Things to do nearWells Island

Wells Island sits in the Columbia River near Hood River, Oregon, within the dramatic corridor of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The gorge itself was carved by catastrophic Ice Age floods, and the river here retains a wild, elemental quality that draws visitors from across the region.

The island is a sanctuary for wildlife and a favored destination for paddlers exploring the Columbia by kayaking. Cottonwood groves, sandy banks, and calm backchannels make it an ideal spot to pull ashore, watch for waterfowl, and take in the basalt cliffs that frame the gorge on both sides.

The surrounding area offers rich context for a longer day. The Mosier Twin Tunnels trail follows a restored section of the historic highway just upriver, offering gorge views and a sense of early twentieth century engineering ambition. Hood River town provides cafes, breweries, and fruit stands stocked with produce from the valley's famous orchards.

Wells Island may lack developed facilities, but that simplicity is precisely its appeal. For anyone who wants to experience the Columbia River Gorge at its most unmediated and unhurried, this quiet stretch of river is well worth seeking out.