Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Blog

06/19/2019 | Food, Hood River, Recreation, Road Trip, Shopping, Winery

Summer is coming in Hood River, and it's the perfect time to explore the Hood River County Fruit Loop! The beautiful 35-mile scenic drive, which celebrated its 26th anniversary in 2018, explores the picturesque Hood River Valley – with its stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mount Adams – and winds past acre after acre of pear, cherry, apple, nectarine and peach orchards.However, this is much more than just a drive! The Fruit Loop offers stops at 29 different farm stands, u-pick farms and orchards, lavender farms, wineries, cideries, and more, where there are u-pick opportunities galore, from cherries, berries and peaches to lavender. (To find out what is currently in season, check out the fruit calendar here). Kids and grown-ups alike will...  Read More

04/01/2019 | Food, Hood River, Mt Hood Territory, Mt. Hood, Parkdale, Winery

Why spend hours researching all the best places to eat and drink in the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge region, when you can take the easy route and follow one of our delicious food and beverage trails? Our locals have done all the work for you, all you have to do is download the map and get ready to eat and drink to your heart’s content.East Gorge Food TrailTo experience a true showcase of the local agriculture and the depth of the Gorge food system, opt for the East Gorge Food Trail. This trail goes from Mosier to the Dalles and on into Dufur. You can create a route from a list of 30 businesses that includes orchards, farm...  Read More

12/19/2018 | Food, Hood River, Mt. Hood, Skiing, Winery

While many are ready to hit the mountain at the first sign of snow, others need a little encouragement to make the leap to cold-weather outdoor fun, and still others relish winter for the inside retreat opportunities it affords. Whichever category you fall into, Hood River is a wonderful home base for making wintertime memories. Snow lovers launching from Hood River will happily find themselves just 45 minutes from the Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort, and hitting the runs on Mt. Hood before anyone can say “no bumper to bumper traffic.” For those trying skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing for the first time, Hood River has you covered. There are a number of rental shops providing equipment, clothing and advice to...  Read More

02/07/2018 | Brewery, Hood River, Recreation, Skiing, The Hood River Chamber Of Commerce, Winery

With the holiday season behind us, it’s time to relax and recharge. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place for a personal or group retreat, or are looking for an easy winter getaway with friends and family, Hood River, Oregon, is the ideal destination. Just 60 miles east of Portland, this picturesque town is easy to access by car, train or airplane and has numerous lodging properties for groups of all sizes.People escape to Hood River year-round, thanks to its idyllic location in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which provides inspiration no matter what activity you set out to do. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors, read a good book by the fireplace,...  Read More

07/03/2017 | Agritourism, Biking, Hood River, Recreation, Transportation, Winery

 If you like scenic drives, Hood River, Oregon is a stellar basecamp for exploring two spectacular scenic byways: the 105-mile Mount Hood Scenic Byway and the 70-mile Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway. Be sure to leave a full day to explore both routes, as they both offer numerous viewpoints, historic sites, restaurants, wineries, farms, waterfalls and other points of interest.If you prefer sightseeing by bicycle, many businesses offer rental bikes, including electric bikes, and some unique and fun options that will get you and your family out of the car and into nature.Bringing together two of Hood Rivers favorite pastimescycling and wine tastingMountNBarreL offers all-including wine-tasting tours for groups of up to 17 people. Take a leisurely seven-mile spin to local...  Read More

03/22/2017 | Agritourism, Brewery, Event, Hiking, Hood River, Recreation, Winery

 By spring, snow in the Hood River Valley melts away and its 14,000 acres of fruit trees burst with pink and white blossoms. During the month of April, also known as Blossom Time in Hood River, plan a multi-day stay in this beautiful agricultural town in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and immerse yourself in one of the states most beautiful springtime wonderlands!Here is what we suggest at the perfect springtime activity...Day 1 Hood River County Fruit LoopDrive or bike the Hood River County Fruit Loop, a gorgeous 35-mile self-guided tour route. You'll pass through pear, cherry and apple orchards bursting with pink and white flowers. Recommended stops include The Gorge White House, where you...  Read More

01/05/2017 | Hood River, Recreation, Skiing, Waterfalls, Waterplay, Winery

It is now 2017, which only means one thing: time to set some New Years' resolutions for yourself. What better way to make you plans for the year than apply them to visits to Hood River. Here are our top 5 recommended Hood River resolution ideas to get you started: Hike to at least 25 waterfalls. The Columbia River Gorge has the greatest concentration of waterfalls in North America. Commonly referred to as Waterfall Alley, there are over 77 waterfalls to check out from a number of beautiful hiking trails. Be sure to put these on your list: Wahclella Falls, Tunnel Falls along Eagle Creek and Dry Creek Falls.Learn to ski. Mt. Hood Meadows and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort are...  Read More

09/26/2016 | Agritourism, Boring, Event, Food, Mt Hood Territory, Sandy, Shopping, Winery

When the Fall season comes knocking, visions of pumpkins, apple cider, and wine tasting come to mind. Mt. Hood Territory is the perfect destination to experience all of the above and more no matter your age or interest. Here are a few ideas we think you might like.Family-Friendly OutingLiepold Farms, located in Boring, OR, is far from boring. Every Fall the farm explodes with excitement as the annual Fall Festival takes shape. With activities and fun for the whole family, this is an event not to miss. Get lost in the 5-acre corn maze, aim apples at the moon (or target) with the Apple-pult, take in picturesque views of Mt. Hood from the hay ride while you learn about...  Read More

08/22/2016 | Agritourism, Mt Hood Territory, Sandy, Uncategorized, Winery

Come down to Sandy for locally made wine from Buddha Kat Winery featuring varietal and fruit wines from grapes and fruit of the surrounding orchards in the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood area. As one of the 300+ wineries participating in the Oregon Wines Fly Free from Alaska Airlines, this is a great stop in the Mt Hood territory area!Our main tasting room and winery is located in the quaint, small town of Sandy, Oregon located 25 miles east of Portland. Known as the Gateway to Mount Hood, Sandy serves as a wonderful central location for launching a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking & cycling in the summer and skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing...  Read More

08/18/2016 | Agritourism, Art, Brewery, Event, Food, Heritage, Lodging, Recreation, Shopping, Troutdale, West Columbia River Gorge, Winery

Sit back and enjoy a wonderful movie in the historical and beautiful Edgefield Theater. Comfy chairs, food and drink served before the movie starts all in a beautiful room surrounded by gorgeous murals and paintings. Come down to Edgefield for an excellent movie experience. About Edgefield TheaterWeve enhanced your movie-going at the Poor Farm! Enjoy new luxury movie rocker seats, online ticket purchase with reserved seating and food and table service starting 45 minutes before each showing!!Accommodations Our theater offers a quality entertainment experience for deaf, hard of hearing and vision impaired guests. Our movie showings are closed captioned, and we offer individual Captiview closed caption devices that sit in your seats cupholder. In addition, we offer two types of...  Read More

08/07/2016 | Agritourism, Mt Hood Territory, Winery

You've heard of a hiking pass but what about a wine tasting pass Tour the wineries of the Mt Hood Territory and taste the wines of the Mt Hood and Columbia Gorge area! Order a Wine Trail Tasting Pass for a night to remember!The Mt. Hood Territory WINE TRAIL TASTING PASS is a unique collection of 12 wineries that will satisfy your palate for exploration. WINE TRAIL TASTING PASS PROGRAM DETAILS: This is a mobile-exclusive product, no need to print anything out. You can redeem everything right from your phone. The TASTING PASS is available for purchase August 3-October 27, 2016, and must be used by November 27, 2016. The WINE TRAIL TASTING PASS provides potential savings of $40....  Read More

