Hood River Oregon is one of the most picturesque towns in all of Oregon and one of our favorite places in the entire Pacific Northwest to visit!
Surrounded by natural beauty, Hood River is nestled in the stunning Columbia River Gorge, framed by Mount Hood to the south and Mount Adams to the north. Needless to say, there is no shortage of outdoor recreation nearby.
Furthermore, the town itself has a rich agricultural history, esteemed restaurants and breweries, boutique shops, and an overall inviting vibe.
Within a short drive, there are numerous worthwhile stops, including viewpoints, museums, agricultural farms, and other noteworthy cultural and outdoor experiences.
Whatever you’re into, there are so many fun things to do in Hood River Oregon both in town and within a short drive
In this article, we take a deep dive into everything you need to know before visiting Hood River.
Hood River Oregon Overview
Hood River has something for everyone. From rich history and culture to accessible outdoor recreation to tasty restaurants, iconic breweries, shopping and so much more.
Before we dive in, let’s cover the location of Hood River as well as seasonal considerations when planning a trip, so that you know what to expect.
Location: Hood River Map
Use this interactive map we made of Hood River and the surrounding area to get your bearings. You can also expand this map to open in a new window.
Hood River is located in the Columbia River Gorge, just north of Mt. Hood. See the table below for distances and drive times from nearby places.
| Location | Distance to Hood River | Typical Drive Time to Hood River |
| Portland, Oregon | 63 miles | 1 hour |
| Bend, Oregon | 142 miles | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Government Camp, Oregon | 42 miles | 48 minutes |
| Yakima, Washington | 123 miles | 2 hours 10 minutes |
When to Visit Hood River Oregon
Perhaps you are planning a trip and wondering: what is the best time of year to visit Hood River? Of course, that depends on what you like to do and what your schedule allows.
The good news is that there are fun things to do in Hood River Oregon during any time of the year!
If you are flexible, there are some seasonal considerations to keep in mind to get the most out of your Hood River visit.
| Season | Best for | Drawbacks |
| Spring | Wildflowers, waterfalls, and views of the mountains and the gorge. Spring skiing on Mt. Hood is possible. Flowers peak between the end of March and May. | Can still be cold, cloudy, windy, and rainy. |
| Summer | Hiking, waterfalls, and river recreation. Exploring the town of Hood River itself. Many fruits are harvested at nearby farms. | Can get quite hot. High season for tourism. Can be smoky if there are wildfires nearby. Rates for accommodations are highest. Wind is strongest during the summer. |
| Fall | Late summer and early fall are ideal for the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile circuit of local fruit farms, wineries, breweries, and other agricultural businesses. | Weather can start to turn poor and there may still be smoke from wildfires. |
| Winter | Winter means skiing on Mt. Hood! Also, the low season has the best rates on accommodation and least crowds. | Weather is cold, rainy, and possibly snowy. Winter road conditions may be hazardous. |
To summarize:
- If you like waterfalls and wildflowers, visit during April or May.
- If you want the warmest weather and best outdoor recreation, plan for summer, but also be ready for wind and potentially smoke if there are wildfires.
- If you want to enjoy the local agricultural harvest, you can’t miss late summer and early fall.
- For all the skiers out there, or those who don’t mind cold weather and low crowds, winter is a great time to visit Hood River.
One more weather-related thing to note: the wind. The Columbia River Gorge is known for being quite windy.
This is due to the pressure difference between the colder moist air in Portland and the drier hotter air to the eastern high desert. Summer has the highest amount of wind in Hood River.
Eating and Drinking in Hood River
Hood River’s culinary scene is an inviting reflection of its rich agricultural heritage and vibrant community spirit.
In our opinion, food and drink are two of the best parts of the Hood River experience!
We are always excited to explore the tasty food and drink and find it hard to balance finding new options or revisiting our reliable favorites.
One thing is for certain: there is no shortage of highly rated restaurants, breweries, wineries, bakeries, and cafes in Hood River.
In fact, we are consistently surprised by the number of options for a small town of about 9,000 people.
Hood River Restaurants
While certainly overshadowed by the culinary diversity of larger cities like Portland and Bend, dining in Hood River holds its own for small towns. In fact, there are many excellent restaurants Hood River Oregon has to offer.
