Imagine a getaway nestled in the heart of the White Salmon River Valley, where Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. You'll find yourself settling in for the night in a plush safari tent, surrounded by nature and the stars.

Mt. Hood is peaking out to say hello each morning, and adventure beckons with mountain trails nearby waiting to be discovered. It's a glamping experience that allows you to feel removed from the hustle and bustle, where you can completely unwind. 

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About Under Canvas

Under Canvas is a brand that partners with Hyatt Hotels throughout the USA. Their focus is on eco-friendly, sustainable glamping accommodations in cool outdoor locations. Their full list of locations includes:

• Moab
• Lake Powell-Grand Staircase
• Zion
• ULUM Moab
• Great Smoky Mountains
• Grand Canyon
• Mount Rushmore
• Acadia
• Bryce Canyon
• North Yellowstone
• West Yellowstone
• Yosemite
• Columbia River Gorge
• Glacier

We particularly like Under Canvas because they partner with Hyatt hotels (so Hyatt points and nights credit for us) as well as their awesome locations. These locations make seeing national parks like Zion or the Grand Canyon an even cooler trip than it already was.

Just a note to Hyatt travelers, while Under Canvas does partner with Hyatt, they do so through the Mr. and Mrs. Smith brand. This means that while you will earn points and nights for your stay, you won't get all the benefits you might get at other hotels, such as free breakfast or possible room upgrades.

We were excited to go off the beaten path with a new location like Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge. It was a quick drive from Portland, and we got to check out the place during their first week of being open. While this spot is not technically a national park, it is in a great location for being outdoors, sequestered in nature. 

Luxurious Accommodations

Imagine stepping into a world where premium safari tents offer both comfort and style amidst the natural beauty of Washington. That is what every tent at Under Canvas offers, and it definitely delivers on a glamping experience.

You'll find upscale amenities like plush bedding and private bathrooms (with a flush toilet, pull shower, and hot water), ensuring a lavish experience in the wild. There are heaters in the room and plenty of warm blankets, so you won't get too cold overnight.

Our favorite part was getting the Stargazer tent, which has a window cut out above the bed to be able to see the stars while lounging in your bed. It took Kelsey about an hour to fall asleep because she could not stop fan-girling over all the stars you could see in the night sky.

From our tent, we had a great view of several constellations. The easiest to spot was the Big Dipper, but we got to learn about others while snuggled in our cozy bed.

We saw Boötes and its brightest star, Arcturus (which is one of the brightest stars in the night sky). The Virgo constellation was to our left, which felt perfect since that's Kelsey's zodiac sign. Other cool constellations and stars spotted were the little dipper, Draco, and the star Vega, which is also one of the brightest stars in the night sky.

Premium Safari Tents

Step into a world of opulence and tranquility with a canvas safari tent. It's where luxury meets the great outdoors.

These canvas tents are nestled in between trees, designed with meticulous attention to detail. Each tent boasts luxury features such as plush king-size beds, cozy wood-burning stoves, beautiful bathrooms with plumbing, and private decks offering panoramic views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood.

With generous tent specifications (each tent is at least 264 sq ft, except for kids tents, which are a little smaller), you'll find ample space to unwind and connect with nature. The interiors blend rustic charm with modern elegance, featuring en-suite bathrooms and high-quality linens.

Large, built-in screened windows flood the tent with natural light and fresh air, creating a soothing ambiance. In these premium safari tents, you're not just camping; you're indulging in a unique fusion of comfort and adventure.

Different Tent Options Available

No matter how you travel or who you travel with, there are lots of options to find the perfect getaway at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge.

Their smallest tent is the Deluxe Tent which still comes with a king bed, en-suite bathroom, and wood-burning stove. It also has a beautiful deck to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views all around you, but especially of Mt. Hood.

Their next tent version is the one we went with, the Stargazer Tent. We highly recommend this tent if you love looking at the stars like Kelsey does, because it is amazing being able to see stars right from your bed while you drift off to sleep.

The Stargazer Tent is basically the same tent as the Deluxe Tent, just slightly larger with the stargazer window to look out from. We think the increased cost is more than worth it to upgrade to this tent.

