A century ago, the winds that blow daily through the 80-mile-long [129-kilometer-long] Columbia River Gorge were considered a nuisance. Now the wind-tunnel phenomenon draws windsurfers from all over to riverbank put-ins that extend at least 20 miles [32 kilometers] west and 80 miles [129 kilometers] east of the town of Hood River.

Bikers, hikers, skiers, and boarders head 25 miles [40 kilometers] south to Mount Hood National Forest. The town really hits its stride as a one-stop sports center from July 14 to 22 during the pro-am Subaru Gorge Games, a mix of windsurfing, adventure racing, climbing, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, trail running, and endurance mountain biking.

All prices in U.S. dollars
 

Access
Most major airlines serve Portland, 60 miles [96.5 kilometers] west.

Rafting
Glacial meltwater from Mount Hood and Mount Adams swells the Klickitat, Hood, White Salmon, and other Columbia tributaries throughout summer, making for great white-water runs.

All Adventures (877 641 7238 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.alladventures.net) leads half-day outings on the White Salmon for $55 per person.

Windsurfing
The main action is along the Corridor, a three-mile [five-kilometer] stretch of river on both sides of town. The winds are strongest at the Hatchery; beginners can hone their skills on the more sheltered waters off the Marina and the Hook.

Big Winds (888 509 4210 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.bigwinds.com) has two-hour windsurfing courses for beginners for $49.

Kayaking
The Class II and III rapids on the Klickitat are good challenges for beginners. Intermediates take on the Hood and White Salmon, and experts paddle Class V water on the Little White Salmon.

Outdoor Play (877 725 2925 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.outdoorplay.com) rents gear and has three-day courses for $150.

Skiing
Mount Hood is one of the few places in North America where you can slide in summer. Don't expect vast terrain on Palmer Glacier—the lone trail is about a mile [1.6 kilometers] long—but you get to ski alongside members of the U.S. and Canadian national teams making practice runs.

Lift tickets are $37; for après-ski drinks and dinner, head to the baronial Timberline Lodge (+1 503 622 7979; www.timberlinelodge.com), at the base of the lifts.

Hiking
Mount Hood National Forest contains six major wilderness areas, including the seldom visited Badger Creek Wilderness. The best jumping-off point for backcountry hiking and camping is Lookout Mountain.

Room and Board
Crash in Victorian style at the Hood River Hotel (doubles from $49; 800 386 1859 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.hoodriverhotel.com).

The payoffs for climbing the steps to the Big Horse Brew Pub (+1 541 386 4411) are athletic locals, pool tables, and microbrews on outdoor patios.

Resources
Hood River County Chamber of Commerce (800 366 3530 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.hoodriver.org)

Mount Hood National Forest Information Center (+1 503 622 7674; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood)