Putting White Salmon on the Map—Literally: How Pacific Northwest Marketing Brought a Small Town’s Big Personality to Life

At first glance, White Salmon might look like just another quiet mountain town tucked above the Columbia River Gorge. But anyone who’s spent a day here knows—it’s anything but sleepy. With a world-class bakery, celebrated restaurants, a craft brewery, boutique shops, and some of the best wine tasting in Washington, this town punches well above its weight. Now, thanks to a creative new project from Pacific Northwest Marketing, visitors have a visual guide that brings all of that to life: a beautifully illustrated downtown White Salmon map.

A Local Idea with Big Impact

When Pacific Northwest Marketing opened a White Salmon office, it quickly became clear that visitors needed a simple, engaging way to explore the town. While online listings and apps serve a purpose, research consistently shows that printed maps are a go-to resource—especially in small towns. They offer a quick visual reference, help people orient themselves, and often lead to more spontaneous discovery.

So, the team at Pacific Northwest Marketing proposed a map with a creative twist: original illustrations that showcase not only the layout of downtown, but also the personality of the businesses within it. Restaurants, cafés, retail shops, hotels, tasting rooms, and local points of interest are all featured—each lovingly drawn to reflect the unique character that makes White Salmon so unforgettable.

More Than Just Downtown

But the team didn’t stop there. Recognizing White Salmon’s role as a gateway to the **Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge—America’s largest national scenic area—**the project expanded to include a regional map as well. This side of the map highlights trails, recreation areas, scenic stops, and other small towns that together make the Gorge such a compelling destination.

A QR code on the map directs users to an up-to-date online business directory and calendar of events, making it easy for visitors to discover what’s happening right now and plan their trip accordingly.

Expanding Reach, Increasing ROI

To further amplify the impact of the map and boost return on investment (ROI) for local businesses, Pacific Northwest Marketing partnered with Certified Distribution to strategically place the White Salmon map in high-traffic locations beyond the Gorge. The map was distributed throughout Portland, Oregon, including visitor information centers and the Portland International Airport (PDX)—key points where travelers are actively looking for destination ideas. This smart move not only positioned White Salmon as an accessible and exciting getaway for Portland residents and visitors, but also drove early engagement and trip planning before travelers even set foot in the Gorge. By placing White Salmon on the radar of regional tourists, the map became more than just a tool—it became an invitation.

Celebrating Quality in a Small-Town Setting

At its heart, the map tells a story: White Salmon may be small, but it’s packed with quality. “We wanted to create something that shows how much is going on here,” says Julie Burgmeier, founder of Pacific Northwest Marketing. “From farm-to-table dining to award-winning wine, White Salmon is full of surprises, and the map is a way to invite people in.”

Designed to be both functional and fun, the illustrated map encourages exploration, boosts visibility for local businesses, and gives visitors a tangible keepsake to remember their time in town. For business owners, it’s a marketing tool; for visitors, it’s a trusted guide; for the community, it’s a celebration of place.

So whether you’re sipping wine, hiking through wildflowers, or grabbing a pastry from the local bakery, now there’s a map to help you make the most of it all. Look for it in downtown shops, hotels, and visitor centers—or scan the QR code and start planning your White Salmon adventure today.

Small town. Big flavor. Bold map.