Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge review

Stretching for approximately 80 miles between Portland and The Dalles, Oregon, the Columbia River meanders through the Cascade Mountains, flanked by impressive cliffs, soaring spires, and cascading waterfalls, creating a breathtaking river canyon. The Columbia River Gorge, which forms the boundary between Oregon and Washington, is celebrated by both states as a natural marvel. It offers endless outdoor activities, along with opportunities for fruit picking, cultural experiences, and an abundance of breweries and wineries.

The region has long been a popular day trip destination from Portland, but options for accommodation have been somewhat limited for those looking to extend their stay—until now. At the end of May, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge opened as the 13th location in the glamping brand’s portfolio, which joined forces with World of Hyatt last summer. Its prime location near the Gorge has earned it a spot on Flying Frugal’s list of the most exciting hotel openings for 2025.

Whether you’re a camper seeking a more luxurious outdoor experience or a resort lover looking to try something different, this overview of the property will help you prepare for a delightful stay.

Initial Impressions

As you exit Interstate 84 and make your way into the mountains, you’ll find it challenging to keep your focus on the road, thanks to the stunning views of Mount Hood and later Mount Adams. Fortunately, scenic vistas are abundant as you approach Under Canvas. As you navigate the gravel road to the property, you’ll be greeted by a sight of the tents nestled in a valley beneath the majestic peak of Hood.

Upon arrival, you’ll park briefly before entering a welcoming check-in tent equipped with upscale furnishings, board games for guests, and a curated selection of food, drinks, and merchandise. Just steps away are communal spaces featuring a large fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, as well as indoor and outdoor lounges. I arrived just after sunset and enjoyed witnessing guests bonding over wine, families toasting marshmallows, and children playing under the soft glow of Mount Hood’s alpenglow.

Following a briefing on possible wildlife encounters—bears and snakes are spotted occasionally but are rare—you’ll need to sign a waiver and hand over any food you brought along for safekeeping, ensuring no unexpected visitors in your tent. (The staff will refrigerate your items and retrieve them upon request.)

Once check-in is complete, you’ll move your car to the main parking area, possibly needing assistance from a staff member and golf cart to transport your bags, especially if your tent is situated further away.

The Tents

Under Canvas provides a variety of tent types to cater to different group sizes, including options designed specifically for children. Choices range from two-person Deluxe tents to the spacious Mount Hood Suite that combines two tents with a private deck, accommodating up to six adults.

I stayed in a Stargazer tent, equipped with a skylight above the bed, allowing for a view of the stars while lying down. Although designed for two adults, this tent was incredibly spacious, comfortably accommodating me, my husband, our dog, and our 9-month-old daughter (along with her pack-and-play and extra gear).

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Outside my tent, a small deck with two chairs provided the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery. A detachable lantern hung by the entrance for navigating in the dark. Inside, the chic living area featured two butterfly chairs, a woven ottoman, and a cowhide rug.

The sleeping area boasted a king-size bed with luxurious linens, flanked by nightstands equipped with lanterns, fans, and USB battery packs for charging. A generous storage chest sat at the foot of the bed, and a welcome tray with eye masks, towels, and earplugs awaited me upon arrival.

The highlight was a propane fireplace—unlike other Under Canvas locations that feature wood-burning stoves, here, I only had to flip a switch to ignite the flames, perfect for the cool evening temperatures.

On the opposite side of a sliding barn door was the ensuite bathroom, furnished with a toilet, sink, and shower, all featuring excellent water pressure. Organic bath products were provided in pump bottles within the shower.

Overall, the tent was thoughtfully designed, well-appointed, and comfortable. It included everything I needed without excess. Don’t forget to make use of the eye masks and earplugs: the early summer sun rises quite early, and while the tents are private, they are close enough to hear nearby snorers and crying babies.

Dining at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

The primary dining venue at the property is Embers, a café-style restaurant offering seasonal breakfast and dinner options. Despite its remote location, I found both the selection and quality at Embers to be impressive, featuring a menu with starters, sides, main courses, kids’ meals, and desserts.

For dinner, I enjoyed the Pacific Northwest rice bowl with marinated green chickpeas and black garlic shoyu ($18), while my husband savored the wild king salmon ($32). The trio of dips and pita ($19) was a hit with my 9-month-old daughter, especially the smoky sweet potato hummus.

Breakfast offers a full array of espresso drinks and classic dishes like avocado toast ($16), brown butter pancakes ($16), and breakfast sandwiches ($16). Guests are treated to bottomless coffee and tea sourced from Portland’s Smith Teamaker. Note that Globalists do not receive complimentary breakfast at Under Canvas or other Mr & Mrs Smith locations.

