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Appropriately enough for a park in the blustery Columbia River Gorge, the park's
name, pronounced vee-EN-toe, is Spanish for wind. Just an odd coincidence,
actually. In this case, the Viento comes from the first letters of three
railroad tycoons - Villard, Endicott, and Tollman -who put the first railroad in
the area. Where a railroad station once stood is now the home of one of the
Gorge's best kept secrets: Viento is a great place to camp! With modern
campsites, Viento almost always has a spot available when other campgrounds in
the area are full. No reservations are accepted; camping is first-come,
first-served. On weekends in the summer, rangers provide interpretive programs.
A fully-accessible restroom is located here. Viento is next to a working
railroad line and crossing. Visitors and campers can expect to hear train horns
throughout the day and night. Interstate 84 also borders the park. Please call
the park office at (541) 374-8811, for more information.
Viento has a day-use area with easy access to the Columbia River and some of the
best windsurfing in the Gorge. There's a great picnic area right next to a
wonderful, babbling creek - just right for skimming stones and soaking sore
feet.
A one-mile trail from Viento to Starvation Creek takes you along a section of
the Historic Columbia River Highway. Now a hiking trail, there hasn't been auto
traffic here in more than 50 years. If you get a chance to visit, imagine an old
Ford Model T twisting around the corners!
Vital stats
Open for seasonal camping through Oct. 31, 2006, closing the gates at checkout
time Nov. 1. $3 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $25, or a
24-month permit for $40. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park
day-use areas.
Campsites are first-come, first-served. 56 electrical, 18 tent (maximum site 30
feet). (541)374-8811 or (800) 551- 6949.
Park rates (subject to change)
October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season)
Electrical hookup: $12
Tent site: $10
Extra vehicle: $5
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25
May 1 to September 30
Full rate: $16
Electrical hookup: $16
Tent site: $14
Extra vehicle: $5
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25
Services
Camping Accessible camping Tent
Electric Showers Playgrounds
Picnicking Fishing Windsurfing
Beach access Hiking trail Forest
Waterways Mountains Waterfalls
Historic resources Historic trails ADA restroom
Restrooms
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