Gorge Woman photo gallery
GORGE_WOMEN_PEPIN_WAKEFIELD
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
THE DALLES, OR: Artist and writer Yvonne Pepin Wakefield is pictured in her studio working with young artist Gigi Riley, 12, on June 2, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_PEPIN_WAKEFIELD
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
THE DALLES, OR: Artist and writer Yvonne Pepin Wakefield poses for a portrait in her studio on June 2, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Yvonne’s Art Studio in the Dalles. Pepin-Wakefield is an author and artist who writes and paints from a custom-built showcase/art studio in The Dalles. She is the author of the Babe in the Woods book series, and is internationally published and exhibited. She works with at-risk youth at the Youth Empowerment shelter and teaches art classes to kids of all ages. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_VALLE
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
HOOD RIVER, OREGON: Certified Community Health Worker Vicky Valle is photographed outside of her work on June 29, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. Vicky Valle has worked for One Community Health’s perinatal program since 1991 as both a certified Community Health Worker and a perinatal case manager. She enjoys providing prenatal and postpartum education to pregnant and postpartum women and their families. She helps to ensure that women get adequate prenatal care, which reduces complications in pregnancy. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_DEHART
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
HOOD RIVER, OR: Tonya DeHart, program manager at the Sunshine Club, is pictured in the day room at the club on June 1, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. The Sunshine Club is an adult day group for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s or related issues. The club provides a safe and engaging space for patients with dementia and other memory loss issues. Activities during the day include music and dancing, card games and helps keep people socialized, active and given a sense of community and support. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_DEHART
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
HOOD RIVER, OR: at the Sunshine Club on June 1, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The COLUMBIA GORGE News)
GORGE_WOMEN_MCKENNA
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
HOOD RIVER, OR: Activist, poet and stand out high school student Rowan McKenna is photographed in the hallways of Hood River Valley High School on June 1, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. In the photo above her are senior portraits of graduating students from the high school. McKenn herself just graduated from Hood River Valley High School in May. McKenna was recognized as a semifinalist in the prestigious 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. She is one of more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide who earned this distinction, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. As a semi-finalist, McKenna has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered in the spring. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_VALLE
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
UNDERWOOD, WASHINGTON: Morella Mora, right, hugs her friend Maria while visiting Rock Steady Farms on June 29, 2026, in Underwood, Washington. Maria has worked at the farm for many years. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_SANDOZ
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
THE DALLES, OR: Farmer and rancher Mary Sandoz is photographed working on her farm on May 29, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Sandoz is a fifth generation farmer in The Dalles whose family began farming in the area 140 years ago. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/ Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_MORELLA
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
UNDERWOOD, WASHINGTON: Morella Mora is photographed at Rocky Steady Farms with her dog Cooper on May 26, 2026, in Underwood, Washington. Mora, who worked at the farm when she first moved to the area, is a White Salmon city council member. She describes herself as a storyteller, cook, Hija de las Americas, and proud Latina immigrant. She runs her own consulting company, provides leadership coaching, meditation and crisis management services throughout the Gorge. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to the Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_SANDOZ
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
THE DALLES, OR: Farmer and rancher Mary Sandoz is photographed in front of a barn on her farm with the family quilt painted on the barn on May 29, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Sandoz is a fifth generation farmer in The Dalles whose family began farming in the area 140 years ago. Sandoz Farm is located on Mill Creek Road just outside The Dalles. The first generation settled in the area on the farm in 1878 and bought it in 1880.(Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_WRIGHT
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
THE DALLES, OREGON: Therapeutic massage therapist Linda Wright is pictured in her studio on June 30, 2026, in The Dalles Oregon. Wright is a therapeutic massage therapist in The Dalles that specializes in pain management for her clients. She is a reflexologist and Reiki master and has been in practice for 50 years. She and husband also own the fabled winery the Pines 1852 Estate in The Dalles. Wright says she aims to “bring comfort and care through touch in the form of muscle relief, alleviate pain, and release stress.”Reflexology ( foot massage, reiki, cupping and hot stones. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_GONZALES_CORTEZ
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
GOLDENDALE, WASHINGTON: Standout high school senior Kimberly Morales Cortes is photographed inside the Goldendale Observatory in Goldendale, Washington on July 9th, 2026. She is wearing space themed earrings that were a gift to her from her grandfather. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_YASUI
