Best known for its outdoor activities, from hiking to biking to windsurfing, the Columbia River Gorge is also home to a number of breweries, with new additions now popping up on a regular basis. More and more, the Gorge is becoming a destination for beer lovers, but that craft pint is even better when paired with a hike. Hit the Beacon Rock Trail, the ever-popular Angel’s Rest or hike up to swim in one of the Hadley Falls pools and then head to one of these four fantastic Gorge breweries. Trust us, it’ll make completing that hike that much more worth it.
Thunder Island Brewing Co.
Nestled on the river in Cascade Locks, Oregon, this is a favorite hangout for Gorge hikers, as well as those along the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT runs right through Cascade Locks, so it’s no wonder Thunder Island has become such a popular spot, offering the chance to chat with some really interesting people. The brewery typically keep 10 beers on tap and has a full menu of delicious options including pulled pork, a selection of wraps and the infamous Thunder Island Nachos. There’s plenty of indoor seating, but your best view will be outside on the river by the fireplace.
pFriem Family Brewers
pFriem opened on the waterfront in Hood River, Oregon, in 2012 and offers some of the best views of the Columbia River. With over 15 taps featuring lagers to hefs to barrel aged, there’s a beer for every taste. The taproom has a ton of indoor seating, as well as an outdoor patio with a gorgeous fireplace. The menu is pretty impressive compared to your average brewpub, utilizing local greens, Oregon berries and beef from a farm less than an hour way.
Backwoods Brewing Co.
Tucked away in the old logging town of Carson, Washington, Backwoods is close to the wildly popular Dog Mountain trailhead, Falls Creek Falls and more. Hikers, climbers and mountain bikers flock to this stop on a Saturday to enjoy a seat on their large patio or a spot inside the woodsy pub. There’s 14 beers on tap, as well as a huge food menu with plenty of apps, salads and grilled sandwiches to choose from. Backwoods is also known for its handcrafted pizza, making the dough and the sauce entirely from scratch.
Full Sail Brewery
Another Hood River haunt, Full Sail is located in an old cannery in the downtown corridor, with crazy beautiful views of the Columbia River and all the windsurfing action Hood River sees on a daily basis. The brewpub offers a pretty large selection of core beers, as well as seasonal rotations and brew master reserve brews. There’s even a few you can only get at their Brew Pub. Full Sail offers a cool vibe inside, but the outdoor covered deck is where the real party is. Ask for a table outside, grab a beer and order a burger — it’ll be one of the best burgers you’ve had in a long time.
