Hood River is a small town on the banks of the Columbia River in Oregon located about an hour east of Portland. This town’s close proximity to Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, and the Hood River Fruit Loop make it the perfect place to visit! Here are the 18 best things to do in Hood River, Oregon.
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When to Visit
Many of the outdoor activities, wineries, and shops are only opened seasonally in Hood River, mostly from March to November. Unless you are visiting this area to ski Mt. Hood, I would avoid vacationing here in the wintertime. The best time to visit really depends on which activities you plan to partake. The sunniest months are July and August, but they can also be very busy times. Late summer and early fall are also extremely busy due to the orchard and grape harvesting times. The best months for flowers are April through June. The orchards bloom in April, and the wildflowers bloom in May and June.
Where to Stay
Hood River has several lodging options to fit your budget. Here are a few options:
Best Western Plus Hood River Inn
Hampton Inn & Suites Hood River
Some Tips for Visiting Hood River
- Bring cash in small bills. There are a few activities that may make your life easier with small bills. Some of the hikes require a day pass of $5 to be paid in an envelope. Also, there is a $2 toll to cross the bridges that connect Oregon and Washington.
- Check for trail and other area closures before arriving. Nature happens. Sometimes there are landslides, floods, or forest fires that will close areas that you may have planned to visit.
- Drink responsibly! Many of the best things to do in Hood River is to drink alcohol, so make sure you drink responsibly during your visit.
What to Pack
- Water!! Whether you use a hydration backpack or carry bottled water, make sure to pack plenty of water when outdoors!
- Bug Spray – Keep those pesky bugs away!
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply.
- Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face
- Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your longer hikes.
- Packing Cubes – Keep your stuff organized in your luggage with these packing cubes.
- Rain Jacket – Rain can (and probably will) occur at some point while in Oregon, so make sure to pack your men’s or women’s rain jacket.
- Jacket – Even in warmer months, the temps can be cool so pack a light men’s or women’s jacket.
- Wine Tumbler – Bring this insulated and durable wine glass with you so you can enjoy wine from the bottle you bought.
1. Kite Surf on Columbia River
Hood River is a mecca for kite surfing and kiteboarding. With average winds sustaining at 25 mph, kite surfing is one of the best things to do in Hood River throughout the summer. Close to downtown, the banks of the Columbia River offers a sandbar which is the most popular spot to launch your kite. You can take kite boarding lessons while you are visiting if you are new to the sport. Even if you do not want to participate, head to the shores to watch others as they surf the wind. It is a sight to see!
2. Taste Oregon Wine
Oregon has really made a name for itself as a remarkable wine producer that rivals its neighbor state of California. The Hood River area is just one of Oregon’s wine regions that produces a variety of wine including the unique pear wines. The downtown area of Hood River has several wine tasting rooms for you to sample. However, just a short drive from the town are numerous vineyards where you can drink wine while gazing at views the farming valley. On a clear day, you can get a spectacular view of Mt. Hood from some of the wineries such as Mt. Hood Winery.
3. Try the Local Spirits and Brews
Even if wine isn’t your jam, you can still get your drink on with one of the several local breweries or distilleries in the Hood River area. In the heart of downtown, you can sample many of the local brews from places like Full Sail Brewing Company and Double Mountain Brewery. There are also several distilleries where you can try spirits such as Foxtail Cider and Distillery and Hood Crest Winery and Distillers.
4. Tour the Fruit Loop
The Hood River Fruit Loop is one of the most fun-filled things to do in Hood River because it combines many activities into one outing. This drive-able loop starts in Hood River, travels south along Highway 35 and then back north on Highway 281. Along with being a beautiful drive with views of vineyards, orchards, and Mt. Hood, you can stop at several fruit stands, vineyards and other stops. Click here for a map of the Fruit Loop and the sponsored stops. Make sure to check this harvesting schedule, so you know what fruits will be in season during your visit.
5. Visit a Lavender Farm
Along the Fruit Loop, make sure you stop at one of the several roadside lavender farms. Lavender is in peak blooming season in July, and you can pick your own lavender bouquets during this time. Even if you visit when the lavender is not blooming, many of these farms have lavender infused souvenirs in their gifts shops year round.
