opening up new employment and investment opportunities. The area has developed into an unmanned aerial vehicle nexus, and its proximity to the Columbia River transportation corridor offers unique opportunities for traditional and progressive industrial development. There is also access to nearby barge, train, air transport and interstate highways – all leading to Pacific Rim ports and other major transportation arteries.
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Welcome
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elcome to the Northshore of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Our communities overlook the Columbia River Gorge with spectacular views of beautiful Mt. Hood and majestic Mt. Adams. Thanks to Sam Hill, the famous road builder and founder of Maryhill Museum, the incredible and diverse climate of Klickitat County is often described aptly as “The Land Where the Sun Meets the Rain”, due to its location in a transition zone between west and east Gorge. The marine-influenced climate west of the Cascades and the dry continental climate of the inter-mountain region collide at the White Salmon River junction with the Columbia River, leading to times of sunshine between clouds, or wild storms and rainbows. Spectacular
6 | Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce
rivers and summer winds that funnel through the Gorge make this area a wind and water sport Mecca of international renown. The surrounding evergreen forests and oak woodlands are perfect settings for all manner of wildlife and year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, skiing, bird watching, fishing, hunting, just about anything active people enjoy. The abundance of farm fresh foods, foragers and hunters provides our culinary artists delightful inspiration for your meals. Wash it down with a local kombucha, a cold brew, award winning wine or other beverage of choice. The bountiful forest lands, farms and orchards are the backbone of industries that the area was founded upon, while new technology and fermentation industries are rapidly expanding and
Within Klickitat County, communities stretch from Bingen and White Salmon at the west end waterfront, up north to Trout Lake and Glenwood at the base of Mt. Adams, and east to Lyle, Goldendale and Maryhill in the heart of the vineyard country. Across the river to the south, several communities such as Cascade Locks, Hood River, and The Dalles lie a short distance from us on the Oregon side of the river. It is not uncommon for residents to find themselves working, eating, and playing on both sides of the Washington and Oregon border, which is the middle of the Columbia River. Housing options in the communities include apartments, condos, single-family units, affordable housing, and span all the way up to custom-built homes, however availability is often extremely limited especially in summer. Because of the growing reputation of White Salmon and the surrounding area, housing continues to be a wise investment, with growing demand.
BZ CORNER BZ Corner is small community at the intersection of the BZ Glenwood Hwy and SR 141. A recreation access point to the White Salmon River with several rafting companies based here. Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys have been in business there for 46 years. Home of the historic The Log’s Inn where the Kingsmen used to play Louie Louie and everyone gathered from around the gorge to dance the night away.
HUSUM Husum is home to many local whitewater rafting companies and you will find several delightful bed and breakfast options here. Visit the historic Ice House Wine Bar at the RubyJune Inn. With good viewpoints from the bridge, you will find Husum Falls a vertical 10-foot (3.0 m) Class V waterfall in the White Salmon River is a fantastic photo opportunity. Book a guided trip (you can portage the falls!) and enjoy spectacular and awe-inspiring beauty along the water route. Wet Planet’s Café is a great place to get food and drink.
