The Columbia River provides a perfect backdrop to all the riverside activities and buildings. The areas on the two sides of the river are highly sought after by hoteliers and resort chains. That's because of the beautiful setting that the river creates.

There are already a lot of options in this are. There are also great hotels near Portland (OR) where you can put up at cheaper rates and still have a grand view of the Columbia. While you are visiting Portland, you will appreciate how beautiful the river looks and how much it adds to the over all appeal of the city.

1. Facts about the Columbia River

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/PROGRAMS/wr/cwp/cwpfactmap.html

- The Columbia River basin covers around 260,000 square miles.
- It starts from British Columbia in Canada and has its mouth in Astoria, Oregon.
- The average annual flow of the river is estimated at 190,000 cubit feet per second at The Dalles, Oregon.

2. Areas in Portland around the Columbia

- The Northeast marine drive
- The Lewis Clark highway
- Marine Park
- Riverview
- Biddle nature preserve
- Blue lake regional park
- Fairway 164th

3. How to find out the top rated lodgings

- Look for genuine reviews from other travelers and locals.
- Look at the unofficial photos of the place. See if it really looks like what they show you in videos and websites.
- Find out the official rating
- Look for reviews on multiple sites, don't just go for one
- Look for all the amenities that you need at the lowest possible price

4. Lists of lodgings near the Columbia River

Locations on Google Maps

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&abauth=dc930ea8%3A-PqNFieyjm2vEI-QxhATuRf-TXg&view=text&hl=en&q=lodges+in+near+columbia+river+portland&btnG=Search+Maps

List from realtravel.com

http://realtravel.com/dh-10430-portland_hotels