One of Washington ‘s best kept secrets, North Bonneville is ideally located between the recreational attractions of the Columbia Gorge and the metropolitan Portland area, just 45 miles away.
Recreation runs year-round at North Bonneville. Hunting, fishing and hiking are literally at your doorstep. There are ten lakes within three miles, and five streams within five miles of town, teeming with salmon and steelhead. Hamilton Creek flows right through the middle of the community. Greenleaf and Bass lakes are within the North Bonneville city limits. The famous Pacific Crest Trail passes through the East side of town as it meanders its way North to the Canadian border from the Mexican-American border.
The center of the community is located near historic Strawberry Island, visited and named by Lewis and Clark. A Lewis and Clark Historical site is located near the river just east of the heart of town.
Three miles west of town, Beacon Rock State Park is a mecca for campers and hikers. A 45 minute switchback handrail path will take you to the top of the 848-foot Beacon Rock, the world’s second largest monolith. On top you’ll be greatly rewarded with spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge and world-class sunsets.
There’s no need to drive to Hood River or Portland to play a round on the greens. North Bonneville has its own nine-hole golf course. So bring your clubs!
A public boat ramp offers you easy access to the Columbia River and all of its attractions…fishing, sailing, wind surfing and kite boarding. If you don’t have a boat of your own, the Columbia River Gorge Sternwheeler, sailing out of nearby Cascade Locks, will give you the river ride of a lifetime, in the old sternwheeler tradition.
On the east side of town, the mighty Bonneville Dam is a must-see attraction. The Bradford Island Visitors Center is a five-level-facility, offering amazing underwater views of migrating fish, a large theater, and displays that offer insights into the history and workings of a hydropower plant. You can also watch the fish swim upstream from four fish ladders, one on the Washington shore and three on the original project.
Just east of Cascade Locks, Hood River is known as one of the worlds wind surfing capitals. If you’re not a wind surfer, it’s fun to sit on the beach on a windy day and watch the wind surfers skip over the waves on their boards as they crisscross the river.
If you are an avid snow skier, Mount Hood is just an hour drive away and open for snow skiing year round. So even if it’s summertime, don’t forget your snow skis.
If you would like more information about North Bonneville and all that it has to offer, contact the City of North Bonneville at 509-427-8182.
