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Anthony & Laura

July 27, 2025 • Hood River, OR

Anthony & Laura

July 27, 2025 • Hood River, OR

Things to Do

The Hood River area, nestled in the Columbia River Gorge and near Mount Hood, is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant food and beverage scene, including world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding.


Here's a more detailed look at what makes the Hood River area special:


Natural Beauty & Outdoor Recreation:

Columbia River Gorge:

The area is a gateway to the gorge, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

Mount Hood:

The iconic snow-capped mountain provides year-round scenic landscapes and opportunities for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding:

Hood River is a world-renowned destination for these water sports, thanks to consistent winds and ideal conditions.

Hiking and Biking:

The area boasts numerous trails for both hiking and mountain biking, catering to all skill levels.

Waterfalls:

The gorge is dotted with stunning waterfalls, like Horsetail Falls, offering opportunities for short, steep hikes.

Lakes:

Explore the serene beauty of lakes like Lost Lake, Trillium Lake, and Lauren Lake.

Orchards:

The area is known for its fruit orchards, offering opportunities for fruit picking and enjoying local produce.

Hood River Fruit Loop:

A 35-mile scenic drive through farmland and forests, visiting fruit stands, wineries, breweries, and cideries.

Food and Beverage Scene:

Craft Breweries:

Hood River is home to some of the best craft breweries in the Pacific Northwest, offering a wide variety of beers.

Wineries and Cideries:

Explore the local wineries and cideries, sampling regional wines and ciders.

Farm-to-Table Cuisine:

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients at the area's restaurants and cafes.

Distilleries:

Visit local distilleries like Camp 1805 Distillery and Clear Creek Distillery's Branch-to-Bottle Brandy.

Restaurants:

Find a variety of dining options in the charming downtown area, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.

Other Attractions:

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum: Explore a collection of antique planes, cars, and artifacts.

Hood River Lavender Farms: Visit a lavender farm with scenic views and aromatic lavender products.

Tom McCall Nature Preserve: Explore a nature preserve with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Port of Hood River: Enjoy waterfront views and watch the windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Mt. Hood Scenic Railroad: Take a scenic train ride through the orchards and enjoy views of Mount Hood.


We've highlighted a few of our favorites below!!

Multnomah Falls

Picture of Multnomah Falls
50000 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010, USA
(503) 695-2372

Multnomah Falls is only a half hour west of Hood River and is one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States, and is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. More than two million visitors stop by each year to view the unique 620-foot falls. Fed by underground springs from nearby Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies and is usually highest during the winter and spring seasons. Multnomah Falls is one of the top places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study the geology exposed by floods. If planning a visit you MUST get a $2 parking permit IN ADVANCE. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089144

OR take the Columbia Gorge Express bus https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/

Website

Mount Hood Railroad

Picture of Mount Hood Railroad
110 Railroad Street, Hood River, OR 97031, USA
(541) 387-4000

WED-SAT-- Mt Hood Train thru the Fruit loop. ENJOY A HISTORIC, UNIQUE TRAIN RIDE THROUGH THE LOWER HOOD RIVER VALLEY

Experience nature’s glory in the Northwest during a leisurely trip aboard one of the most scenic trips in the country. Check back on our website for updates on expected cherry harvest dates for summer. To help plan your perfect day, we recommend arriving around 10:45am to have a leisurely experience and get your tickets at Will Call in the depot. The train will depart promptly at 11:30am and travel along the Hood River and past forest, orchards, and vineyards for approximately 45 minutes. Passengers will deboard for approximately 45-minutes where you can visit The Fruit Company and Mount Hood Winery during the layover. If you have lunch, there are picnic tables outside with mountain views, or you can eat on the train during the return trip of 45 minutes, returning to the depot at 2pm.

Hood River Fruit Loop

Picture of Hood River Fruit Loop
see map link below

A unique rural farm experience awaits you in the beautiful Hood River Valley, where you will encounter 30 on-the-farm fruit stands, wineries, breweries, cideries, and fields of flowers. The Hood River Valley has a rich agricultural heritage, beginning with the planting of the first fruit trees in 1855, resulting in 14,500 acres of pears, apples, and cherries that cover the valley today. Wander down the 35 miles of scenic country roads on your self-guided tour and create great adventures with family and friends, while exploring the abundance of farm products grown in the valley.

Printed Brochure:

https://www.hoodriverfruitloop.com/_files/ugd/ec5b30_4a4d6230af7645e183ce3ab09d3b7651.pdf


Timberline Lodge

Picture of Timberline Lodge
27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
(503) 272-3311

Timberline Lodge and hiking trails are just one hour from Hood River. Constructed in 1937, Timberline Lodge stands on the south slope of Mt. Hood at an elevation of 6,000 feet. This beautiful 55,000 square foot structure rises out of a pristine alpine landscape and is still being used for its original intent – a magnificent ski lodge and mountain retreat for everyone to enjoy. Legendary and awe-inspiring, it's a tribute to the rugged spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Timberline Lodge is one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing nearly two million visitors every year.

Big Winds Hood River

Picture of Big Winds Hood River
207 Front St, Hood River, OR 97031, USA
(541) 386-6086

Hood River offers world class windsurfing/kiteboarding. The Big Winds’ windsurfing lesson program spans 35 years, 30,000+ windsurfers, and targets all abilities and ages. Our formula is simple: lightweight rigs, stable boards, a protected lagoon and, of course, expert instruction. With us, you’re windsurfing in minutes. No dry land theory. No boring lectures. Straight to the water. Straight to windsurfing!

Deschutes River Adventures

Picture of Deschutes River Adventures
602 Deschutes Ave, Maupin, OR 97037, USA
(800) 723-8464

WHITE WATER RAFTING!! Located in Maupin, just a one hour drive from Hood River, you'll experience the exhilaration of a world class whitewater trip while enjoying the beauty of the Oregon High Desert. The best day trip in Oregon! Experience the thrill of Deschutes whitewater with a splashy 3 hour, 13 mile trip covering class III and IV rapids. This half day trip is thrilling and our most popular river adventure we offer.

Tamanawas Falls Trailhead

Picture of Tamanawas Falls Trailhead
OR-35, Mt Hood, OR 97041, USA

Just a 30 minute drive over beautiful terrain, you'll arrive at the trailhead for one of the prettiest hikes in the Northwest. Located just 30 minutes from Hood River, this waterfall can be accessed from a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete. Starting from the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead, leave the parking area and follow the East Fork Trail. The trail crosses the hood river and is surrounded by douglas fir and wild flowers. The trail continues along until you reach a log bridge which begins the Tamanawas Falls Trail 650A. The trail reaches the falls where you will enjoy views of the beautiful waterfall, navigate slippery boulder fields, and hopefully enjoy a nice peaceful lunch.

This is one of the most popular trails in Mount Hood National Forest. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Hood River Winery Tours

Picture of Hood River Winery Tours
914 Court St, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA
(541) 350-9850

Immerse yourself in immaculate Pacific Northwest scenery—and indulge in some special beverages along the way—on this private tour either by bus or by e-bike. Meet your guide in Hood River, where you can either participate in a tour of wine county by bus OR You can go for a 7-mile (11 -kilometer) e-bike ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, will visit a local winery and brewery for tastings, and can opt to finish with a short hike.

Traveling by e-bike lets you see the sights without getting tired out

Embark on a private tour for a personal escape into nature

See impeccable views of the Columbia River Gorge as you go

Visit a local winery, a brewery, and explore a state park. To experience by Ebike click here:

https://www.viator.com/tours/Portland/Tasting-the-Gorge-by-Ebike/d5065-251586P2