Viento State Park

Hwy 84 Exit 56
Hood River, OR 97031

USAOregonHood River

2 Reviews

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GPS Coordinates: 45.697365 -121.665851

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Jerome Parmentier
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Viento State Park is a small Oregon State Park located along the Columbia River between Portland and Hood River, in the vicinity of Cascade Locks. It is well documented that the park is split between the travel lanes of I-84 and the Union Pacific rail line. So the park does suffer from a fair amount of traffic noise and train noise at all hours of the day and night. The UP train line is heavily utilized. The train does blow its horn as it passes by the park because the road from the park down to the day use area of the river crosses the railroad tracks. During our last stay neither the road noise nor the train noise was all that bothersome. It really depends on how heavy or light a sleeper you are and what campsite you are located. This is a cute state park with generally nice sized campsites and good, but basic amenities.

Ironically the park has water and electric at most campsites on the north side of the park, but no sewer hookups and most conspicuously no RV dump station at the park. You have to find a dump station someplace else. If you look online, you can find dump stations near Cascade Locks and Hood River, but it still requires a drive to take care of business. The south side of the park is tent camping only and sites on the south side of the park will not accommodate RVs or trailers of any kind. No hookups on the south side of the park. Flush restrooms and running water are also on the south side of the campground.

Typical for Oregon State Parks of this nature, there is a camp host entrusted with restroom and shower maintenance along with overall park upkeep. We have always found camp hosts at Oregon state parks to be friendly and hard working. Restrooms here are also very typical Oregon state park, government and industrial in appearance, but when they are used as hard as they are, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Showers here are also pretty typical Oregon state park, a fair amount of privacy, but used hard and sometimes a little muddy inside, especially if you shower later in the morning, a constant battle for the park hosts to keep up with.

The park is very attractive, and there is quite a bit of new planting going on in the park. Some of the campsites are large but not that private. Our most recent camp site was exactly that way, but at the edge of the site were new plantings of young trees, which in a number of years will increase site privacy. Information boards and iron rangers (fee collection posts) are located in a couple of places in the park, there is one at the park entry and one of the day use parking areas and another that is located in the main loop of the north campground near the restrooms and camp host site. Info boards are in excellent condition and well stocked with registration materials, reservation lists, regulations, fire ban information, etc. The information station inside the north camping loop has lots of Oregon State Parks guides and printed material to take with you.

A big draw of this park is access to the Columbia. During our last stay we didn’t have a chance to get down to the river, but it is probably the biggest reason a lot of campers go there, that and the proximity to Portland.

For me, I really like this park, but I use it is an overnight stop or a two night stop to rest while in transit to another more destination oriented campground. Lack of full hookups and or a dump station really limits this parks utility for me, but it makes for a great overnight stay or quick weekend away.
4 years ago
David Cornelius
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Ease of Access

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Local Area

Viento State Park is a small campground between Cascade Locks and Hood River and only an hour from Portland. The sites support both tents and small trailers with a day-use area and short walk to a rocky beach on the Columbia River. It is nestled between (and very close) to the I-84 freeway and an active railroad. The day use area is on the other side of the tracks with a little dirt road that goes past the campground. Since the road crosses the tracks, trains have to blow their horns when going by–and they go by at all hours of the night!

Other than the noise, this is a a nice campground with much more availability than other, more popular places.
5 years ago

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Viento State Park near Hood River Oregon is located in the Columbia River Gorge adjacent to the Interstate. 56 electrical, 18 tent (maximum site 30 feet). The park is first-come first-served during the off season, but during the normal camping season reservations through Reserve America are normal and applicable to all sites in the park; no sites are held back from being reserved online. Also, during the off season a significant portion of the park is closed and the total quantity of camp sites is limited, utilities to the remaining sites may also be limited due to frost concerns.

Nestled along the majestic Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, Viento State Park invites campers to embark on a remarkable journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. This hidden gem offers a unique opportunity to connect with the stunning landscapes of the Gorge while enjoying modern camping amenities. From its scenic riverside setting to its proximity to captivating natural attractions, Viento State Park promises an unforgettable camping adventure that celebrates the beauty of Oregon’s outdoors.

One of the most captivating features of Viento State Park is its location along the picturesque Columbia River. The park’s setting offers campers breathtaking views of the river and the towering cliffs that line its banks. Whether you want to cast your fishing line, launch a kayak or canoe, or simply soak in the peaceful ambiance, the Columbia River provides an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and recreation. The park’s riverside setting is particularly enchanting during sunset, when the sky comes alive with vibrant colors that reflect on the water.

Viento State Park provides a variety of camping options to cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity of tent camping or the convenience of an RV, the park offers well-maintained campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. These amenities ensure that you can enjoy outdoor meals, gather around a campfire, and create lasting memories with friends and family while taking in the river’s soothing sounds and fresh air.

The park’s extensive trail system is a highlight for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The trails wind through lush woodlands, offering opportunities to observe the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Birdwatchers will appreciate the chance to spot various bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys, as they explore the serene forested trails.

For windsurfers and kiteboarders, Viento State Park is a popular destination, thanks to its consistent winds and accessible launch sites along the Columbia River. The park is known for its wind sports community, making it a hub for enthusiasts of these exciting water sports.

Viento State Park also provides a sense of community and offers facilities for group gatherings and picnics. It’s an excellent location for family reunions, company outings, or simply spending quality time with loved ones amidst the stunning scenery of the Columbia River Gorge.

In conclusion, Viento State Park in Oregon is a hidden gem that invites visitors to embrace the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Its riverside setting, diverse recreational options, and sense of community make it an ideal choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re windsurfing on the river, hiking through the woodlands, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge, Viento State Park has it all. Plan your next camping trip to this Columbia River Gorge gem, and you’ll leave with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

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