MT HOOD & THE
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

 

Hood River

At the base of Mt. Hood’s northeast slope stretches a 100-square-mile valley that falls off a low ridge into the buzzing, historic riverside city of Hood River. Home to both Oregon’s highest mountain and mightiest river, Hood River is the Gorge’s base camp for outdoor adventures of all kinds, from hiking, mountain biking, and skiing to windsurfing, kiteboarding, and rafting.

With a population of about 7,400 people, Hood River has maintained its small-town charm with the restoration of many historic buildings, the preservation of locally owned businesses, and an eclectic mix of restaurants, bakeries, breweries, delis, shops, galleries, and a legacy of craft brewing and distilling in the Historic Downtown and modern Waterfront areas.

Towns Near Hood River  |  Points of Interest  |  Seasonal Favorites  |  Events

Hood River is the Gorge’s basecamp for outdoor adventures and agricultural abundance. But have you heard of the quaint towns of Parkdale, Odell, or Dee? Read further to get to know these towns and communities within the Hood River Valley.

Mt. Hood provides a dramatic backdrop for the residents and visitors of Parkdale. This agricultural community is located about 16 miles south of Hood River on the Hood River Fruit Loop. History buffs will enjoy the Hutson Museum, a historical Hood River Valley landmark resting on a two-acre National Historic Site. The small town is also home to outstanding restaurants, including Apple Valley BBQ.

Located in the heart of the Hood River Fruit Loop, Odell is the home to the valley’s biggest fruit packing houses and the Hood River County Fairgrounds. These host the County Fair in July and the Gorge Fruit and Crafts Festival in September.

Built in 1906, the town of Dee is the gateway to Lost Lake, a recreational lake with reflecting views of Mt. Hood. The agricultural town has long been tied to the fruit-growing industry of the Hood River Valley and is abundant in fruit trees and berry farms that lie between the middle and west forks of the Hood River in an area known as Dee Flat.

Shop local, soak up arts and culture, and take a culinary tour through Hood River’s Historic Downtown. Hood River’s main street offers an eclectic mix of locally owned specialty stores and unique boutiques where you can find jewelry, clothing, toys, books, locally made products, outdoor gear, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the Hood River Farmers Market, nestled in the heart of downtown, showcasing more than 40 local vendors every Saturday from May through November.

Hood River is also home to many talented artists, actors, writers, and musicians. Spend time at a local gallery or art museum. Catch a live concert - many of which are outdoors during the summertime. Enjoy a live theater production or writing workshop. Or simply support our local artists by attending open studio tours and craft shows.

Tour one of many wineries and vineyards, or attend a wine maker’s dinner at a local restaurant. Take a brewery tour or stop at a local cider house. Visit one of many local coffee roasters or food carts. Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast at a local diner, or opt for a gourmet meal at one of many fine dining options in town. Numerous culinary surprises await.

Hood River put itself on the world windsurfing map in the 1980s and continues to lure wind and water sports enthusiasts like windsurfers, kiteboarders, and  stand-up paddle boarders (SUP) from all over the country. Local instructors know the weather and wind patterns and can provide a comfortable setting for you to launch into a new water sport. Give one of these wind sports a try by taking a lesson with Big Winds or Hood River WaterPlay.

Not into windsurfing yourself? It’s still worth it to take the family to Hood River Waterfront Park. From the shore, you can watch windsurfers and kiteboarders crisscrossing the river.

Into swimming? The seasonal swimming beach at Hood River Waterfront Park offers easy access to an adjacent modern playground.

When visiting Hood River don’t miss some of the area’s culturally diverse local museums.

Take a step (or flight) back in time with a visit to the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM). Kids and grown-ups alike will love this museum, one of the largest collections of still-flying antique airplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country, including the 1917 Curtiss JN-4D Jenny plane.

