[myamoto1]

Not exactly what you're looking for, but Bingen or White Salmon, WA are only about an hour down the Gorge from Portland. Still on the WA side and you can find some culture across the river in Hood River (OR). The weather tends to be much better out there, since you're right on the border between E and W sides of the state. Only big downsides I see are; winter can be rough (ice storms) and you have to travel to PDX if you don't want to shop at Walmart or a botique windsurfer shop. Plus sides are, cheaper cost of living (way more bang for you buck on housing), tons of good beer/wine, near/on the river and you're in the middle of tons of outdoor activities (hiking, biking, snow, etc).