It’s starting to feel like fall in the Pacific Northwest. And Hood River, Oregon is the place to be if you love fresh-hop beer! This time of year, brewers in Hood River begin to experiment with fresh hops and local produce (peaches, apricots and cherries to name a few), releasing seasonal ales that seem to disappear as fast as they’re announced.
The brewers showcase their seasonal ales at the Hood River Hops Fest, which takes place this Saturday, October 7 from 12-8 p.m.
This annual, family-friendly event features more than 50 breweries sampling more than 65 fresh hop beers, making it one of the largest fresh hop beer festivals in the nation. Participants can sample food from a variety of vendors, dance to live music, and take home an awesome collectible mug. Mark your calendars, as this is a festival not to be missed!
There’s so much to see and do during the fall season in Hood River, especially if you’re a beer connoisseur, that you’ll want to plan a multi-day stay to explore the area during harvest time.
From downtown Hood River, you can walk to four craft breweries, where you can taste award winning craft beer and enjoy tantalizing menus sprinkled with local food offerings.
After settling in, stop by the Hood River Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (720 East Port Marina) to pick up a Breweries in the Gorge (BIG) map and passport. If you visit 10 out of 11 local breweries, you can go home with a free, commemorative pint glass. From here, you can walk along the Hood River Waterfront Trail to Pfriem Family Brewers. Sit outside by the fire watching kiteboarders and windsurfers sail along the waves while you sip Belgian-style beers. Other downtown breweries include Double Mountain Brewery and Full Sail Brewery, which offers daily brewery tours.
Just 30 miles west of Hood River, Cascade Locks is home to Thunder Island Brewing. Enjoy a pint, food and awesome views of the Columbia River and Bridge of the Gods. No visit to Hood River in the fall would be complete without a drive along the Hood River County Fruit Loop. With suggested stops at more than 30 farms, orchards, cideries and wineries, plus many restaurants along the route, you won’t end the day hungry.
How did you spend your Hood River vacation? Share your Hood River experience with others by tagging your Hood River County photos on social media #visithoodriver and #hoodgorge.
Additionally, show the Gorge some love this October with a great car rental and hotel package deal for just $130. Go here for more details.
As always, never drink and drive/bike. Please designate a driver.
Photo by Austin Smith, Bear Boot Productions
