Growing up in Eastern Washington, my early impressions of the Columbia Gorge were only travel-based. I went through the Gorge countless times to visit family in the Kalama, Washington, area growing up, but I rarely stopped in The Dalles or Hood River over the years, and had never been to White Salmon.
Zach Thummel, Columbia Gorge News
I have one vivid memory of Hood River in my younger years, right around middle school age, in the summer. I remember my dad pulled off I-84 to check out the downtown, having heard about the various restaurants and shops over the years.
It was absolutely slammed with people.
I remember wondering, “How could this downtown get so busy?”
Now, as an adult and resident of Hood River, I fully understand why.
I’ve spent my time in Hood River so far, exploring the shops I had seen as a kid. I fell in love with the variety of food, drinks, clothing and beyond.
My favorite place so far is Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery. I love the food and drink options, and I’ve made sure to take my parents with me when they visit. My go-to order is “The Jersey Sub” sandwich, with an Iowa Bar Fight Indian Pale Ale (IPA).
Another thing that I love about Hood River is the sports and outdoor focus. To me, nothing embodies this more than the second street stairs in Hood River. The massive set of outdoor stairs features 413-417 steps (depending on counting methods), offering a brutal uphill cardio workout for those who dare.
On almost any given day, you will see people using the stairs for a workout or as a way to get to and from downtown. I think this is a perfect representation of the fitness and outdoor lifestyle of many Hood River residents.
The Dalles
Similar to Hood River, my only impression of The Dalles was through travel and pit stops along the way.
My first time in The Dalles as a Gorge resident, I attended a pop-up show for the Portland Trailblazers on Sept. 18 at Riverfront Park. The event engaged Trailblazers’ staff with the community, ahead of the basketball season.
I met several residents from The Dalles that day, and everyone was extremely welcoming to the community.
As fall progressed, I covered The Dalles girls’ soccer team as they made a historic run to a 4A state championship game appearance. The team had never made it to the state semifinals, let alone the state championship game, and the outpouring of support from the community really touched me on a personal level.
While the Riverhawks came up just short in the state title against Marist Catholic, the most moving part of my career so far came while covering the Riverhawks. On Nov. 11, The Dalles beat Scappoose at home, 2-1, in the state semifinals off a game-winning goal from Riverhawk junior Ariana Gonzalez.
As soon as the ball touched the back of the net, it was almost as if a giant sense of relief, and confidence hit the town all at once. The Dalles fans swarmed the field, full of tears and elation, hugging everyone they could see. I had never seen anything like it, and it’s something I will cherish forever.
White Salmon
Before moving to Hood River, I had never been to White Salmon. My first time in town was on assignment, where I took photos in September at a Columbia High School football game.
I’ve been around a wide variety of scenery in high school football, and the view of the tree-lined hills surrounding the field in White Salmon is top-tier.
It wasn’t just the scenery that caught my eye; it was also the community and their support for one another. Everyone I’ve seen at a Columbia event seems to be excited and united around community well-being. The grandstands are seemingly always full of fans, and they are loud at every event I’ve covered.
I think small schools are the lifeblood of any community, and I believe White Salmon represents this perfectly.
While I’ve only been in the Columbia Gorge for a brief four months, I’ve fallen in love with the scenery and the people. I’m proud to be a member of this community, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the area.
•••
Zach Thummel began working for Columbia Gorge News in September.
Commented