jrsaf

Hello: I to plan to travel in late Aug., with a rental car filled with luggage, for a full day touring the Gorge area and spend a night in Hood River. I will depart the next evening for N.Y. In the Frommer's guide to Oregon the author states "parking lots at the waterfall lots are all subject to frequent break-ins (known as car clouting. Do not leave anything valuable in your car".
I am from New York City and was hoping to get away from those type of problems. How concerned should I be? I having been planning to stop at trailheads in the Mt. Hood area also. I never encountered this back here in the Northeast states.
Thank you.

Gardyloo

I to plan to travel in late Aug., with a rental car filled with luggage, for a full day touring the Gorge area and spend a night in Hood River.

A couple of years ago the state police, county officials, and USDA cooperated in adding some patrol officers to watch the parking lots and trail heads. There are still car burglaries, of course, but not sure if the trend line is up, down or flat.

Don't know your exact route, but if you're staying in Hood River anyway, why not swing by the hotel or B&B early in the day and drop off your stuff - any hotel will happily hold it for you, and enjoy the day without worrying?

I've parked my luggage-filled car any number of times at any number of places in the Gorge, and have never had a problem, but as they say, the plural of anecdote is not data.

happytrailstoyou

As is true anyplace, you will be less of a target if all your belongings are secured in the trunk of your car. Thieves are more tempted by cars parked in isolated places that are loaded with possessions in the back seat.

HTtY

jayne1973

Opportunistic thieves target places where people often leave purses or other valuables in the car for convenience, such as when taking a short hike, etc.

Just don't leave anything that might be of interest in view. And as the previous poster said, lock things in the trunk or rear-- don't just hide them under the seat.

jayne1973

To be even more proactive, put things away before you even park in the lot just in case the car burglars are already parked there and watching. It sounds a little paranoid but makes sense.

happytrailstoyou

put things away before you even park

Good point. That's what we do too.

HTtY

sf7307

the plural of anecdote is not data.

Never hard this before, but I plan to use it often!

happytrailstoyou

The phrase is widely used. There is even a web site by that name:

http://www.pluralofanecdote.com/about.php

https://sites.google.com/site/skepti...te-is-not-data

http://blog.revolutionanalytics.com/...after-all.html

http://mxplx.com/Meme/412/

HTtY

jodier

I live near the gorge and hike often. Obviously the best option would be to drop your belongings at your hotel first but you will pass some great hiking areas before you reach Hood River if you are traveling from Portland. I agree with the others I think the problem is more quick break ins for things left in sight. The purse partially hide under the seat etc. It is a busy hiking time in august with lots of people around the parking lots. I think you will be fine. Secure your belonging well before parking and enjoy the beautiful Columbia Gorge!