Youth Sports Pathways in the Gorge: Lacrosse
January 25, 2026
In the Columbia Gorge, youth sports aren’t just after-school activities — they’re part of how kids find confidence, community, and a sense of belonging. From soccer fields and swim lanes to mountain bike trails, dance studios, and gyms families are navigating a growing landscape of options and pathways for their kids. This new Gorge Youth series is all about making those pathways clearer. Each feature will spotlight a different sport in our region — how kids get started, what programs exist locally, what the developmental pathway looks like from elementary through high school, and how families can choose what’s right for their child, whether that’s recreational, competitive, school-based, or simply for the love of movement. We’ll talk with local coaches, program leaders, and parents, explore questions around access, cost, time commitment, and multi-sport balance, and share what makes each sport’s culture and community unique here in the Gorge. We’re kicking off the series with lacrosse. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or wondering what the long-term pathway looks like for your child, this first installment will help you get oriented.