6. Kayak or Paddle Board the Waters
If you want to try your hand at water sports other than kite surfing, you can try kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding in Hood River and Columbia River. Many companies offer kayak and SUP rentals by the hour. If you need a little more guidance, you can join a kayaking tour that will supply you with all your required equipment and an experienced guide.
7. Stroll along Hood River Waterfront Park
The Hood River Waterfront Park is located along the Columbia River shores and has a playground and rock climbing spot for young kids. There is also a beach area at the park where you can sunbathe and swim during the warm summer months. This is also a great spot to watch kite surfers navigate the river waters.
8. Ride the Mt. Hood Railroad
Take a short, scenic train ride on the Mt. Hood Railroad along Hood River and up a switchback to views of orchards and Mt. Hood. The best time to experience the Mt. Hood Railroad is mid-November through December for the Christmas themed train ride complete with a visit from Santa and his elves.
9. See the Iconic Multnomah Falls
Located about 30 minutes away, Multnomah Falls is one of the best things to do in Hood River. This iconic waterfall is Oregon’s tallest at 620 feet, and it is also one of it’s most visited. Walk the short distance to Benson Bridge for up close views of the upper waterfall section. This waterfall has become so popular that there is now a timed permit required if you are visiting from the end of May to the beginning of September from 9am to 6pm. You can get your permits here. You can also choose to experience the waterfalls in the area via the hop-on/hop-off Waterfall Trolley.
10. Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway
The Historic Columbia River Highway stretches 75 miles from Troutdale through Hood River to The Dulles. Completed in 1922, this scenic byway can take hours or can take days to complete depending on how many stops you make. Gorgeous roadside waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and epic trailheads are just some of the stops you can make along this trek of land.
11. Hike to Waterfalls
One of the absolute best things to do in Hood River is hike to a waterfall. Oregon is home to some wonderful waterfalls, and many of them are roadside with easy access. However, there is nothing more exciting than hiking into the forest and seeing a waterfall that others will not see unless they put in the work. This area has waterfalls hikes that range from less than a mile to several miles, so you can pick what difficulty level suits you the best. The Best Hikes in Columbia River Gorge is a must read!
12. Pet the Cutest Alpacas
Cedar Creek Alpacas is one of several alpaca farms in the Hood River area. These super cute creatures are a joy to visit. You can also shop for alpaca wool and alpaca wool products such as yarn, socks, and beanies during your visit.
13. Ski on Top of Mount Hood
If you visit the area in the winter and early spring, one of the best things to do in Hood River is ski at nearby Mt. Hood. Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline Ski Area are two ski and snowboard resorts on Mt. Hood and are located about an hour south of Hood River. This peak is the tallest mountain in Oregon and receives a lot of snowfall, so the skiing season is long and can last year round.
14. Drive to the Rowena Crest Viewpoint
Located between Hood River and The Dulles, Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a must visit scenic pullout that offers panoramic views of Oregon and Washington along the Columbia River. The most iconic part of this viewpoint is the horseshoe shaped bend in the road. On a clear day, you can also get views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. This is a beautiful spot to watch the sun rise early in the mornings.
15. Hike to the Top of Dog Mountain
If you are looking for a strenuous hike with great views, look no further and hike to the top of Dog Mountain. This trail is a very popular hike and requires a permit if hiking on weekends or holidays during wildflower season. The 6.8-mile trail that climbs 2,828 feet is no joke and should not be taken lightly.
16. Enjoy the Beautiful Wildflowers
Even if you do not hike the tough Dog Mountain trail, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wildflowers in the region. From April to June, wildflowers can be seen along most trails, roads, and waterways. Catherine Creek Arch Trail (2 miles) and Mosier Plateau Reserve are two incredible areas for wildflower viewing.
17. View the Orchards from Panoramic Point
Another beautiful viewpoint in the Hood River region is at Panoramic Point. This spot is located just a couple miles from downtown Hood River and illustrates the rows and patches of farmland across the valley.
18. Shop for Souvenirs in Downtown Hood River
Be sure to commemorate your amazing time in Hood River with souvenirs. The downtown area of Hood River has lots of boutiques with unique gifts, apparel, and sporting goods. You can spend hours perusing downtown. Grab a drink or some grub at one of the many restaurants, breweries, and tasting rooms nearby.
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