Things to Do in Washougal

Rentals are available in day-long packages. Adult downhill skis and adult snowboards cost $30 for one day's rental and $45 for two days, while junior boards and downhill skis run $20 for one day and $30 for two days. Meadowlark's friendly and knowledgeable staff of mountain professionals is happy to guide customers toward the equipment that will serve them best as they take on nature's craggy surges with confidence-instilling snow gear.

For 29 years, The Bite of Oregon has rolled out its tents, tables, and stages every summer for a multiday celebration of the state’s food, culture, and residents. Attendees raise their forks to the idea that “Life Tastes Better Here,” a mantra the festival lives up to by offering a culinary bounty crafted by some of Oregon’s most talented chefs. From small plates to full meals, vendors distribute their creations and, in between bites, regional wines and craft beers splash both new and familiar flavors across palates. As visitors wine and dine, local and national bands provide the soundtrack from multiple stages.

Demonstrating its respect for the community, The Bite of Oregon strives to be a Zero Waste event, each year producing less waste by lining its grounds with recycling stations and hiring unemployed goats to eat everyone’s napkins.

With the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in its backyard and Mount Hood rising from behind a sweeping skyline, Portland boasts stunning views. Determined to give their customers front-row perches to these vistas is Portland Spirit, which launches a cache of cruises that put the city’s sights in the forefront. The Landmarks of the Gorge Cruise ushers participants past historic attractions such as the steely mists of Multnomah Falls and the tree-dotted monolith of Beacon Rock, and the Outrageous Jet Boat Portland Bridges Cruise introduces onlookers to the city’s 10 suspended structures named after Jeff and Beau Bridges. With a quintet of vessels and myriad private events for guests, Portland Spirit also customizes jaunts for any occasion.

It's hard to believe that Portland ever lacked a dearth of quality paddle outfitters, considering the many evergreen-lined rivers and nearby coastline. But back in 1986, the founders of Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe felt there were too few options serving the area, so they launched their own garage shop. Their passion for the outdoors and paddle sports steadily built the company, and today, a staff of equipment experts advises guests on kayaking, canoeing, standup-paddleboarding, and rafting supplies. Beyond selling gear from vessels to apparel, staffers lead on-the-water classes and organize group trips. The shop also outfits customers for independent exploration with a fleet of rentals.

For nearly a quarter-century, the Portland Fall Home and Garden Show has showcased the wares and talents of hundreds of local nurseries, landscapers, and contractors. Widely acknowledged as the best time to plant and prepare for spring blooms, the fall season is ideal for consulting with professionals on upcoming projects and putting seeds and bulbs to ground. Attendees can glean inspiration from 11 onsite garden displays before shopping the extensive selection of trees, azaleas, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs, as well as garden gnomes that don’t steal your socks while you sleep.

When chemist Gary Gougér first started making wine, he was an amateur who was simply translating his love of vino into a pleasurable hobby. Soon, his passion took over, and he began racking up numerous International Gold awards for his red blends. His science background, coupled with training at one of the world’s finest winemaking schools in Australia, helped Gougér take his wines to the next level. Now the proprietor of his own Cascadian winery, he crafts blended creations, along with single-varietal bottles, that take center stage at tasting-room events ranging from holiday events to varietal samplers.