For a look into Hood River’s interesting backstory, stop by the Hood River County History Museum. Rotating exhibitions, engaging events, and personal tours for students bring the rich history of Hood River county to life and help better understand our community’s heritage.

Check out the Columbia Center for the Arts to see the latest local art installation, play, lecture or film. This centrally located facility in Hood River is a space for fine art and a craft gallery. The Columbia Center for the Arts is dedicated to offering a wide range of opportunities for students, artists, and audiences to engage with the arts and with the local community.

Built in 1905, the Mount Hood Railroad was meant to extend rail freight service 21 miles south to orchard-rich Parkdale. Today, the passenger railroad provides a way for people to step back in time and enjoy the Hood River Valley the way early tourists did. With picture-perfect Mt. Hood looming in the background and the sun lighting up the Hood River Valley, this photogenic excursion is fun for the entire family. The scenic ride takes its visitors through woods and fruit orchards to the small town of Odell. During the winter holidays kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy a magical Polar Express Train Ride.

Revel in seasonal produce and epic views of Mt. Hood as you eat your way through the Hood River Fruit Loop. This 35-mile scenic drive through the valley’s orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities is one of the area’s top attractions. Over two dozen family-owned farms invite travelers into a rich mosaic of vineyards and cideries, fresh lavender fields, endless rows of cherry, apple, pear and, peach orchards - some dating back to the 19th century.

One of the most fun ways to experience the Hood River Fruit Loop is to go by bike. Hop on an e-bike and join a guided biking wine tour with MountNBarrel. Ride through the stunning valley, past blooming orchards with epic views of Mt. Hood at every turn. Stock up on fruit jam and even pet alpacas. Stop at one (or more) of the dozens of wineries in the valley and enjoy a taste of what this varied landscape has to offer.

Don’t miss biking or hiking along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail to experience the Twin Tunnels and Mosier. Especially in spring, when the hills are turning into yellow meadows full of blooming balsamroot and other wildflowers, the Mosier Plateau is a heavenly destination.

Spring run-off from Mt. Hood also means thundering waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, which has the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America. Beautiful Tamanawas Falls is just 20 minutes from downtown Hood River. A 3.5-mile loop will take you to the 100-foot falls that you can walk behind and into a large dry cave.

Drive south on OR Hwy 35 to access numerous trailheads on the northern and eastern sides of Mt. Hood. The Hood River Meadows Trailhead, 35 miles south of Hood River, is the start of a 4.6-mile round-trip hike to Umbrella Falls. For mountain biking, check out the Knebal Springs Trail 9-mile loop. Before you go, stop in at Discover Bicycles or Mountain View Cycles in downtown Hood River for trail maps, equipment and advice from local experts.

Want to pick up the pace? Run through fall foliage on the banks of the Columbia River. Known as one of the most scenic marathons in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia Gorge Marathon and Half Marathon is an out-and-back race that includes breathtaking views of the Columbia River from the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway.

 

Tom McCall Point wildflowers
1. Celebrate blossom time with family-friendly farm events, craft shows, beer, cider, and wine tasting. | 2. Take a wildflower hike along the Mosier Plateau Trail. | 3. Chase waterfalls along the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway.
Lavender Farm in Hood River
1. Hit Hood River Waterfront Park for a summer picnic and watch windsurfers riding the waves. | 2. Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop, pick your berries and cherries, go wine tasting, and enjoy lavender fields along the way. | 3. Visit an open-air summer concert.
1. Take in the fall colors by hiking or biking on Mt. Hood. | 2. Harvest apples, pears, and pumpkins along the Hood River Fruit Loop and explore Hood River's cider scene. | 3. Take a scenic ride on teh Mount Hood Railroad.
1. Explore Downtown Hood River's shops, galleries and restaurants. | 2. Bring the whole family and explore the area's culturally diverse local museums. | 3. Plan a personal retreat or a getaway with friends.

 

Find more inspiration for your trip to Hood River at Visit Hood River.
Visit Hood River
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