A few days in the Gorge, and a few things worth knowing first — most of all, that a shuttle is how you'll get to the wedding (there's no parking at the venue), plus where to be all weekend and what to pack.
The Griffin House sits right on the edge of the cliffs, with room for only a couple dozen cars. So we're getting everyone to and from downtown Hood River by shuttle — it's free, it runs both ways, and it means no one has to choose between celebrating and driving. We all land and leave together. Unless you've already arranged to drive with us directly, please plan to catch a shuttle from one of the stops below.
Don't plan on Uber or Lyft — they barely work here, and you likely won't get a ride all weekend.
Three days, built for savoring and connecting. Here's the shape of the weekend — where to be, when, and how to get there.
Friday
July 3
6–9 PM · Phelps Creek Tasting Room · 301 Country Club Rd
A casual cookout and Gorge wine to kick things off — Tim's on the grill (veg and vegan options too), and Phelps Creek is pouring. Come whenever you can, no need to be right on time. Casual attire — anything goes, from sundresses and sandals to jeans and tees.
Getting there: This one's drive-and-park — the Sunday shuttle doesn't run Friday, and Uber and Lyft barely work here, so carpool or pick a driver. Coming from Portland? Friday afternoon eastbound on I-84 is the worst construction traffic of the weekend, so leave earlier than you'd think and check TripCheck. The party runs till 9 — no rush once you're here.
Open in Maps ↗Saturday
Fourth of July
Your day to explore · waterfront from 8 PM
Our plan (come along): Out of Hood River late morning (~1 hr up the mountain) for lunch at Timberline Lodge, then the Mt. Hood Skibowl alpine slides in the afternoon — rough timing, loosely held, anyone welcome.
On your own: Check Fred's Picks on Travel for hikes, the Fruit Loop, vineyards, and the downtown Fourth of July parade.
Evening, all together: We'll gather at the waterfront from around 8 — Hood River Waterfront Park, 650 Portway Ave — and the city's fireworks go off at 10. Bring a blanket or chairs; parking's tight on the Fourth, so leave early or walk down.
Sunday
July 5 · The Wedding
Attire: Gorge Formal — more below. Your shuttle handles getting there.
Arriving early in the week? Some of us will gather on Thursday at Laurelhurst Park — reach out to us to get more info!
Three vehicles run two pickup rounds from downtown Hood River out to the venue, then bring everyone home at the end of the night. Look for the "Tim & Caitlin" sign in the window. Here's where and when to catch yours.
Downtown pickups · the venue sits just west on the cliffs
If you're staying at one of these spots, your bus comes to you. Be outside and ready about 10 minutes early — the buses run a tight loop, and we'd hate for you, or the next group, to be left waiting.
Board one block north at Cascade Ave & 1st St
A city loading-zone rule moves this pickup one block over; a host will walk you down from the lobby.
Open in Maps ↗506 Columbia St · meet by the bench at the front doors
Staying in an Airbnb, across the river in White Salmon, or at any other hotel — or driving in from Portland for the day? This is your stop. All three vehicles come back for a second round and leave Full Sail together at 4:20 to bring everyone else out. Park downtown, leave the car, and ride out with everyone — you'll come back to it at the end of the night.
Driving from Portland that morning? Leave a big cushion.
The 4:20 departure is a hard one — the buses can't wait, there's no parking at the venue, and no Uber to fall back on. Sunday traffic is usually lighter than Friday, but with the I-84 construction it's smart to build in a real buffer: aim to be downtown by about 3:45 and check TripCheck before you leave.
First wave
~9:40 PM
For anyone ready to head back early.
Last wave
10:00 PM
When the reception wraps and the last shuttle heads back.
If you rode in, ride back — and if you've had a few, the shuttle is your way home. The buses return to the same downtown stops; we'll confirm the exact return times the week of, so plan on roughly these. For anyone keeping the night going, there's an informal after-party at Whiskey Tango (112 Oak St) once the shuttles drop off. Since rideshare doesn't really work here, save a local cab for a late ride home — Gorge Taxi (541-399-5060) or Gorge Yellow Cab (541-490-2497). Worth adding to your phone now.
The venue holds about 25 cars, all spoken for by the wedding party and vendors, and there's no guest parking at the Griffin House — so the shuttle really is the plan. If you think you've got a reason to drive, reach out before the weekend and we'll sort it together.
The shuttles aren't wheelchair-accessible, and the ceremony and dinner are on grass and gravel with a few gentle slopes. If stairs, standing, or uneven ground are tricky for you or someone in your party, just reach out — we'll make sure there's a car, an easy drop-off, and a place to sit so you're comfortable. The drivers stay with their vehicles, so at each stop look for your bus captain with the "Tim & Caitlin" sign.
Updating live as the weekend gets closer. The Gorge is windy by nature, so those gust numbers are normal here — just pack a layer and don't let them spook you.
Friday · Jul 3
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Saturday · Jul 4
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Sunday · Jul 5 · Wedding
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Fetching the latest forecast…
Sunday · The Wedding
Wear a suit in any color, a dress shirt and tie, or a dress knee-length or below. Embrace color and personality — this is a celebration in a landscape, not a black-tie ballroom.
One practical note: the ceremony is on grass and the Gorge gets windy, so we'd steer you toward block heels or flats over stilettos, and a warm layer for when the sun drops behind the hills.
View Caitlin's Mood Board↗Friday & Saturday
Both the welcome party and the fireworks are easygoing — anything goes, from sundresses and sandals to jeans and tees. Dress for a warm evening that cools off, and for standing on grass.
If you're adventuring on Saturday, pack accordingly — hiking shoes, a swimsuit, sunscreen, whatever your day calls for.
I-84 through the Gorge is down to one lane each way for bridge construction near Bonneville, and it backs up hard over a holiday weekend. Plan for real delays driving in — check TripCheck for live conditions, and leave early so you're never rushing for the shuttle.
You'll want wheels to explore the Gorge Friday and Saturday, because Uber and Lyft barely work here — you really can't count on getting a ride. Just not for Sunday — that's what the shuttle is for. Flights and rentals are on Travel.
Coming early or staying to explore — Fred's picks for the Gorge and a day in Portland live on Travel. This page is the weekend's events; Travel is your trip-planning companion.
When the ceremony starts, we'd love for you to be fully present — phones down, and let our photographer do the catching. There's plenty of time for photos after.
Lodging is filling up. For hotels, our room block, Airbnbs, and getting to Hood River, head over to Travel.
Truly. For those who've asked, the Registry is there — but the trip is the present.
Still have a question? Find your bus captain at the pickup (they'll have the "Tim & Caitlin" sign), or reach out to us anytime before the weekend — we'd always rather hear from you than have you wondering.
"Logistics, handled. Your only remaining duties: catch the right bus, claim a sunny patch, and savor it. I have reviewed this page and deemed it acceptable. Chin scratches still encouraged."
— Frederick, Director of Domestic Operations