Viento is Spanish for wind — an apt name for a park in the blustery Columbia River Gorge. But this is just a happy coincidence. Viento (pronounced vee-EN-toe) actually comes from the first letters of three railroad tycoons— Villard, Endicott, and Tollman—who built the first railroad in the area.

Where a railroad station once stood is now the home of one of the best Gorge campgrounds, conveniently located just 8 miles west of Hood River.

Viento’s day-use area has easy access to the Columbia River and some thrilling windsurfing. There's a peaceful picnic next to a babbling creek. A day-use parking permit is required for non-campers.