Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge: A Luxurious Glamping Retreat in the Heart of Nature

Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge in White Salmon, Washington, offers an upscale glamping experience that immerses guests in the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, it combines safari-inspired luxury tents with direct access to a wealth of outdoor adventures.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as an exceptional and memorable experience. Guests appreciate the unique blend of outdoor immersion and sophisticated comfort. While relatively new, having opened in May 2025, early reviews highlight the property's ability to deliver on its promise of an elevated outdoor stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge:

• Immersive Location: The camp is set in a peaceful, tree-lined valley with breathtaking views of Mount Hood and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge, providing a stunning backdrop for any stay.
• Unique Design & Ambiance: The safari-style canvas tents and the overall camp aesthetic are a significant draw, offering a "glamorous camping" experience. The communal areas, including the lobby tent with upscale furnishings and the nightly fire pit, foster a strong sense of community and relaxation.
• Thoughtful Amenities & Activities: Guests enjoy complimentary nightly s'mores, camp programming (including scheduled yoga and live acoustic music), indoor and outdoor games, and water refill stations.
• Exceptional Service: The staff is frequently praised for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with guest experience coordinators available to assist with planning local activities.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge consist of 50 upscale, safari-inspired canvas tents, including 19 suites.

• Comfort & Design: Tents are well-appointed with modern, upscale furnishings, plush king-size beds, and organic Essential Oils bath products. Many feature hardwood flooring, natural tones, and reflect the rich textures and hues of the Pacific Coast region.
• Key Features: Each tent includes a gas fireplace, a private sun-dosed deck with outdoor furniture, and an en-suite bathroom with a hot pull-chain shower, sink, and flushing toilet, ensuring comfort even in the wilderness.
• Variety: Options range from Deluxe tents to the Stargazer tents, which boast a skylight above the bed for celestial viewing, and the Mount Hood Suite, connecting two en-suite tents via a private deck for groups. USB battery packs and battery-powered fans and bedside lanterns are also provided.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge centers around Embers, a café-style restaurant open for breakfast and dinner.

• Cuisine: The menu emphasizes seasonal West Coast-inspired cuisine, incorporating items sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. Signature dinner dishes include the Canvas Burger, chevre and beet salad, and a PNW rice bowl, with options like wild king salmon also available.
• Breakfast: Breakfast, which is not included in the room rate but available for a surcharge (typically $5 to $17), features barista-style coffees, avocado toast, yogurt and granola, brown butter pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches. Bottomless coffee and tea from Portland-based Smith Teamaker are complimentary.
• Atmosphere & Other Offerings: Embers offers both indoor and outdoor tables for alfresco dining with views of the Gorge. The camp also provides grab-and-go snacks and picnic options for guests heading out for the day. Nightly complimentary s'mores by the campfire are a popular highlight. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently praises the staff for their friendly, helpful, and accommodating nature.

• Hospitality: Staff members are described as being quick to offer assistance, including golf cart rides to tents, and enjoyable to interact with.
• Guest Experience Coordinators: On-site experience coordinators are available to help guests plan and book local activities such as rafting, biking, hiking, and wine tastings, further enhancing the stay.
• Efficiency: The property also offers private check-in and check-out, and a 24-hour front desk.

6. Location & Accessibility

Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge is strategically located to offer both seclusion and access to regional attractions.

• Neighborhood & Surroundings: Situated in a peaceful, wooded valley in rural Washington State, it provides spectacular views of Mount Hood and the White Salmon Valley, approximately 15 miles from the town of White Salmon. The 120-acre property is surrounded by forested hillsides and the Cascade Mountains.
• Nearby Attractions: The camp serves as a launchpad for a wide array of outdoor activities, including fishing, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River, and hiking in the Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge scenic areas. There are also over 10 wineries and vineyards within a 10-mile radius.
• Transport: The camp is a scenic hour's drive from Portland, Oregon, and Portland International Airport (PDX) is about 75 minutes away by road. While public transport options are limited, the camp offers parking and shuttle services to nearby attractions. A rental car is recommended for exploring the wider region.

7. Value & Pricing

Rates for Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge typically start around $229-$299 per night, but can go up to $989 a night for higher-end options.

• Worth the Cost: While considered a luxury glamping experience, many guests feel it offers good value for money, especially given the unique accommodations, amenities, and immersive natural setting. It's seen as a desirable option for those seeking outdoor adventure with resort-level comforts.
• Inclusions: Rates generally include access to camp programming, indoor and outdoor games, stargazing, s'mores sessions, and complimentary coffee and tea. Breakfast and grab-and-go food items are available for an additional cost.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Local Opposition & Development Concerns: The establishment of Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge faced significant opposition from some local residents in Husum, Washington. Concerns included increased traffic, road safety issues (the main road to the camp is unpaved), dust, potential wildfire risk, impact on wildlife habitat, and the perception that it primarily benefits outside investors rather than the local community.
• Noise & Privacy: While tents offer privacy, some guests have mentioned being able to hear neighboring tents, including snoring or crying babies, especially before quiet hours begin at 10 pm. Earplugs are offered at the front desk.
• Heat in Tents: Tents can get very hot during the day, which might be an issue for those staying in their tents during peak summer hours, though battery-powered fans are provided.
• No Food in Tents Policy: The camp has a strict "no food in tents" policy, which guests are advised to be aware of.
• Accessibility: While accessible tents and facilities are available, the property's roads and paths are primarily dirt or gravel, which may pose challenges for guests with limited mobility, particularly during inclement weather.
• Limited On-Site Lunch: Embers is not open for lunch, as guests are typically out exploring during the day. Guests need to plan for lunch in nearby towns like White Salmon or Hood River.
• No WiFi or TV: In line with its immersed-in-nature approach, there is no WiFi in the tents (cell service can be temperamental) and no TVs, which some guests might find challenging, though it encourages outdoor engagement.

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