Among our favorites are Solstice Pizza, which is located by the waterfront. We recommend putting your name in and exploring Hood River Waterfront Park if there is a wait.
We’ve been recommending Broder Ost, a highly rated Scandinavian Brunch spot. Though we haven’t tried it ourselves, we did stay right next store at the Hood River Hotel (more on places to stay in Hood River below).
For other international flavors, check out Sushi Okalani, Riverside (locally sourced Italian cuisine by the waterfront), El Monte Taqueria (there are lots of great Mexican places), and Kirpa’s Indian.
For vegan friendly bites, check out Golden Goods Sandwich and Bake Shop and Riverside, which usually has amazing plant-based options.
Breweries in Hood River
As beer lovers, we are always excited to indulge in the craft breweries in Hood River.
If you like beer, you cannot miss pFriem Family Brewers and Ferment Brewing down by the waterfront. They both have excellent brews and atmospheres.
Full Sail Brewing, Double Mountain Brewery, and Hood River Brewing Company also call Hood River home.
As you can see, there are no shortages of hoppy flavors to explore, with each brewery making its mark on the craft beer scene in Hood River.
Hood River Wineries
A favorable combination of growing factors including temperature, elevation, sunlight, rainfall, and talented growers contribute to the presence of some incredible wine production in the Hood River valley.
Highly rated wineries such as Stave and Stone Wine Estates, Marchesi Vineyards, Hood Crest Winery and Distillers, Phelps Creek Vineyards, and more, offer expansive mountain views, productive vineyards, and of course, excellent wine.
The wineries in Hood River and the surrounding area are certainly a worthwhile destination for wine lovers.
Learn more about the best wineries in Hood River.
Coffee, Cafes, and Bakeries in Hood River
Fuel up for your day with a coffee from Ground Espresso Bar and Cafe, Country Coffee Hood River, or Kaile’a Coffee Co. We visited Ground Espresso Bar and Cafe recently and the coffee and vibes were excellent.
Of course, there are a handful of tasty cafes like KickStand Coffee and Kitchen, Egg River Cafe, and Crush Cider Cafe.
Any time we visit Hood River (or any town for that matter), we check out the local bakeries. You can’t miss Edeske Patisserie, Pine Street Bakery, and Columbia Gorge Chocolates. Also, across the river in White Salmon is the highly rated White Salmon Baking Co.
We recommend Golden Goods Sandwich and Bake Shop for vegan and dairy free folks. We had some pastries here that will certainly have us coming back!
Places to Stay in Hood River
There are a variety of memorable places to stay in Hood River, from chain hotels to family run boutiques. The good news is, it’s hard to go wrong with all the great options.
If you want to stay downtown in a historic setting, we recommend the Hood River Hotel, the Oak Street Hotel, or Lodge 902. The Horsefeathers Hotel is also a great option.
There are several options for staying close to the Columbia River, which usually comes with great views. These include the Best Western Plus, Hampton Inn and Suites, Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa, and the Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel.
The table below shows more detail about Hood River hotels.
| Hood River Accommodation | Great For | Drawbacks |
| Hood River Hotel | Downtown location. Historic building. Attached brunch restaurant. | Noise from nearby trains. |
| Oak Street Hotel | Downtown location. B&B style boutique hotel. Historic building. | |
| Lodge 902 | B&B with a downtown location. Highly rated. Free breakfast. | |
| Best Western Hood River | Waterfront views. Excellent attached restaurant. Outdoor pool. | Not walkable to the downtown area.Not as much character as other options. |
| Hampton Inn and Suites | Waterfront views. Indoor pool. | Not walkable to the downtown area.Not as much character as other options. |
| Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa | Waterfront views. Historic building. Attached restaurant. Spa. | Not walkable to the downtown area. |
| Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel | Waterfront views. | Not walkable to the downtown area. |
Outdoor Recreation Near Hood River
One of the main draws to Hood River for us and many others is the incredible array of impressive and accessible outdoor recreation possibilities.
The easy access to nearby hiking, waterfalls, viewpoints, mountain biking, skiing, and river recreation outdoorsy people of all disciplines.
