After reading tour guides and recommendations on this forum I thought we might book the BW Columbia River Gorge for 1 night. BW Hood River Inn is described as next to fast food restaurants right off the highway, Timberline Lodge is more expensive and out of our way; Mcmanimen's also pricey. BW Columbia River Gorge has been recommended on this forum and also listed in several guide books. My one reservation is the possibility of train noise. When I called the hotel tonight I was informed that they are right next to freight tracks and there is no train schedule. Suggestions?

Thanks!

The railroad is located between I-84 and the river because that was the path of least resistance when the rails were laid. We stayed at the Cascade Locks KOA and heard trains all night...but that's part of travelling.

I suggest you get up to Timberline Lodge - only an hour away - for a real experience, and you might be able to find a reasonably priced room if you keep checking?

If you can't afford Timberline but like Best Western, try the BW Mt. Hood. http://www.lodging.worldweb.com/4-90..._Hood_Inn.html
It is not far off US 26 but far from any train noise.

I have not stayed at the BW in Hood River, but lot's of people really like it. Friends stay there to ski and say the train isn't an issue for them. But then again, after a day of skiing you are pretty beat.

McMenamins is a great place. I really like it as well as Timberline. I have stayed at both, FWIW. I would opt for either of these over the BW in Government Camp. We have stayed there too and while it isn't bad, it is pretty basic and no atmosphere at all. It is right next to a brewery though, so that is a plus

We've stayed there and found it quite comfortable. We got a ground level room with a sliding door out onto the lawn next to the river. Here's the view from the door... http://gardyloo.us/20100509_96a.JPG

There's no train noise - the tracks are on the other side of the freeway.

Great pic Gardyloo.