Big River Diner
(740 E. Steuben St., Bingen, 509/493-1414, 8 A.M.-8 P.M. daily),
which serves ample portions of old favorites like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and eggs.
For something homier,
Inn of the White Salmon
(509/493-2335) pulls out its dining chairs to nonguests who'd like to partake in its locally
famous country breakfasts ($10). Phone ahead for reservations.
The wine and brewery scene has definitely benefited White Salmon from a culinary perspective, as the area is slowly attracting chefs interested
in the region's legacy in vino and fresh produce.
Henni's Kitchen and Bar
(120 E Jewett, 509/493-1555, 5-9 P.M. daily) is a testament to that. A
gastropub-style establishment with exposed brick walls and moody lighting, the wine and beer selection is extensive and daring and the bartenders
also know how to make a mean cocktail to go along with the selection of small plates and gourmet entrées like pork loin stuffed with apricot
sausage over polenta and green beans or house-made gnocci with chanterelle mushrooms and spinach in leek cream.
Road-trippin' families toting little ones should consider unloading the minivan at
Solstice Wood Fire Café
(415 W. Steuben St., Bingen, 509/
493-4006,
www.solsticewoodfirecafe.com
,
11:30 A.M.-2 P.M. and 5-8 P.M. Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 A.M.-2 P.M. and 5-9 P.M. Fri., 11:30 A.M.-9
P.M. Sat., 11:30 A.M.-8 P.M. Sun.). This kid-friendly restaurant has a special play area and a chalkboard for the kids to unload a little of that
pent-up road trip energy. The food's delish, too, with a menu full of wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The pizzas range from plain for
picky eaters to inventive, such as the combo with chicken, potatoes, and sweet peppers.
Information and Services
Get regional information from the
Mount Adams Chamber of Commerce
(509/493-3630, business.gorge.net/mtadamschamber, 8 A.M.-5 P.M.
daily June-Sept., Mon.-Fri. only the rest of the year) next to the toll bridge just west of Bingen.
Emergency medical services are provided by
Skyline Hospital
(211 Skyline Dr., 509/493-1101) in White Salmon. Pets can go to
Alpine Ve-
terinary Hospital
(208 Lincoln Dr., 509/493-3908) in Bingen.
Getting There
The Bingen
Amtrak
(509/248-1146 or 800/872-7245,
www.amtrak.com
)
station is located at 800 Northwest 6th Street. Service is daily, heading
west to Vancouver and Portland, and east to Wishram, Pasco, Spokane, and all the way to Chicago.
A transformation begins east of the Lyle area as the country opens up into rolling dry hills of grass and rock. In this desolate place the rumble of
long freight trains and the sounds of tugs pushing barges upriver mingle with those of nature to create a hauntingly resounding symphony.
Wineries
There are no gimmicky attractions or kitschy gift shops at
Syncline Wine Cellars
(111 Balch Rd., 509/365-4361,
www.synclinewine.com
)
. Nope,
it's all about the wine here at this family-run vintner that's tucked away on a piece of country property up in the hills above Lyle. The tasting room
is simply a marble-topped bar placed in the corner of the property's barrel room, giving the vino center stage. Known best for its work with rhone
and burgundy varietals, this winery's prized vintage is its cuvee elena, a blend of grenache, mourvedre, syrah and carignan.
A super-fun winery located on a remote stretch of road near Columbia Hills State Park,
Marshal's Winery
(158 Oak Creek Dr., 509/767-4633)
never takes itself too seriously. The tasting room is done up similar to your grandad's rumpus room, with picnic tables adorned with simple table-
cloths and serving M&Ms and Cheetos as palate cleansers. Marshall's bold barbera is the highlight here.
