Discover Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge: A Glamping Gem in the PNW

Nestled between Portland and The Dalles, Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that stretches approximately 80 miles through the Cascade Mountains. This stunning river canyon, which forms the border between Oregon and Washington, is renowned for its rocky cliffs, towering spires, and rushing waterfalls. It offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, fruit picking, arts and culture, and a thriving scene of breweries and wineries.

While the Columbia River Gorge has long been a popular day trip from Portland, it has historically lacked accommodation options for travelers seeking to explore the area over multiple days. That changed in late May when Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge opened its doors as the 13th property in the glamping brand’s portfolio, which recently joined the World of Hyatt collection. Its prime location has already made it one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2025, according to The Points Guy.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper in search of a more luxurious outdoor experience or a resort enthusiast eager to try something new, this overview of Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge will help you set your expectations for an unforgettable stay.

As you leave Interstate Highway 84 and wind your way into the mountains, the stunning views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams will beckon your attention. Once you arrive at Under Canvas, you’ll be greeted by a scenic ascent along a gravel road, where the property’s tents come into view, nestled in a valley beneath the majestic peak of Mount Hood.

Upon arrival, guests park in a designated area and check in at a welcoming tent furnished with upscale furniture, board games, and a curated selection of food, drinks, and merchandise. The common spaces include a large fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs and both indoor and outdoor lounge areas. I arrived just after sunset and was delighted to see families roasting marshmallows, friends sharing bottles of wine, and children playing together under the warm glow of Mount Hood.

Before settling in, guests are informed about the possibility of wildlife encounters—bears and snakes are mentioned, though sightings are unlikely. A quick waiver is signed, and any food brought along is safely stored by the check-in team to avoid attracting critters to your tent.

After check-in, you may need assistance from staff to transport your bags to your tent, as the walk can vary in distance depending on your accommodations. Under Canvas offers a variety of tent types to cater to different party sizes, including kid-friendly options. Choices range from cozy two-person Deluxe tents to the spacious Mount Hood Suite, which connects two tents via a private deck and accommodates up to six adults.

I had the pleasure of staying in a Stargazer tent, which features a skylight above the bed—perfect for stargazing while lying down. Despite being designed for two adults, the tent was spacious enough for my husband, our dog, our 9-month-old daughter, and all her gear.

Outside the tent, a small deck with two chairs provides a lovely spot for reading or enjoying the view. A detachable lantern hangs outside the entrance, making nighttime navigation easy. Inside, the tent boasts a chic living area with comfortable seating and a rustic decor style.

The sleeping area features a king-size bed adorned with luxurious linens, flanked by nightstands equipped with lanterns, fans, and USB charging ports. A storage chest at the foot of the bed and a welcome tray with eye masks, towels, and earplugs add thoughtful touches. The propane fireplace was a delightful amenity, easily ignited with a switch—ideal for the cool nighttime temperatures.

The ensuite bathroom, separated by a sliding barn door, includes a toilet, sink, and shower. All fixtures boasted excellent water pressure, and organic bath products were provided for guests’ use.

Overall, my experience in the tent was comfortable and well-considered, with just the right amenities to enhance my stay without feeling excessive. The eye masks and earplugs were particularly useful, as the early summer sun rises quickly, and the tents, while private, are close enough to hear the sounds of neighboring guests.

Dining at Under Canvas is an experience in itself, with the on-site cafe, Embers, offering seasonal options for breakfast and dinner. The menu features a range of dishes, from starters to desserts, and the quality of food is impressive given the remote location. For dinner, I enjoyed the PNW rice bowl with marinated green chickpeas and black garlic shoyu, while my husband savored the wild king salmon. The trio of dips and pita was a hit with my daughter, especially the smoky sweet potato hummus.

Breakfast options include a full menu of espresso drinks and classics like avocado toast, brown butter pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches, with bottomless coffee and tea from Portland’s Smith Teamaker included. It’s worth noting that Globalists do not receive complimentary breakfast at Under Canvas or other Mr & Mrs Smith properties.

While Embers does not serve lunch, guests can explore nearby dining options. The charming town of White Salmon, just a short drive away, features White Salmon Baking Co., known for its delicious sandwiches. For a wider selection, Hood River, located across the river in Oregon, offers numerous restaurants, breweries, and food trucks.

In addition to the dining options, Under Canvas provides complimentary nightly s’mores and a selection of snacks for purchase. Although the property does not yet have its alcohol license, it anticipates offering a curated selection of craft beer, wine, and spirits soon, focusing on regional producers. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages as well.

Under Canvas is an excellent choice for family trips, catering to children of all ages with communal areas for play and special tents designed for kids. The property features family-friendly programming and offers complimentary pack-and-play cribs for infants.

However, families with younger children should consider a few factors. Many amenities are shared among guests, which means adults supervising kids may miss out on some activities after dark. Additionally, the tents can become quite warm during the day, which may pose challenges for families with napping children.

Getting to Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge is straightforward. The easiest route is to fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and drive the approximately 77 miles to the property, which takes about an hour and a half. The scenic drive along I-84, which follows the Columbia River, is a highlight of the journey. While ride-hailing services are available, having a car is essential for exploring the area.

For those planning a broader road trip through the Pacific Northwest, Under Canvas is conveniently located about three hours from Bend, Oregon, and four and a half hours from Seattle.

As part of Hyatt’s Mr & Mrs Smith collection, guests can earn or redeem World of Hyatt points when booking their stay. Prices for Mr & Mrs Smith awards can fluctuate throughout the season, which runs until late October and resumes in late April. During my visit, I noticed base Deluxe tents starting at $252 or 18,125 points, with potential savings available through a 20% “Secret Season” promotion.

When booking your stay, consider using a credit card that maximizes points for Hyatt stays and potentially offers automatic elite status for added benefits. While certain World of Hyatt member perks, such as late checkout and complimentary bottled water, are not available at Mr & Mrs Smith locations, elite members can still earn nights and bonus points at Under Canvas.

Accessibility is a priority at Under Canvas, with each location offering accessible tents, parking, bathrooms, and lobby areas. However, it’s advisable to contact the property directly to confirm specific accessibility features. Guests should also be aware that the roads and paths on-site are primarily dirt or gravel, which may present challenges for those with limited mobility, particularly during inclement weather.

In summary, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge is a fantastic addition to the region, especially for points-savvy travelers looking to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points while enjoying all that the area has to offer. With its stunning location, breathtaking views, and diverse amenities, it promises a memorable experience for guests of all ages. Whether you’re a camping enthusiast or a newcomer to the great outdoors, this glamping experience blends luxury with nature in a way that is sure to impress.

For those accustomed to camping, the luxurious touches like in-room showers, gas fireplaces, and real bedding will elevate your experience. However, it’s essential to remember that Under Canvas is not a traditional hotel. Guests should be prepared for the natural elements, including potential noise, light, and wildlife. By adjusting your expectations accordingly, you can fully embrace the beauty and adventure that awaits at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge.