The Radio Amateurs of the Gorge radio club was formed in the late 1960’s by a group of hams living in Hood River county. The club meetings were held in the upstairs meeting room above Paris Fair department store. We met monthly to share ideas and talents to promote the radio hobby. Most all had built their own equipment. In the late seventies, our first 2 meter repeater was installed on Mt. Defiance. In 2008 our club call sign (W7RAG) was acquired.

Fast forward to today and there are many VHF/UHF and digital repeaters in the area. Local and regional VHF and HF Nets. Field Day! A digital node provides email (Winlink), BBS, and NTS services to local hams. ARES groups are in place in the Gorge. The club even QSL’s via Logbook of the World. But the Radio Amateurs of the Gorge has not lost sight of it’s original purpose.  To:

• Provide radio theory training to the public in all phases of amateur radio.
• Provide training and instruction to members to improve skills relating to amateur radio.
• Provide communication in times of emergency, charitable, public or other community activities.
• Provide a meeting place to socialize and to promote the exchange of ideas to further enhance the hobby of amateur radio.

We are committed to furthering the growth of the Amateur Radio hobby. The Radio Amateurs of the Gorge is proud to offer ham radio and emergency services related workshops and license exam training classes. Activities during the year help promote camaraderie among members.  Our public service support for civic events promote good will between amateurs and our local or regional communities. To this end, the club has been given the designation of “Special Service Club” by the the ARRL.

Club activities include:

• Nets
• Elmering
• Community event communications support
• Members meetings
• Mini field days for fun and practice
• Antenna parties
• Instructional classes
• Exams for new licenses and upgrades

Most members of W7RAG reside in Hood River and Wasco county Oregon, or Skamania and Klickitat County Washington. We do, however welcome any and all that have an interest in amateur radio to join us.

Attend a monthly meeting on the second Saturday of the month at 8:30 AM. We meet at the Hood River Fire Department, 1785 Meyer Parkway in Hood River, now also via Zoom! Please contact us for more information. If interested take a look at our membership pages and fill out a membership application and then mail it in or bring it with you to a meeting.

We welcome all guests and members to join us and have FUN!