THE GORGE— The Columbia Gorge Stewardship Alliance invites the public to experience the Columbia River Gorge like never before at itsStewardship in Action Tour & Workshopon May 6. Reimagining the traditional conference format, this year’s event transforms the Gorge itself into the conference room — offering participants a fully immersive day of learning, connection, and exploration.
Replacing the annual Gorge Tourism Conference, the event is designed to bring people together on the landscape to listen, learn, and share stories that help shape a future where both people and place thrive together.
The day begins with a morning workshop and networking breakfast at the Cascade Locks Marine Park Pavilion. From there, participants will board motorcoaches for a guided scenic tour through the Columbia River Gorge, with curated stops highlighting projects, partnerships, and opportunities that support sustainable tourism and community resilience.
Attendees will enjoy lunch at Wind Mountain Ranch, followed by a closing experience aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, traveling between Stevenson and Cascade Locks.
Throughout the day, participants will engage with themes that define the Gorge’s past, present, and future, including:
Indigenous perspectives and cultural exchange
Working lands that sustain local economies
Recreation infrastructure connecting people to nature
Storytelling that brings the Gorge’s history and future to life
Formerly known as the Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance, the Columbia Gorge Stewardship Alliance reflects a renewed mission as the organization merged with the Gorge Stewardship Network to “share and care for the Gorge.” The organization is a bi-state nonprofit that brings together a diverse network of partners, including Tribal Nations, land management agencies, conservation groups, businesses, government entities, and community organizations.
“Our goal is to create meaningful, place-based experiences that inspire stewardship and collaboration,” said Board Chair Kristin Dah,. “This event is an opportunity to connect people directly with the landscapes, communities, and stories that make the Gorge so special.”
The Columbia Gorge Stewardship Alliance works to care for the land, water, and communities of the Gorge through sustainable destination management. Its efforts focus on fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all while strengthening regional resilience through stewardship, cultural respect, economic support, and inclusive access.
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