Are you into action adventure? The famous Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is ace. The gorge forms a massive wind funnel where warm desert air hits cool coastal breezes. Here windsurfers perform amazing feats and flips, like multi-colored butterflies flying off the water.
Kayaking, rafting, fishing, swimming and boating are all available, mostly on the Columbia's calmer companion rivers: Wind, White Salmon and Klickitat. The Columbia Gorge Recreation Guide (541-386-7440) is packed with ideas and activities.
Further downstream, the Columbia flows through the spectacular 80-mile-long Columbia River Gorge. From I-5 and the city of Vancouver, take Highway 14 east into the gorge. World-class sailboarding from parks like Dougs Beach near Lyle (lessons and rentals available), and excellent salmon fishing in September at the mouths of tributary streams. For historical background on the river and its impact on Native American and pioneer communities, stop at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center near Stevenson.
At the other end of the Columbia River, in the far northeast corner of the state, lies a region locals called Panorama Land. You could also dub it the Colville Corner, after the big national forest that protects much of northeast Washington's timberlands. Here are rolling highlands cloaked in forest, dotted with lakes, and carved by rivers like the Kettle, Sanpoil, and Pend Oreille. Thirty-five resorts on 17 lakes and two rivers tempt travelers with diverse recreation: sailing, canoeing, river-running, water-skiing, wind surfing, swimming, paddle-boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Fishing is a prime attraction, especially fly-fishing. Locals brag about the lunker trout, the walleye and bass. Area bed-and-breakfast lodges, dude ranches, and resorts can offer access to private waters. Two ranches worthy of note are Bull Hill (509-732-6135) and K-Diamond-K (509-775-3536), both near Republic,north of Spokane via US Highway 395.
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