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
ODELL, OREGON: Kim Yasui, principal of Mid-Columbia elementary school, chats with young students during lunch at Mid-Valley Elementary school on May 22, 2026, in Odell, Oregon. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_GONZALES_CORTEZ
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
GOLDENDALE, WASHINGTON: Standout senior Kimberly Morales Cortes is photographed inside the Goldendale Observatory in Goldendale, Washington on July 9th, 2026. High performing student from The Dalles. She will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona in August. During her high school career she won numerous awards such as the monthly Youth of the Gorge award her first year of high school. She was the “Hawk” of All Trades award by the entire student body which is given to someone who is involved in many things at school. She also won the Stephen “Hawking” Award for being good at math and science. She was in the robotics team which won the VEX Oregon Championships three years in a row (2023-2025). She was involved in Leadership clubs, Symphonic/Jazz/Pep and Marching bands, STEM Club, VEX V5 Robotics, drama department Juntos club and National Honors Society all four years while attending The Dalles High School. Before heading off to college in Arizona she is working two jobs at Casa El Mirador, where she is a hostess and busser as well as working at the 4H OSU Extension at CGCC. She is planning on majoring in Aerospace engineering with a minor in either astronomy or astrophysics or space science. As for her dreams and aspirations for her future she says she can’t wait for the day when “I become part of something greater than myself. When I can be a part of a diverse team of people all working together, hopefully at NASA, to discover ways to build a better, brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.” “I want to dedicate my life to research,” she continues. “There is so much we don’t yet know about the cosmos and the difference ways to navigate it.” (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_YASUI
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
ODELL, OREGON: Kim Yasui, principal of Mid-Columbia elementary school, is photographed near locally painted murals on the outside of the school on May 22, 2026, in Odell, Oregon. Yasui is the principal at the Mid Valley Elementary School. She taught English Language Learners and migrant students for 12 years at Mid-Valley before becoming principal in 2015. She is of Japanese descent. The murals that she is standing in front of were all painted by local muralist Mark Nilsson. They depict a range of subjects that are specific to the Hood river region. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_HENNING
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
WHITE SALMON, WA: Grace Henning, a senior at Columbia High School, is pictured inside the library at her school on May 28, 2026, in White Salmon, Washington. Henning is a recent standout graduate from Columbia High School in White Salmon. She was a distinguished member of the Class of 2026, earned an exclusive scholarship from the FBLA Professional Division and is attending the University of Washington to major in business. She had a highly decorated academic and extracurricular career in high school. She was an active, award-winning member of the Columbia High School FBLA Chapter. She was highlighted as one of only two seniors statewide to earn the prestigious FBLA professional division scholarship. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_SANDOZ
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
THE DALLES, OR: on May 29, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The COLUMBIA GORGE News)
GORGE_WOMEN_BLACK
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
TROUT LAKE, WA: Erin Black, U.S. Forest Service Mt. Adams District Ranger, right, chats with a fellow employee in the parking lot of her ranger station on May 29, 2026, in Trout Lake, Washington. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_LEASH
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
THE DALLES OREGON: Florist and flower shop owner Claudia Leash sits with her dog Wasabi in her shop on May 25, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_GREW
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
BINGEN, WA: at the Society Hotel on June 1, 2026, in Bingen, Washington (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The COLUMBIA GORGE News)
GORGE_WOMEN_ROTTENBERG
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
HOOD RIVER, OREGON: Professional mountain biker and coach Bekah Rottenberg is photographed in Post Canyon in Hood River, Oregon on July 10th, 2026. Rottenberg is the owner and head coach of Brave Endeavors MTB skills and strength training. She is a professional mountain bike coach as well as an NASM certified personal trainer. Brave Endeavors provides MTB clinics for kids and adults as well as on line strength training specific for mountain bikers. “Mindset is at the forefront of all Brave Endeavors programs,” she explains in an online article. “We actively foster a growth mindset in our students through journaling and conversation.” She continues “I am a huge proponent of helping kids and adult women feel more confident in their mind, their body and on their bike.” (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN
- HELEN H. RICHARDSON
- Updated
HOOD RIVER, OREGON: Yogi and founder of Machi Yoga Alejandra Retamales is photographed at her home on June 27, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. Retamales, known to most as Ale, began teaching yoga in her garage in 2020. On the company’s website Retamales is described as having a powerful voice, challenging sequencing in her classes and a calm demeanor that has quickly earned her a loyal following of committed Gorge yogis. Her studio, Machi Yoga, is named after the indigenous healers of her native Chile. She welcomes students of every level who desire a safe, sweet space to practice. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/ Columbia Gorge News)
More like this...
