About This Community
White Salmon is a small community situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The city takes its name from the nearby White Salmon River, which was named by the Lewis and Clark Expedition when they observed the river teeming with salmon whose color had turned white after spawning. Our economy is reliant on the areas farms, cattle, llamas, orchards, gardens, logging mills and tourist industry. Because of the area's relatively mild climate and location, outdoor recreation is a favorite pastime among residents and visitors.
White Salmon is known for its windsurfing on the Columbia River, however other activities include hiking and camping through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mt. Adams areas, as well as rafting or kayaking on either the White Salmon, Little White Salmon or Klickitat Rivers are commonly enjoyed. In the winter, downhill skiing is available at nearby Mt. Hood and cross-country trails are maintained throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Hi-tech industry has also found the area to be a place where business can thrive. The Columbia River Gorge Technology Alliance serves tech companies throughout the Gorge in Washington and Oregon, including Insitu and Google.