Columbia River Gorge, WA
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Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Biking
Use Caution for biking. High near 53°F. Rain forecast later today (68%). Light wind (8 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Paddling
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 53°F. Rain forecast later today (68%). Light wind (8 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (53°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Hiking
Use Caution for hiking. High near 53°F. Rain forecast later today (68%). Light wind (8 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a Washington destination for the Washington-side gorge, scenic roads, trailheads, river launches, cliffs, and exposed overlooks.
Make the Most of a Columbia River Gorge Day
Strong wind may help one river activity and stop another. Also check heat, ice, wildfire, smoke, trail closures, and cross-gorge weather differences.
Weather Tips for Columbia River Gorge
- Check rain timing, wind, visibility, temperature, and local access before choosing the day’s route.
- Cold water, waves, current, wind, and lightning should guide water plans more than sunshine alone.
- After steady rain, favor paved or well-drained surfaces until natural trails recover.
- Summer smoke, winter access, shoulder-season closures, and shorter fall daylight can matter even during an otherwise mild forecast.
Nearby Towns and Areas
This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:
- North Bonneville
- Stevenson
- White Salmon
- Cape Horn
- Dog Mountain
- Columbia River
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Plan Around the Conditions
Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Columbia River Gorge day. Match wind, precipitation, smoke, water conditions, trail surfaces, road access, temperature, and daylight to the activity that gives your group the safest and most comfortable plan.
7-Day Forecast for Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge Weather by Season
Winter
Winter at Columbia River Gorge is cool and wet west of the Cascades, with occasional lowland snow or ice. Shaded roads, bridges, docks, and trails can remain slick after other surfaces clear.
Spring
Spring around Columbia River Gorge brings changing conditions, rising rivers, wet trails, and lingering mountain snow. Cold water from rain and snowmelt remains a major planning factor. Mountain and eastern thunderstorms become increasingly possible later in the season.
Summer
Summer at Columbia River Gorge is usually the driest and most dependable season, but wildfire smoke, fire restrictions, heat, and afternoon thunderstorms can interrupt plans. Use calmer mornings for boating or paddling and keep a shore-based backup. Dry vegetation makes local fire rules especially important.
Fall
Fall at Columbia River Gorge brings cooler temperatures, shorter daylight, changing color, and the return of wetter weather west of the Cascades. Water cools faster than the air, increasing cold-water consequences. Check seasonal facility hours and allow extra time on busy event or salmon-viewing weekends.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: around 50–53°F near river level, using the relevant local or regional elevation context.
- Annual snowfall: snow is usually limited at river level but much greater in adjacent Cascade terrain, with substantial year-to-year and elevation variation.
- Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
- Coolest months: December and January are typically coolest.
- Wettest season: November through January.
- Driest season: July and August.
- Best outdoor window: May through October, matched carefully to wind and heat.