The next upgrade on tent size is the Suite Tent. This tent is bigger and includes a couch and more living space to use. This would be a great tent to upgrade to if you were coming with more people, so you could have a gathering point or a hangout spot in the middle of the day when the sun is beating down outside.

There are also family/kid-friendly options as well including Deluxe and Suite Tents with Kids Tents. These options offer the same options as above, but they also include a kid tent, which is exactly what it sounds like... a tent for kids. This includes a smaller tent with 2 double beds for the kids to sleep in. This is a nice option so that everyone is not crammed into a tight space and has room to spread out and enjoy nature.

Culinary Delights Amidst Nature

As you bask in the luxurious comfort of your safari-style sanctuary, the promise of culinary delights beckons, inviting you to savor the essence of the Pacific Northwest right at your doorstep.

We originally thought we would go off-site for meals and explore nearby White Salmon or Hood River. Then on our first night there, we did not want to go drive anywhere, so we tried their restaurant on site for dinner, and we are so glad we did because it was amazing!

Their cafe is open from 7-10 for breakfast and 5-10 for dinner, and they serve a variety of dishes, including a pick of the day that rotates and changes day to day and week to week. Their cafe includes tons of great options, and we ended up eating there for every meal.

• Local Seafood: Dive into the taste of the sea with dishes crafted from the freshest catches. Kelsey had the shrimp tacos here and she thought they were some of the best little shrimpies she has ever had.
• Variety of Dishes: We ate at the cafe 3 nights and 3 mornings, and we did not get bored with the food during that time. There was always something new to try, and all of it felt very well-cooked and delicious to eat, no matter what we tried.
• Craft Brews: Sip on locally brewed beers that perfectly complement your meal...once they get their alcohol license, but they do already serve NA options
• Fine Wines: Unwind with a glass of exquisite regional wine, each sip a taste of the landscape....once they get their alcohol license. 
• Campfire Treats: End your day with complimentary s’mores by the fire. These are served every night, and they even have a mystery s'more recipe they include if you want to be a little more adventurous.

When we visited, they were in the process of getting their liquor license finalized, so we did not try any of the beers or wines, but from what they described to us, we are sure it's going to be amazing. We will be back to try them in the future! You are able to bring your own drinks and the offer portable coolers

Thrilling Outdoor Activities

While the tranquil beauty of the Columbia River Gorge provides a serene backdrop, there's no shortage of exhilarating outdoor activities waiting to whisk you away on an adventure. The nearby areas offer plenty of business for rentals and guides.

On our drive, we noticed plenty of options for rafting, windsurfing, biking, and more. If you are an adreniline junkie this place is for you.

Picture yourself gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike, weaving through lush forest trails, the wind rushing past as you conquer the rugged terrain. Each twist and turn reveals new vistas, with the majestic Cascade Mountains standing sentinel.

After a thrilling ride, indulge in a more leisurely pursuit with winery tours. Let your taste buds dance as you sample exquisite wines, each sip capturing the essence of Washington's rich vineyards.

The sun dips low, casting a golden hue over the landscape, and you realize that adventure at Under Canvas Columbia River is as boundless as the horizon.

Embracing the Serenity of the Columbia River

Bask in the tranquility that envelops the Columbia River Gorge, where nature paints a serene masterpiece with every ripple and rustle of the leaves.

You find yourself drawn into a world of river tranquility, perfect for nature meditation. Imagine the soothing rhythm of the water, a gentle lullaby that invites you to embrace stillness.

• Morning Reflection: Begin your day with a morning reflection while surrounded by nature. Under Canvas offers journal prompts for each morning, and Kelsey loved to do these reflections to start her day off right.
• Mindful Walking: Stroll along the trails, where each step becomes a meditation. It's such a tranquil environment it is hard not to feel at peace while walking around the campsites.
• Nature Yoga: Stretch and breathe with the sight of the mountain and gorge in the background, letting nature's tranquility guide your movements. We spent a little time each day doing yoga in the middle of the day to enjoy nature and feel healthier. They have yoga mats to use, and you can set up in your tent or on their yoga platform by the lobby, looking out at Mt. Hood.
• Evening Campfire: End your day with s’mores, under a sky full of stars, embracing the serenity.

