Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, or CGOA, is one of the oldest arts organizations in the Columbia Gorge, bringing more than 40 years of uninterrupted programming to our region. CGOA is proud to provide access to arts and cultural experiences that might not otherwise be available to both local performers and audiences throughout the region.
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is home to several performing arts ensembles. In its over 40-year history, the Sinfonietta orchestra has brought hundreds of concerts to thousands of local audience members, including world premieres and collaborations with local, regional and nationally recognized artists. CGOA also proudly includes Voci, a community choir with over 50 members, the Jazz Collective Big Band, Stages Theatre, the Hood River String Quartet and the Youth Chorus. Performances are throughout the year at family friendly locations such as the state of the art Wy’east Performing Arts Center or the historic Hood River Middle School auditorium. Whether you join us in the audience or add your unique talents to one of our ensembles, the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association welcomes all!
“What would you do if you came to play in Hood River?” We asked our favorite long-time locals the same question and compiled their answers to create jam-packed weekend itineraries.
Recently recognized as the “Nature Lover’s Destination” in the 2021 Sunset Travel Awards and locally revered as the “most wonderful time of the year,” Hood River’s playful winter vibe offers snow-centered experiences, minus the summer bustle. A perfectly balanced mix of charming and hip, Hood River provides an unmatched winter experience, especially when paired with the wild of the surrounding Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest.
A Day at Mt Hood Meadows - Offering some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding in the Northwest, Meadows is a quick 45 minute drive from Hood River. The variety of Meadows' terrain is what makes it so unique and popular. The wide-open terrain off of Cascade Express offers incredible panoramic views halfway across Oregon from its 7,300-foot elevation. Advanced skiers and snowboarders seek out the steeps in the front bowls, or drop into the seemingly endless pitch of powder-filled Heather Canyon.
Within a short drive from Hood River, there are some great ski and ride options, throw in the vibrant downtown of Hood River and you've got an amazing winter basecamp, just an hour from Portland, Oregon. Timberline and Cooper Spur offer two very different options and both are less than an hours drive from Hood River. Wax your skis and board, let's go!
Nestled near the base of the tallest mountain in Oregon is a treasure trove of winding singletrack of various skill levels and terrain. PinkBike Reporter, Brice Shirback, shares highlights from his recent bike trip in the Columbia River Gorge. Take a page from his book to plan out your next biking adventure!
