Weather and Packing Tips

The weather in the Gorge is always changing.  We see the full four season cycle every year, from bright fruit tree blossoms in the spring to crisp autumn nights and light winter snowfalls.  The weather here is generally temperate, not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer, but you will be much happier if you are dressed appropriately.  No matter what the season, you will want to bring comfortable walking shoes so that you can tour around the little downtowns of the Gorge communities and maybe treat yourself to a short waterfall hike in the Gorge.

Spring (early April to mid-June): 

Spring is beautiful in the Gorge.  The heavy winter snows on Mt. Hood and the generous amount of rain in the Valley during the winter guarantees a green spring.  Don't break out the shorts in March though - spring gets started around mid-April up here.  Long pants and t-shirts with a light fleece or sweatshirt are usually appropriate, but you may want to check the forecast just in case there is one last cold snap.  A waterproof/windproof shell is also highly recommended.

Summer (mid-June to mid September):

Summers in the Gorge are long and glorious.  Dry, sunny, windy days are paired up with calm, cool, clear nights.  Being so far north, Bingen is on the 46.7th latitude, we have particularly long days in the summer and the sun doesn't set until after ten in June and July.  Aside from the occasional summer thunderstorm, summers are pretty dry.  Highs in the low 90s make shorts and skirts comfortable, but plenty of people tool around in jeans as well.  T-shirts and tank tops are standard summer-wear, as are wetsuits.  Of course, these last are mostly worn only down by the river's edge where you will witness a plethora of brightly colored sails and kites bopping around every afternoon.  If you are here in the summer, do not neglect stopping off and watching the windsurfers and kiteboarders one day.  A waterproof/windproof shell isn't a bad idea even in summer.

Fall (mid-September to December):

Fall is apple and pear picking season.  It is always a joy to ride up highway 35 and stop at one of the many fresh fruit stands in early fall.  Things cool down significantly in October and, as fall changes to winter, clouds and light rain become more and more common.  You'll definitely want long pants and close-toed shoes.  A mid-weight fleece or sweater over a long-sleeve T-shirt are common and comfortable top-wear.  A down vest or jacket wouldn't be overdoing it and you should probably

pack a waterproof/windproof shell.  

Winter (December to early April): 

Winters are a time of short days, watching the mountain's accumulation counts, and weather reports that inform you first of the altitude at which the snow wil switch to rain.  Highway 35, the route up to Mt. Hood's many snow sport opportunities, becomes much busier in the winter.  In addition to long pants and a thick sweatshirt or fleece, you may want to bring some snow pants and a ski or snowboarding jacket and check out the winter wonderland that is Mt. Hood National Forest.  Oh, and don't forget that waterproof/windproof shell!