GORGE_WOMEN_PEPIN_WAKEFIELD
THE DALLES, OR: Artist and writer Yvonne Pepin Wakefield poses for a portrait in her studio on June 2, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Yvonne’s Art Studio in the Dalles. Pepin-Wakefield is an author and artist who writes and paints from a custom-built showcase/art studio in The Dalles. She is the author of the Babe in the Woods book series, and is internationally published and exhibited. She works with at-risk youth at the Youth Empowerment shelter and teaches art classes to kids of all ages. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_VALLE
HOOD RIVER, OREGON: Certified Community Health Worker Vicky Valle is photographed outside of her work on June 29, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. Vicky Valle has worked for One Community Health’s perinatal program since 1991 as both a certified Community Health Worker and a perinatal case manager. She enjoys providing prenatal and postpartum education to pregnant and postpartum women and their families. She helps to ensure that women get adequate prenatal care, which reduces complications in pregnancy. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_DEHART
HOOD RIVER, OR: Tonya DeHart, program manager at the Sunshine Club, is pictured in the day room at the club on June 1, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. The Sunshine Club is an adult day group for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s or related issues. The club provides a safe and engaging space for patients with dementia and other memory loss issues. Activities during the day include music and dancing, card games and helps keep people socialized, active and given a sense of community and support. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_MCKENNA
HOOD RIVER, OR: Activist, poet and stand out high school student Rowan McKenna is photographed in the hallways of Hood River Valley High School on June 1, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. In the photo above her are senior portraits of graduating students from the high school. McKenn herself just graduated from Hood River Valley High School in May. McKenna was recognized as a semifinalist in the prestigious 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. She is one of more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide who earned this distinction, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. As a semi-finalist, McKenna has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered in the spring. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_VALLE
UNDERWOOD, WASHINGTON: Morella Mora, right, hugs her friend Maria while visiting Rock Steady Farms on June 29, 2026, in Underwood, Washington. Maria has worked at the farm for many years. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_SANDOZ
THE DALLES, OR: Farmer and rancher Mary Sandoz is photographed working on her farm on May 29, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Sandoz is a fifth generation farmer in The Dalles whose family began farming in the area 140 years ago. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/ Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_MORELLA
UNDERWOOD, WASHINGTON: Morella Mora is photographed at Rocky Steady Farms with her dog Cooper on May 26, 2026, in Underwood, Washington. Mora, who worked at the farm when she first moved to the area, is a White Salmon city council member. She describes herself as a storyteller, cook, Hija de las Americas, and proud Latina immigrant. She runs her own consulting company, provides leadership coaching, meditation and crisis management services throughout the Gorge. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to the Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_SANDOZ
THE DALLES, OR: Farmer and rancher Mary Sandoz is photographed in front of a barn on her farm with the family quilt painted on the barn on May 29, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Sandoz is a fifth generation farmer in The Dalles whose family began farming in the area 140 years ago. Sandoz Farm is located on Mill Creek Road just outside The Dalles. The first generation settled in the area on the farm in 1878 and bought it in 1880.(Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_WRIGHT
THE DALLES, OREGON: Therapeutic massage therapist Linda Wright is pictured in her studio on June 30, 2026, in The Dalles Oregon. Wright is a therapeutic massage therapist in The Dalles that specializes in pain management for her clients. She is a reflexologist and Reiki master and has been in practice for 50 years. She and husband also own the fabled winery the Pines 1852 Estate in The Dalles. Wright says she aims to “bring comfort and care through touch in the form of muscle relief, alleviate pain, and release stress.”Reflexology ( foot massage, reiki, cupping and hot stones. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_GONZALES_CORTEZ
