White Salmon is a small city located in the Columbia River Gorge in south central Washington, near the Oregon border. It is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and its charming small-town atmosphere. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, rafting, and exploring the area’s natural beauty. White Salmon also offers a range of cultural attractions and activities, from galleries and museums to live music and entertainment.
1. White Salmon Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
White Salmon is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, much of which can be explored on foot. If your date enjoys the great outdoors, try a romantic walk in some of the city’s parks. Horsethief Lake State Park is a great option and offers five miles of hike trails, as well as plenty of places to pause and take in the views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. White Salmon River Park is also a lovely spot for a stroll, and it’s the perfect place to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep and bald eagles. For a more strenuous hike, try the Jewett Trail for a 4-mile trek through the woods.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in White Salmon
If you’re looking for a more low-key date idea, a coffee date may be the perfect option. White Salmon is home to a number of cozy cafes where you can grab a cup of joe and get to know each other better. Try the Barkley Cafe for a selection of pastries, light breakfast items, and locally-roasted coffee. For those who prefer tea, head to The Tea Room White Salmon for an organic tea menu, homemade scones, and a cozy atmosphere. The Betteredge Coffee Co. is also a popular spot, offering craft coffee and tea as well as an array of baked goods.
3. White Salmon Galleries, Museums, and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
For a more creative date experience, why not explore some of White Salmon’s museums and galleries? The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County Museum provide interesting insights into the history and culture of the area, while the Judith D Houghtailing Gallery of White Salmon offers a range of rotating contemporary art exhibitions. The White Salmon Valley Community Library also hosts regular art shows featuring works by local artists, and the views of the Columbia River Gorge from the Library’s main room are hard to beat.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in White Salmon
White Salmon has a lot to offer in the way of live performance. If you’re looking to surprise your date with something special, check out the Celtic Music Night at the Trout Lake School of Music, or the music and poetry evening at the Betteredge Coffe Co. The White Salmon Community Theater Company puts on regular productions with a variety of plays and musicals, and there are also occasional live concerts at the White Salmon Valley Community Library.
5. White Salmon Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
White Salmon has plenty of options for a romantic dinner or drinks. For traditional Italian fare, try Italiano Ristorante, which has a cozy atmosphere and a menu that features regional specialties. For a more casual meal, The Gifford House has a selection of local beers and wines, along with delicious pub classics. If you’d like to spend the evening sipping craft cocktails, The Loft is the perfect spot, offering an impressive selection of spirits, beers and wines, as well as tasty snacks to go along with them.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in White Salmon
There are plenty of other unique date ideas in White Salmon. For a fun outdoor adventure, head to the Wet Planet Whitewater Rafting Center, which offers thrilling whitewater rafting trips down the White Salmon River. The Moulton Falls Winery and Brewery is also worth a visit, and offers a number of wines and craft beers. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, the Solstice Spa is a great option, with a range of spa treatments and massages.
