Indian Creek Poetry Walk invites submissions

HOOD RIVER — Paging all poets: The Indian Creek Poetry Walk has released a “Call for Poems,” inviting local artists to submit their work for possible inclusion in an April 2026 trailside gallery of nature-themed writing.

A collaboration of the Hood River County Library District and the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District, the Indian Creek Poetry Walk is an annual community event, blending natural beauty with the contemplative inspiration of poetry. The walk currently boasts 14 nature-themed poems displayed via signposts populating multiple sections of the Indian Creek Trail. Local photographers have contributed photos as background images for each piece.

But with the installations coming down at the end of September, it’s time for a new crop of poems to take center stage — only this time, twenty submissions will be included.

Individuals who have lived or are living in the Gorge may submit up to three poems for consideration. But remember, it’s no free-for-all; all entries must abide by a crucial set of submission guidelines. Works must be nature-themed; reflective of the culture, ethnic history and character of the region; apolitical; and able to fit comfortably on a single page using a standard 14-point (or larger) font.

Moreover, poems originally written in a non-English language must be accompanied by an English translation. If chosen, both versions will be displayed. All participants must agree to let their work be displayed trailside and greenlight that the physical signs may be used in the future or auctioned to create forthcoming Poetry Walk funding. Previously published poems are allowed.

Poems will be chosen via a blind jury process. Submissions will be accepted until Nov. 15 or until the jury reaches a submission cap, whichever comes first.

If you wish to participate or have questions, send an email to gorgepoetrywalk@gmail.com or visit hoodriverlibrary.org.