Youth Sports Pathways in the Gorge: Lacrosse
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.
January 25, 2026
If you’re a parent in the Gorge looking for a fun, team‑oriented sport for your child, Hood River Youth Lacrosse might be just what you’re looking for! Hood River Youth Lacrosse gives boys and girls K-8 the chance to learn, play, and grow through the exciting game of lacrosse.
What Is Hood River Youth Lacrosse?
Hood River Youth Lacrosse is a community‑focused lacrosse program based in Hood River, Oregon, dedicated to providing kids with an opportunity to learn athletic skills, and also character development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership — both on and off the field. We are a nonprofit organization that has been operating since 1995.
Who Can Join?
HRYL registration is open to all Gorge area K-8. You do not have to be from Hood River to register. Over the years we have had many athletes from surrounding areas including White Salmon, The Dalles, and Mosier.
Hood River Youth Lacrosse teams are divided by gender and grade level starting in Kindergarten.
- K–2nd grade girls / boys
- 3rd–4th grade girls / boys
- 5th–6th grade girls / boys
- 7th–8th grade girls / boys
Seasons & Schedule
Hood River Youth Lacrosse offers:
Spring Season (March–May):
Practices at Westside Elementary beginning of March for older grades and after spring break for younger players.
- K-2 Girls M & Th 4:30-5:30
- 3-4 Girls M & Th 5:30-6:45
- 5-6 Girls M-Th 4-5:30
- 7-8 Girls M-Th 5:30-7
- K-2 Boys Tu & Wed 4:30-5:30
- 3-4 Boys Tu & Wed 5:30-6:45
- 5-6 Boys M-Th 4-5:30
- 7-8 Boys 5:30-7
Games (HRVHS, Westside Elementary, *Portland area) are held on Saturdays throughout April and May.
Some teams may participate in optional weekend tournaments.
*We do our best to minimize travel, especially for younger athletes. In a typical year K-2 & 3-4 may have one or two away games, 5-6 & 7-8 may have up to 3 regular season away games to Portland area and 2 optional tournaments*
Fall Ball:
- A shorter six‑week session that meets on Sundays at Westside — perfect for beginners or players wanting extra practice.
- No games are played, this is an all local skills clinic held only once per week.
Is HRYL a club?
HRYL is considered a recreational level club. Our main purpose is to introduce the sport of lacrosse to the community and serve as a feeder program to the High School.
Are there other lacrosse programs in the Gorge?
HRVHS players will often run clinics in the spring or summer to help refine skills.
For those that want to play in the off season, there’s plenty of opportunity to play for Portland clubs.
Does my child need lacrosse equipment?
Yes, they will. Girls will need eye protection or a helmet and a stick. Boys will need a helmet, chest pads, elbow pads, gloves, and a stick. Both boys and girls will need cleats and a mouthguard. More detailed information can be found on our website: https://www.hoodriverlax.com/equipment
Every year HRYL holds a gear giveaway where we distribute gently used gear that has been handed down. This year our event is on February 22nd, 2-5pm at Hood River Public Storage, 1440 Tucker Rd. Unit 84. If you have donations please email hoodriveryouthlacrosse@gmail.com
Is lacrosse a High School sport?
Yes! Lacrosse is offered at HRVHS as a spring sport. While supported as any other Varsity sport at the High School, it is still in club status and not yet considered an OSAA sport. Many Hood River graduates have gone on to play college lacrosse at a variety of competitive levels. This year HRVHS plans to field JV and Varsity teams for both boys and girls. All levels of ability are encouraged to come out for lacrosse and continue to grow with the high school team. At this time The Dalles High School and Columbia High School do not offer lacrosse.
Registration is open now (closes 4/3/26) https://www.hoodriverlax.com/register
- Early Bird Pricing (until 2/24/26)
- Sibling Discounts
- Volunteer Credits
- Scholarships Available, please email hoodriveryouthlacrosse@gmail.com to learn more
Before you commit, do you want your child to try lacrosse out for a day? Open to grades K-5, come to our TryLax FREE clinic on Sunday March 8th.
@HRVHS gymnasium 3:30-4:30 pm girls / 5-6pm boys
All gear provided, no equipment or experience necessary. Instruction provided by HRYL / HRVHS coaches and players. Sign up here! https://hryl.secondslide.io/registration
Stay tuned to our FB page for upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/HoodRiverYouthLacrosse
Questions? Please email hoodriveryouthlacrosse@gmail.com