For us, the hiking, waterfalls, and viewpoints are the main highlights. There are countless hiking trails and waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, including the famous Multnomah Falls, and the historic Tunnel Falls.
When exploring the outdoors in this area, always be prepared for the seasonal conditions with water, sun protection, and/or warm clothing. Also, be on the lookout for ticks, rattlesnakes, and poison oak.
Hiking Near Hood River
There are tons of amazing hikes near Hood River, most of which are in the Columbia River Gorge on both the Oregon and Washington side.
Two of the most popular nearby Hood River hikes are Tom McCall Point Trail and Dog Mountain Trail for wildflowers and views of the Columbia Gorge.
Also, Hood River Mountain Loop has incredible views of Mt. Hood the south and Mt. Adams to the north. Plus, this hike is just a few minutes drive from Hood River.
The table below gives a quick view of the best hiking near Hood River.
| Hike | Distance from Hood River (Miles) | Drive Time from Hood River (Minutes) | Description |
| Tom McCall Point Trail | 12.5 miles | 20 min | A 5-mile trail starting at Rowena Crest Viewpoint with wildflowers and views of the Gorge. Very beautiful, accessible, and popular. |
| Dog Mountain Trail | 13 miles | 20 min | 7 miles of steep incline that rewards hikers with expansive views, and stunning displays of wildflowers. Very popular. |
| Hood River Mountain Loop | 6 miles | 15 min | A 4.5-mile loop with incredible views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Hood River and the Gorge. |
| Cook Hill Loop | 10 miles | 15 min | 8 steep but rewarding miles of beautiful views, complete with wildflowers and views of Mt. Hood. |
| Memaloose Hills | 8 miles | 10 min | A chill 3-mile hike through stunning and unique forest and meadow landscape. |
| Labyrinth Trail | 8 miles | 13 min | 5 miles or so of wildflowers, with lots of exposure, open meadows, and endless views. |
As you can see, there are some truly incredible Hood River hikes to explore!
That said, we have only just scratched the surface at the vast network of hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge, not to mention the available hiking on Mt. Hood to the south and Mt. Adams to the north.
By the way, if you like backpacking, you should definitely check out the Timberline Loop Trail, which is one of the best loops in Oregon.
Waterfalls Near Hood River
We created a separate section for waterfalls because there are so many stunning waterfalls near Hood River.
After all, the Columbia River Gorge is famous for its majestic cascades that set the standard for waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.
Mt. Hood and the surrounding hills feed many of the waterfalls via snowmelt and rainwater runoff. In fact, most of the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls flow year-round, although the best time to
The table below shows just a handful of the must-see waterfalls near Hood River.
| Waterfall | Distance from Hood River (Miles) | Drive Time from Hood River (Minutes) | Description |
| Starvation Creek Falls + More | 17 miles | 17 min | A cluster of 4 waterfalls in close proximity. Park at Starvation Creek State Park and enjoy a short and accessible hike. |
| Multnomah Falls | 32 miles | 30 min | The tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge and most visited outdoor recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. |
| Tamanawas Falls | 24 miles | 30 min | A striking 100 ft cascade on the east side of Mt. Hood. 3.5 miles out and back or 5 miles as a loop. |
| Punch Bowl Falls | 26 miles | 22 min | A pleasant 4 mile out and back hike leads you to this impressive waterfall. |
| Tunnel Falls | 26 miles | 22 min | Starting from the same trailhead as Punch Bowl Falls, this gradual 12 mile out and back rewards hikers with a tunnel behind a waterfall! |
| Wahclella Falls | 24 miles | 18 min | A chill 2 mile hike to a picturesque waterfall surrounded by steep cliffs. |
If you want to learn more, check out our article about the best waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
Other Fun Things to do Near Hood River
In addition to restaurants, breweries, hotels, hiking trails and waterfalls, there are so many other memorable things to do in Hood River.
Community Events and Festivals in Hood River
Hood River has a strong sense of community that is supported by frequent local events that both residents and visitors can enjoy.
These include first Fridays, farmers markets, and festivals.
Hood River has a winter market from December through April and a regular season market from May to November.
The winter market is located at Ferment Brewing and is covered. When the temperatures warm up, the regular market is held outdoors in the 5th and Columbia parking lot.
