Award-winning vintages, sun-soaked valleys and sprawling vineyards with mountain views are just a few of the things that make the wineries in Hood River, Oregon so special.

The arid landscape and favorable weather in the Columbia River Gorge creates ideal growing conditions for grapes like fantastic Pinot Noirs, aided by dramatic rainfalls and the high elevation which helps produce a whole world of wines.

You won’t find any pretentious spots around here (we’re looking at you, Napa Valley). Instead, people around these parts love to spend a day hiking to waterfalls or playing on the water, then heading straight over to one of the wineries near Hood River to enjoy a bottle of robust red surrounded by the vines.

Hood River Rafting

Whitewater Rafting down the Hood River is one of Oregon’s most spectacular adventure trips.

Wet Planet is excited to offer spring rafting trips on of our guides’ favorite rafting runs in the Columbia River Gorge: the West Fork and Main sections of the Hood River.

These two sections combine for 15 miles of class III-IV rapids through spectacular Pacific Northwest wilderness. The lush, temperate forests characteristic of the Cascade Range glow with every shade of green: from the Spanish moss dripping from giant Ponderosas to ferns growing from wet, canyon walls.

The river’s headwaters in Mt. Hood National Forest are protected under America’s Wild and Scenic Rivers list, ensuring its scenic and remote qualities for generations to come.

Whitewater Rafting Trip in Oregon’s Mt Hood Wilderness

While many visitors hit the trails and historic lodges within the Mt. Hood Wilderness, few venture down the rivers. Mt Hood’s summit is the most visited snow-capped mountain in America.

On a raft trip, however, the crowds disappear, leaving you and your river guide to experience the great outdoors in the most pristine way.

A Full Day of Pacific Northwest River Adventure

The trip will meet at our headquarters on the White Salmon River to gear-up (we provide the wet suits, splash jackets, neoprene booties, PFD and helmet). From our headquarters we shuttle you to the put-in for the West Fork of the Hood River. We first descend the 6.5 miles of the West Fork Hood all the way to Punchbowl Falls, a cauldron formed from Mt Hood’s ancient volcanic eruptions.

After enjoying lunch around the waterfall and portaging rafts below, our river will join the Main Fork and East Fork Hood to spend the afternoon on the Main Hood River. The next 7.5 miles of big water fun will be an exciting change from the steep, boulder garden rapids of the morning. String these two sections together and you get one continuous, whitewater roller-coaster.

The Perfect River Level on the West Fork of the Hood River

A trip down the West Fork of the Hood River depends on Mother Nature. During the spring rainy season, this trip opens up, pending water levels. We can even put you on our “Water Level Alert” list, letting you know when the river can be run throughout the spring. Just give us a call. We also find that when levels on our Wind River Rafting trips are too high, the West Fork Hood River is perfect.

Looking for the best hiking trails in Hood River? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 33 scenic trails in the Hood River area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Explore one of 8 easy hiking trails in Hood River or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Hood River that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.

The Columbia River gorge is a spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, that meanders past cliffs, spires, and ridges set against nearby peaks of the PNW’s Cascade Mountain Range.

In a state where water regularly flows down from upon high, Multnomah Falls — all 620 feet (189 m) of it — stands above the rest as Oregon’s tallest waterfall.

Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the two-drop cascade attracts visitors of all types and ages, with both wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms and steep hiking trails that lead all the way to the top. Fed by rainwater and snowmelt, the falls’ steady stream runs year-round, making it a year-round attraction. The highest volume comes in winter and spring, and the waterfall sometimes freezes partially at the height of winter.

Not just a great place to enjoy the view, it’s also perfect for catching your breath before forging ahead to the top or returning to the Multnomah Falls Lodge below. Built in 1925, the lodge also has excellent views and is home to a restaurant, gift shop, espresso bar and U.S. Forest Service interpretive center.

Whether you climb to the top or peer up from the bottom, dress warmly and wear shoes with traction, because the waterfall’s spray makes the entire area cool and slick. Dressing for the water also means you’re already prepared for rainy weather if storm clouds happen to roll into the Columbia River Gorge during your visit.