08/02/2016 | Event, Food, Hood River, Winery

Springhouse Cellar Winery offers great local wine that is focused on sustainability, and wine that captures the taste of The Columbia River Gorge. Whether you want to take their wine home in their reusable bottles, sit back and taste the wine on tap or enjoy the outdoor ruins event space they offer, you are sure to enjoy your experience.OUR MISSION...It has been noted that "good wines taste like the fruit...but great wine tastes like the place." In that spirit it is our hope to make wine that somehow approximates the jaw-droppingly beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Springhouse embodies the spirit of the Gorge, producing handcrafted, natural, vibrant, vineyard-designate, Northwest wines in the cellar of a rustic downtown Hood River...  Read More

07/20/2016 | Art, Event, Food, Heritage, Troutdale, West Columbia River Gorge, Winery

Come down to McMenamins to celebrate the birthday of the late Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead, Sunday July 31st! A full day of music, and enjoy handcrafted brews and wines while celebrating the birthday of Jerry Garcia.Truly one of the most fun and festive events of the summer, Jerry Garcia's Birthday is a devil of a good time check out live music, join in the colorful Tie-Dye Golf Tournament, pay respects at the "Garcia Bronze" sculpture set in a wooded glen, enjoy handcrafted McMenamins ales, wines and spirits and more.Learn more about the bands playing and the Tie-Dye event at: www.mcmenamins.com/events/151961-Jerry-Garcias-BirthdayDiscover more attractions, events and activities you wont want to miss-out on while visiting: The West Columbia River Gorge....  Read More

07/08/2016 | Food, Hood River, Winery

Andrew's Pizza and Skylight Theatre is the perfect place to stop in for something to eat in Hood River, with comfy seats in the theater, and hand made, hand tossed pizza's and calzones. This theater and movie experience as been around for 25 years and is proudly family owned and operated. What started twenty-five years ago as a small family run business has grown into several businesses still owned and operated by Andrew and his wife Melissa. BC (before children) you would find them both in the small shop, Melissa baking cakes and pastries and Andrew tossing pizzas. What started with one employee, the not so cheap labor of having your dad working with you, to now employing over thirty....  Read More

06/22/2016 | Art, Brewery, Heritage, Lodging, Troutdale, West Columbia River Gorge, Winery

Historic Edgefield, built in 1911 as the county poor farm, is a destination resort encompassing a 74-acre parcel of farmland at the mouth of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. It is a 20-minute drive to or from the center of downtown Portland and about 15 minutes from Portland International Airport. Outside is a welcoming environment for dog and bikes where you can visit an onsite glassblower and potter; on the inside they have wine tasting, a theater, a pool hall, top-notch food and whimsical murals that echo the history of restored building and farm.  The guestrooms at Edgefield vary in size and feature whimsical artwork, comfy chenille-covered beds and vintage furnishings. Guests may choose from rooms with...  Read More

06/22/2016 | Food, Troutdale, West Columbia River Gorge, Winery

Part of the Edgefield experience is The Black Rabbit restaurant. As with any McMenamins establishment, the building is filled with atmosphere and murals, and the kitchen uses produce from McMenamins own 74 acres. Located in Edgefield's main lodge, the Black Rabbit Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fantastic murals tracing the history of Edgefield and the Columbia River Gorge line the walls, and intimate booths encourage you to linger over a fine meal. Guests can choose from an innovative menu of Northwest cuisine and traditional favorites, as well as an expansive list of regional and local wines.The kitchen uses ingredients from Edgefield's own gardens, grown using organic methods herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers that flourish throughout the...  Read More

06/22/2016 | The Dalles, Winery

Located in the Dalles, Sunshine Mill has a rich history. Even though the wine didn't come in till about 2002, but the old architecture and history of the building is sure to charm you. The Sunshine Mill has a long, colorful history. The Sunshine Mill has milled wheat on this property for more than 130 years, and was the first building in The Dalles to have electricity, powered by a Thomas Edison Motor which can still be seen in The Mill. It is also the only designated skyscraper in The Columbia River Gorge.The Sunshine Biscuit Company once owned this property and the wheat milled here was used to make everyone's favorite cracker, the Cheez-It!The Sunshine Mill now houses...  Read More