Discover Arlington on the Columbia River

Arlington combines the expanse of the Columbia River with distinctive traces of its history and a location well suited to a variety of days spent exploring. The town lies on the Columbia River at the mouth of Alkali Canyon. A bay of the river carries the waterfront into the town and thereby shapes Arlington’s character. If you are looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home as a base for different travel ideas, water sports, landscapes, scenic drives, and local traditions come together here.

Water Experiences on the Columbia River

You can go windsurfing on the Columbia River in Arlington. Anyone who wants to try another form of water sport or include one in their travel plans will find protected access to stand-up paddleboarding from a sandy beach at Earl Snell Memorial Park. The Port of Arlington also operates a marina and a boat ramp. For river users, the fuel dock at Arlington Marina supplies diesel as well as high-octane, ethanol-free gasoline.

These different options can help you choose the right focus for your vacation: If you are planning active days on the water, you can make the riverside location the centerpiece of your trip. For a mixed itinerary, water activities can be combined with excursions, sports, and culinary stops, without every day having to follow the same rhythm.

Routes, Landscapes, and Getting There

Arlington forms the western end of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. This makes the town part of a landscape that can also be explored on a road trip. Arlington is located just off Interstate 84 at Exit 137, making it easier to find your way when arriving. South of town, Highway 19 passes large areas of wind turbines. The installations create a striking landscape impression and give a drive through the surrounding area its own distinctive theme.

If you choose your accommodation based on your preferred daily itinerary, Arlington offers several starting points: The Columbia River represents water activities, the Scenic Byway and the roads through the surrounding area provide opportunities for excursions, while the town itself brings short breaks and local destinations together. Its documented location makes it practical when planning your trip to alternate between days on the water and drives through the wider landscape.

History, Rodeo, and Craftsmanship

Arlington was platted in 1882 under the name Alkali. During construction of the John Day Dam, a large part of the town was moved to higher ground in the early 1960s. These two historical milestones give Arlington a distinctive local history that extends beyond its present-day riverside setting.

The local event and craft scene includes the Arlington Saddle Club, which hosts the annual Arlington Jackpot Rodeo. Ron Wilson makes chaps, chinks—that is, half-length chaps—belts, handbags, rodeo queen outfits, tack, and many other leather goods. Anyone interested in regional traditions and the practical character of Western craftsmanship can take these themes into account when planning their own trip.

More Ideas for Your Trip

China Creek Golf Course is a nine-hole course on the outskirts of Arlington. This adds a quieter sporting activity alongside the river and scenic routes. For an uncomplicated meal, River’s Edge Deli & BBQ serves freshly prepared sandwiches and salads.

Arlington is therefore suitable for a variety of travel plans: You can emphasize the Columbia River and stand-up paddleboarding, choose the town as a stop along the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, or combine history, rodeo, leather craftsmanship, and golf.

For the broader travel overview: Gilliam County.