Learn more about the Hood River farmers markets.
Among the most notable events in Hood River are the Hood River Valley Harvest Festival in mid-October which is a celebration of local agriculture, arts, food, and music.
Stay up to date with local Hood River events at this page.
Hood River Fruit Loop
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy things to do in Hood River is the official Hood River Fruit Loop.
This 35-mile drivable loop passes through the 14,500 acres of agriculture in the Hood River Valley, offering scenic views of the farms, mountains, and the gorge.
Along the way, you have the option to stop and explore 30 individual fruit farms, wineries, breweries, and more. Many of these farms have “u-pick” opportunities, which is especially great for families.
The Hood River Fruit loop exists year-round, but the best time to go is late spring to mid fall. In fact, there are special events between July and October.
Explore Nearby Museums
There are several interesting museums near Hood River where you can glimpse a window into the past of this special region.
Within Hood River itself, the History Museum of Hood River County is right by the waterfront. While the museum is relatively small, it’s very insightful.
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum offers engaging exhibits showcasing the rich history of the Columbia Gorge in a beautiful setting by the river, about 20 minutes east of Hood River.
We went recently and would definitely recommend it to others! In fact, we were surprised by how few people were there on a Saturday in spring. For this reason, we think it is a bit of a hidden gem.
If you like old cars and planes, then you’ll love the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, which presents one of the largest working antique planes and cars in the country.
20 minutes west of Hood River, the Cascade Locks Historical Museum and Columbia Gorge Museum are both worthwhile stops!
45 minutes east of Hood River lies the Maryhill Museum of Art, an impressive mansion with equally grand views. This unique and memorable museum is one to add to your list.
We think it is lovely that there are five high quality museums within a short drive of Hood River!
Scenic Drive to Nearby Viewpoints
The Columbia River Gorge is known for incredible viewpoints, with many accessible by car.
In fact, the Historic Columbia River Highway is the oldest scenic highway in the country, with the same views dropping jaws since the 1920’s!
Within a short drive of Hood River, there are several stunning views that don’t require any hiking!
Panorama Point
Panorama Point is just a few minutes outside of Hood River and has stunning views of Mt. Hood to the south. This viewpoint is free and definitely with a stop.
Rowena Crest Viewpoint
20 minutes east of Hood River is Rowena Crest Viewpoint, which provides amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge and access to hiking trails. This spot is especially great in April and May for wildflowers.
Timberline Lodge
If you want to see Mt. Hood up close, drive 45 minutes from Hood River to explore the historic Timberline Lodge, which offers expansive views of Oregon.
We love Timberline Lodge for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The lodge itself is super cozy and a great place to stay year round!
Bike Along the Columbia River Gorge
There are several sections of the Historic Columbia Highway that are ideal for cycling. These parts are paved but not open to vehicles.
Start at Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead, where you can park your car, hop on your bike, and head east. This section of the path stretches 4.5 miles to the cute town of Mosier, making for an excellent 9 mile out-and-back ride.
The Dalles Columbia River Trail is another paved trail that is great for biking. We recommend parking at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum and exploring that as well.
Explore White Salmon
If you have some time, you can head across the river to check out White Salmon in Washington. White Salmon is a smaller town than Hood River, and definitely worth visiting in our opinion.
If you like beer and good food, don’t skip Everybody’s Brewing. They have one of our favorite hazy IPAs! Also, White Salmon Baking Co. is a must stop for a fresh loaf of bread or other baked goods.
Our Tips for Visiting Hood River
You get the main idea: there are so many fun things to do in Hood River. As a result, you really can’t go wrong when planning your trip.
That said, we do have a few extra tips to help you make the most of your visit!
Plan for the Season
Regardless of the time of year you visit, plan for the season accordingly. That means not only bringing appropriate clothes, but also tailoring your visit to make the most of what Hood River has to offer.
For example, if you visit in summer or fall, you can’t miss the fruit loop, farmers markets, and outdoor dining. In the spring, take a short drive to see some wildflowers. In the winter, consider a ski day on Mt. Hood!
Enjoy the Food and Drink
In our opinion, one of the best parts of Hood River is the food and drink. Take advantage of the craft breweries, renowned wineries, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, coffee shops, local farms, and more!
