A-frames near Fairview with fishing
Stop in this cozy community on your way to the Columbia River Gorge.
- Fairview
Popular camping styles for Fairview
A-frames near Fairview with fishing guide
Overview
Just outside of Portland, Fairview is one of the last urban communities before Interstate 84 leads into the Columbia Gorge. If you’re around Portland for some Pacific Northwest camping, Fairview is an excellent spot to pick up groceries and supplies, and its close proximity to the camping and hiking opportunities along the Columbia River make it especially convenient. This bedroom community also offers a few outdoor attractions of its own, including Chinook Landing Marine Park and Blue Lake Regional Park on the Banks of Fairview Lake.
Where to go
The Columbia River Gorge
Just outside of Fairview, the Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Here you’ll find miles of wooded hiking trails, great vantage points, and plenty of scenic waterfalls.
Along the Clackamas River
South of Fairview, the Clackamas River is popular for fishing and whitewater rafting. There are also plenty of swimming holes along the river for cooling off during hot summer months.
Portland
While Portland isn’t exactly a place to camp, it is home to some spectacular scenery, great outdoor stores, and famous food. If you’ve had enough of camp fare and want something a bit more gourmet, you’ll be well taken care of—even the famous food cart pods in town offer food worth writing home about.
When to go
If you’re coming to Fairview, it’s probably with the intention of visiting the Columbia Gorge, which is beautiful throughout the year. Hiking conditions are at their best in the summer when the chance of rain is at its lowest, though this is also the busiest time so be prepared for crowds and, potentially, a lack of parking. Springtime is a good alternative if you don’t mind the rain—the waterfalls are at their fullest in the pre-summer months, too.