Amazing Employees

From the moment you arrive at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, all of the employees are incredibly welcoming and helpful. They give you a brief tour of the facilities, drive you in a golf cart to pick up your luggage, and take you to your tent.

Everyone we interacted with, from the front desk person to the cafe worker to the activities coordinator, even the maintenance crew, were extremely helpful and nice. They would always go out of their way to say hi and ask if there was anything we needed. This felt more like a five-star resort than a glamping retreat at times with the way the staff performed.

Incredible Activities

We did not personally go off-site for any activities, but they have an activities coordinator on-site who can help you find some amazing activities nearby. The Columbia River Gorge is an amazing place to visit, and there are so many different things to do nearby.

• Wineries: too many to count, and from what we have heard, many amazing options. There are about 5 wineries, only about a 15-20 minute drive down into White Salmon, and even more if you expand over into Hood River.
• Visit Hood River: a nearby small town which boasts lots of great places to eat, shop, and enjoy. We have not personally explored it, but a lot of people we have talked to said we have to visit. Someone even mentioned there is a Cider Festival in May.
• Visit Portland: about an hour and a half away, so more of a day trip than anything, but if you want the big city experience, this is a good place to go (and we are biased as this is where we live). If you do go, check out our guide to Portland to see what we suggest you try visiting.
• Waterfalls: there are so many around, but notably the biggest one around is about 1 hour away at Multnomah Falls. There are lots of other ones to see as well, so many that you can make a whole day and waterfall tour out of it.

On-site, they host activities every evening at 7 pm. These activities were a hit with lots of people, both young and old, including Kelsey, who went to one every day we were there.

They have a rotating schedule of activities every week, and while we were there, Kelsey got to enjoy one each night. It was mostly here, and the coolest crew of little explorers.

• Painting the Milky Way: The first night, we had a teacher lead us in instructions on how to paint the Milky Way. They provided all the tools needed and had step-by-step instructions to make it easy for anyone to follow. They also encouraged you to make it your own. 
• Bracelet Making: The second night had celestial bracelet making with so many options. There we tiny beads, big beads, star beads, and charms. The charms were moon and star themed, but they also had charms for your zodiac sign.
• Trinket Dish Painting: The last night we were there, they had these small ticket dishes to paint however you wanted. There were a ton of paint options, and you could make as many as you wanted.

Planning Your Glamping Adventure

We suggest you book through Hyatt directly, as you will get the best price and earn Hyatt nights and points. From what the staff told us, they are very full on weekends and a little less busy on weekdays, so if you can get away during the week, that would be a better time to book if you are looking for more solitude.

In terms of what to bring on your glamping experience, make sure you bring warm clothes for the night as it was getting pretty chilly when we were there in early June. Bringing sunscreen is also a must as it can be pretty warm and sunny. That being said, Phil forgot sunscreen, and we ended up purchasing some from their store on site so if you forget it, you can still get it there.

You are not able to eat in your tent to avoid attracting critters, including bugs, mice, bears and others (it is glamping after all, you are still outdoors) but they have plenty to eat on site and there are places to eat not too far away if you want to venture off site. You can also keep food locked in your car to grab when you need it, and eat in the common areas.

Everything else they supply is wonderful, including soap, shampoo, and conditioner for the shower, comfortable bedding and chairs to lounge in, and so much more. They even provide free board games to play and free yoga mats to borrow while you are there.

Our Favorite Part of Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

There were so many amazing parts of this location for us that it is hard to pick just one or two things that we loved the most.

I think we both would vote for the Stargazer tent as one of our favorite things. It was wonderful to fall asleep at night with the stars above you. In fact, it was so wonderful that Kelsey often times had trouble falling asleep because she was so excited about the stars.

For Phil, his favorite part was lounging in the tent. You feel secluded from other people, and it is easy to just relax and not worry about time or other people or anything really as you feel connected to nature. He was also a big fan of the nightly s'more making and all of the food options at the cafe.

Kelsey loved the activities. She went every night, and her favorite amongst them was painting the Milky Way. She was so excited about her painting that we are going to get it framed, and honestly, just that activity made her want to come back and experience it again. She also loved doing early morning Yoga before anyone else was up, with the sun rising and the beautiful views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge in the background.