GOLDENDALE, WASHINGTON: Standout high school senior Kimberly Morales Cortes is photographed inside the Goldendale Observatory in Goldendale, Washington on July 9th, 2026. She is wearing space themed earrings that were a gift to her from her grandfather. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_GONZALES_CORTEZ
GOLDENDALE, WASHINGTON: Standout senior Kimberly Morales Cortes is photographed inside the Goldendale Observatory in Goldendale, Washington on July 9th, 2026. High performing student from The Dalles. She will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona in August. During her high school career she won numerous awards such as the monthly Youth of the Gorge award her first year of high school. She was the “Hawk” of All Trades award by the entire student body which is given to someone who is involved in many things at school. She also won the Stephen “Hawking” Award for being good at math and science. She was in the robotics team which won the VEX Oregon Championships three years in a row (2023-2025). She was involved in Leadership clubs, Symphonic/Jazz/Pep and Marching bands, STEM Club, VEX V5 Robotics, drama department Juntos club and National Honors Society all four years while attending The Dalles High School. Before heading off to college in Arizona she is working two jobs at Casa El Mirador, where she is a hostess and busser as well as working at the 4H OSU Extension at CGCC. She is planning on majoring in Aerospace engineering with a minor in either astronomy or astrophysics or space science. As for her dreams and aspirations for her future she says she can’t wait for the day when “I become part of something greater than myself. When I can be a part of a diverse team of people all working together, hopefully at NASA, to discover ways to build a better, brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.” “I want to dedicate my life to research,” she continues. “There is so much we don’t yet know about the cosmos and the difference ways to navigate it.” (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_YASUI
ODELL, OREGON: Kim Yasui, principal of Mid-Columbia elementary school, is photographed near locally painted murals on the outside of the school on May 22, 2026, in Odell, Oregon. Yasui is the principal at the Mid Valley Elementary School. She taught English Language Learners and migrant students for 12 years at Mid-Valley before becoming principal in 2015. She is of Japanese descent. The murals that she is standing in front of were all painted by local muralist Mark Nilsson. They depict a range of subjects that are specific to the Hood river region. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_HENNING
WHITE SALMON, WA: Grace Henning, a senior at Columbia High School, is pictured inside the library at her school on May 28, 2026, in White Salmon, Washington. Henning is a recent standout graduate from Columbia High School in White Salmon. She was a distinguished member of the Class of 2026, earned an exclusive scholarship from the FBLA Professional Division and is attending the University of Washington to major in business. She had a highly decorated academic and extracurricular career in high school. She was an active, award-winning member of the Columbia High School FBLA Chapter. She was highlighted as one of only two seniors statewide to earn the prestigious FBLA professional division scholarship. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/Special to The Columbia Gorge News)
GORGE_WOMEN_BLACK
TROUT LAKE, WA: Erin Black, U.S. Forest Service Mt. Adams District Ranger, right, chats with a fellow employee in the parking lot of her ranger station on May 29, 2026, in Trout Lake, Washington. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN_ROTTENBERG
HOOD RIVER, OREGON: Professional mountain biker and coach Bekah Rottenberg is photographed in Post Canyon in Hood River, Oregon on July 10th, 2026. Rottenberg is the owner and head coach of Brave Endeavors MTB skills and strength training. She is a professional mountain bike coach as well as an NASM certified personal trainer. Brave Endeavors provides MTB clinics for kids and adults as well as on line strength training specific for mountain bikers. “Mindset is at the forefront of all Brave Endeavors programs,” she explains in an online article. “We actively foster a growth mindset in our students through journaling and conversation.” She continues “I am a huge proponent of helping kids and adult women feel more confident in their mind, their body and on their bike.” (Photo by Helen H. Richardson)
GORGE_WOMEN
HOOD RIVER, OREGON: Yogi and founder of Machi Yoga Alejandra Retamales is photographed at her home on June 27, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. Retamales, known to most as Ale, began teaching yoga in her garage in 2020. On the company’s website Retamales is described as having a powerful voice, challenging sequencing in her classes and a calm demeanor that has quickly earned her a loyal following of committed Gorge yogis. Her studio, Machi Yoga, is named after the indigenous healers of her native Chile. She welcomes students of every level who desire a safe, sweet space to practice. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/ Columbia Gorge News)
