Indian Creek Golf Course is a hidden gem located where the Hood River valley joins the majestic Columbia River gorge. Tucked into the rolling hills of this valley junction and surrounded by the northern foothills of Mt. Hood, Indian Creek provides great scenery and extensive elevation change. From the clubhouse and much of the front 9, visitors are offered a uniquely spectacular view of Mt. Hood’s north face, in which its rugged peak is reminiscent to that of Switzerland’s Matterhorn. Hood’s neighbor to the north, Mt. Adams, is also visible from numerous perspectives. The natural beauty of this region competes with the pristine putting greens as Indian Creek’s most notable feature. The greens are kept in immaculate shape and provide as true of a roll as you can ask for. Their speed will demand you to putt with the delicacy of a tour pro. In addition, there are plenty of other aspects making Indian Creek a truly enjoyable golf experience.
The yardage at Indian Creek Golf Course is very short, but this doesn’t equate to ease. Just off the banks of the Columbia, a region famous for world-class wind sailing, the challenges extend above the hilly terrain. Added together, a promising ball strike can deceive you into false optimism. If you play the course on a calm or wind-free day, there are still other challenges to overcome. While some holes have an open layout, others have layup-requiring dog legs and traverse along sloping terrain. A power cart is recommended here for navigation of the hills, as well as covering the lengthy distance between most holes. There are also plenty of trees and natural areas to avoid, as well as a few water hazards. At ground level, the obstacles continue with plush, thick rough and expansive white-sand bunkers. But again, the biggest test for most golfers lies below your spikes with the extremely fast greens. They offer an array of subtle and not-so-subtle contour which, along with their speed, requires a lot of focus to manage.
The facilities at Indian Creek are on par with the quality of the course. There is grass-surface hitting on the driving range, but also a covered area for rainy days. There is also a chipping station, as well as a bunker for sand practice. The clubhouse has a nice, cabin feel with rustic wood work and large log pillars. Aside from the pro shop, which is stocked with plenty of merchandise, there is a very accommodating restaurant/bar with a large, covered outdoor dining area. Indian Creek warmly welcomes visitors from the city who overcome the false notion that it is too far away. Given the location, it’s worth mentioning that this is a year-round course. Exit 62 comes faster than you expect as you cruise up the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge.
