10 Must-Visit Parks in the Gorge for Family Adventures

Life in the Columbia Gorge is based around outdoor activities for local and visiting families to the region.  There are ample open spaces, national forests, and rivers to explore with your kids when you adventuring in all the wild places.  We love a full day excursion, but sometimes you just need to get out and take in some of the Gorge air a little closer to town.    Parks and playgrounds are a vital part of getting to know the local scene, meeting other families, and to interact with our community in these public spaces.  

The Gorge communities have put many resources and community led work into these incredible public spaces, parks, and playgrounds.  These locales are accessible for everyone,  year round, and all have unique features that will entertain you and your kids alike.  Time to get the kids out of the house?  We know the feeling.  Grab a cup of coffee, some snacks, your kids favorite park accessories, and find yourself a park to play at within 10 minutes of downtown.    

These are our top 10 picks in Hood River & White Salmon areas. 

Children’s Park 

Location:  (9th Street & Eugene Street) Hood River

Arguably the pinnacle of all parks in the Gorge is the Children’s park, located just up from Downtown Hood River.  This original wooden play structure was redone in the last decade by volunteers and donors in the community who significantly updated all of the grounds.  The castle-like playground has all the features you could dream of on a playground.  There is also a fenced in covered basketball court, green space, and lots of picnic tables to take in the day.  Prepare to be logging in some hours at this centrally located park.

Jackson Park & Collins Baseball Field

Location:  May street & 13th   Hood River

With tons of large trees (so much shade!) and a big hill to run up and down, your kids will find plenty to entertain them at this park.  A play structure and swings adorn the top of the park as well as easy accessibility to parking for picnic goers on the lower end.  There is a large gazebo amphitheater stage where Hood River puts on free weekly concerts in August that brings locals to the park to lay blankets and enjoy the Summer night together.   

Adjacent to Jackson Park is public baseball fields & tennis courts.  There are various intramural sports here that you can check out scheduling of through https://hoodriverparksandrec.org/adult-recreation.  This park also sits to the side of the Hood River pool.  Check website for more details on hours.  

Rotary Skateboard Park 

Location:  20th Street & Wasco Avenue, Hood River

A full skate park with street skating features and a bmx bicycle course.  This is well taken care of and has lots of large trees giving it shade in the Summer.  A hangout for local kids looking to perfect their kick flips.  Across the street is a frisbee golf course that is open to the public if you want to make a whole morning of this spot.  

Stratton Rose Garden 

Location:  2nd Street south of State Street,  Hood River

This is more of an in town space for taking in the happenings of Hood River from a garden side bench.  For the more cardio minded though, one can start the climb up the infamous Hood River stairs from this location.  These steps will take you up to The Heights (top of town) or to the Indian Creek trailhead.  Great exercise for that older kid you can’t seem to wear out. 

Waterfront Park 

Location:  On the Columbia River – Portway Avenue between 2nd Street and 8th Street, Hood River

The Waterfront park is one of the jewels of Hood River.  There are simple play structures, a cove like beach, gazebos, open green space, and a boardwalk for biking/running/skating to take you the distance of checking out the Waterfront scene.  This can be a busy place in Summer with kite surfers and the like, but always worth it.  Lots of food and drink options abound the Waterfront and views for days.  On the East side of the Waterfront you will find Nichols basin and the “jumping docks”  where all the local kids show their best cannonballs off or you can launch a paddleboard.  Check the parking signs as some of it is pay to park.  

Wilson Park 

Location:  2nd Street & May Street, Hood River

A sweet little neighborhood park where locals from the May street neighborhood coincide.  Up against the woods and greenery above the Hood River to the east is a simple little play structure and swings.  Also, a big green space for a soccer scrimmage or setting up lawn games. The Hood River stairs will also take you to this wonderful quiet park just above town.  

​Rheingarten Park White Salmon

Location: 100 N Main St., Hood River

This is White Salmon’s premiere park with spectacular views of Mt. Hood amongst large shady grassy hang spots.  This park has tennis/pickleball courts, a playground, sidewalks, multiple local artist murals, and a brand new splash pad that is the heart of this beautiful space.   This park holds the White Salmon Farmers Market on Tuesday evenings all Summer and has become a meeting hub for local families to picnic and support local wares and farmers.   Enjoy this park walking distance from downtown White Salmon.

Daubenspeck Park Bingen Skate Park

Location: Hwy 14 & Walnut Street,  Hood River

A central hub in Bingen, this space is great for the active kid of all ages.  A family friendly skate/bike park and empty pool for the serious wheel enthusiasts is at the center of this park's offerings.  There is a new play structure and covered swing set, as well as a gazebo that hosts multiple events and festivals throughout the year.  Beautiful big trees and big open sky make this park a wonderful spot year round.  

Oak Grove Park 

Location: Country Club & Reed Rd,  Hood River

If you are feeling the pull to head a little out of town for a special park experience on the West Side then look no further than Oak Park. Oak Grove Park has been a gem in the Hood River community for decades. Placed on the old school grounds of the Oak Grove School, neighbors and community members have donated land, time and money to establish this as a place to play, gather and recreate.  The park offers amenities such as a large sports field, basic playground equipment and tennis courts. 

Golden Eagle Park 

Location: Indian Creek Trail, Hood River

If your kids are looking to up their skills then the Pump track is the place for them.  Along with a state of the art pump track,  Golden Eagle Park also boasts 2 multi-purpose courts for tennis, basketball, 3 pickleball courts, mountain bike skills course for Tots, a Jump course for all levels, access to the Indian Creek Trail, & 2 picnic shelters.  It is close to the Hood River High School for viewing the many after school sports teams that use all the surrounding fields and facilities.