Embers does not serve lunch, as guests are often out exploring during midday. For a meal, consider making your way back down to the charming town of White Salmon, where White Salmon Baking Co. is a personal favorite for sandwiches. Conversely, across the river on the Oregon side lies Hood River, a larger city with numerous restaurants, breweries, and food trucks.

Away from the main dining area, Under Canvas provides complimentary nightly s’mores and a selection of snacks for purchase near check-in—think potato chips ($3), trail mix ($10), cheese sticks ($2), and brownies ($5).

The property does not yet have its alcohol license but hopes to offer a curated selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits from local producers in the near future. In the meantime, guests can enjoy nonalcoholic beer and are welcome to bring their own drinks.

Amenities and Services

• Service: The staff was friendly and attentive throughout my stay, always quick to lend a hand or offer a golf cart ride, and enjoyable to chat with.
• Experience Coordinator: An on-site coordinator is available to assist guests with planning local activities like rafting, biking, and canyoneering.
• Programming: Guests have access to a daily activity calendar, offering everything from live music to meditation and arts and crafts.
• Activities: Under Canvas provides games, a telescope, and even a guitar for guest use.
• Fire Pit: The communal fire pit encourages conversation among guests and provides complimentary nightly s’mores.
• Private Bathrooms: In addition to in-tent bathrooms, there are single-stall bathrooms equipped with outlets for personal care appliances.
• Pets: Dogs are welcome for a fee of $35 per dog per night, which includes a bandana (although we didn’t receive one during our stay). My pitbull certainly enjoyed the larger tent space compared to our usual camping arrangements.
• EV Charging: The parking area features Rivian Waypoints electric vehicle charging stations compatible with any EV.
• Connectivity: While there is no guest Wi-Fi, the lack of connectivity encourages you to disconnect and fully engage with nature. However, I found that my phone received enough signal for calls, texts, and light browsing.

Family-Friendliness

Under Canvas is an excellent destination for families, catering to children of all ages. The communal areas are spacious, allowing kids to run and play, while special tents are available for children. The property offers family-friendly menus and complimentary pack-and-play cribs for babies.

However, a few considerations are essential when bringing younger kids. Many amenities are shared, which means adults watching kids may find it hard to take advantage of them once the little ones are asleep. This differs from typical campsites that often provide private fire pits and dining areas.

The tents can become quite warm during the day, which might affect families with kids who need to nap, particularly if they don’t enjoy outdoor heat.

Location and Logistics

Though located in Washington, the most convenient way to reach Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge is to fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and drive the 77-mile route, which takes about an hour and a half. This journey features breathtaking views along I-84, tracing the Columbia River.

While it’s feasible to use a ride-hailing service from the airport, I wouldn’t recommend it as you’ll need a car upon arrival. For those exploring the Gorge as part of a broader Pacific Northwest road trip, Under Canvas is around three hours from Bend, Oregon, and four and a half hours from Seattle.

Cost and Booking for Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

Being part of Hyatt’s Mr & Mrs Smith collection, guests can earn or redeem World of Hyatt points during their stay. Prices for bookings fluctuate throughout the season, which runs until late October, resuming in late April. I discovered base Deluxe tents available for as low as $252 or 18,125 points, and there’s a 20% “Secret Season” promotion this fall to help offset the cash rate.

When reserving your stay at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, consider using a credit card that maximizes points for Hyatt bookings and offers automatic World of Hyatt elite status to enhance value. Elite benefits include:

• Access to special member rates.
• The ability to earn nights and bonus points.
• Potential tent upgrades at check-in for Globalist members if available.

While some elite benefits like late checkout and complimentary bottled water are not applicable at Mr & Mrs Smith locations, guests with elite status can earn rewards as typically allowed at Under Canvas.

Accessibility

According to an Under Canvas representative, all locations, including Columbia River Gorge, provide accessible tents, parking, bathrooms, and lobby areas. It’s advised to contact the property directly for more specifics regarding accessibility features available on-site.

Bear in mind that the pathways and roads at the property are primarily dirt or gravel, potentially posing challenges for guests with limited mobility, especially in inclement weather.

Final Thoughts

Under Canvas greatly enhances the Columbia River Gorge experience, especially for points travelers who can now earn and redeem with World of Hyatt. The location and views are unparalleled, and the diverse array of programming, food, and amenities make it an enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages. I plan to return.

For camping enthusiasts, you’ll appreciate the luxurious features, including in-room showers, gas fireplaces, and real bedding. However, for those less accustomed to camping, it’s crucial to remember that Under Canvas isn’t a standard hotel: you’ll be sleeping in nature and may encounter noise, light, wildlife, heat, and air quality considerations. While the staff strives to mitigate these aspects, adjusting your expectations will significantly enhance your experience.

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