Expect Some Wind
The Columbia Gorge is windy, especially in the summer. You should expect a bit of wind, but don’t let it stop you from getting outside!
24 Hour Hood River Itinerary
We recently explored Hood River and some nearby attractions and we wanted to share our itinerary. Our hope is that this might help or inspire you when planning your visit!
Day 1
We arrived in Hood River at about 5 pm, ready to find some food and get a beer! We parked down by the Hood River Waterfront Park and put our name in at Solstice Pizza.
While we waited, we walked over to Ferment Brewing and enjoyed a refreshing beer on their outdoor deck. This is a great spot to see some views of the area.
After a delicious pizza dinner, we checked into the Hood River Hotel. This was our first time staying at this hotel, and we more than happy with our stay.
It is centrally located downtown and is super walkable. Overall, we would recommend this hotel to others.
Day 2
In the morning, we explored downtown Hood River. We grabbed a coffee at Ground Espresso Bar and Cafe, then ate some delicious pastries from Golden Goods Sandwich and Bake Shop.
We wanted to explore a bit more of the surrounding area, so we first drove 7 minutes to Panorama Point, which has amazing views of Mt. Hood and is definitely worth it on a clear day.
Then, we headed east through Mosier (where we spontaneously stopped to explore the farmers market) until we arrived at Rowena Crest Viewpoint. This is a stunning viewpoint that is also a trailhead for beautiful hiking trails.
Rowena Crest Viewpoint was very busy when we were there in mid April, as the wildflowers were in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous.
From there, we continued east to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, which was super insightful and enjoyable to learn about the rich history of this region.
All that learning had built up our appetite, so we headed back toward Hood River, but actually enjoyed nachos and beer at Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon, which we would highly recommend.
Overall, we think this is a solid one-night, two-day Hood River itinerary. Feel free to put your own spin on it!
A Taste of Hood River History
Hood River, Oregon, began as a rugged frontier in the mid-1800s, with pioneers like Nathaniel Coe planting the first apple orchards in 1854. The town, platted in 1881, grew rapidly with the arrival of the Mount Hood Railroad in 1882, becoming a thriving agricultural hub known for its apples, pears, and cherries.
The early 20th century saw economic highs and lows, with the Great Depression hitting hard but the construction of the Bonneville Dam in the 1930s revitalized the area. Post WWII, the 1960s and 70s attracted new residents drawn by the natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
The 1980s transformed Hood River into a windsurfing destination, diversifying its economy. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, craft breweries, wineries, tech startups, and tourism flourished alongside traditional agriculture. Community events like the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest and Blossom Festival celebrate this rich heritage.
Over the years, Hood River has grown from a small agricultural town to a vibrant, multifaceted community, blending old traditions with new opportunities while retaining its charm and strong community spirit.
Learn more about the history of Hood River Oregon.
FAQ
What is Hood River Oregon known for?
Hood River Oregon is known for its stunning natural scenery and strong agricultural economy.
Is Hood River a nice place to live?
Yes, Hood River is considered a nice place to live, with a strong sense of community and access to outdoor activities.
Does Hood River get snow?
Yes, Hood River gets snow, particularly in the winter months.
Is Hood River a small town?
Yes, Hood River is a small town with a population of less than 9,000 people.
Can you swim in Hood River?
Yes, you can swim in Hood River, especially in the summer when the water is warmer.
What is the main industry in Hood River Oregon?
The main industry in Hood River is agriculture, particularly fruit orchards, as well as tourism and outdoor recreation.
What is the best time of year to visit Hood River Oregon?
The best time of year to visit Hood River Oregon depends on what you like to do! For outdoor recreation, late spring to early fall is ideal although winter is best for skiing on Mt. Hood. Late summer and fall is the best time of year for enjoying agricultural produce.
Is Hood River always windy?
Hood River is often windy, especially in the summer. While this may be undesirable for many people, the wind makes Hood River a popular destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Conclusion
Overall, we think Hood River is definitely worth a visit, and are excited to share our knowledge with you here.
Hopefully you found this article helpful if you are planning a trip to Hood River!
Please feel free to check out our other articles about the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood area. Have fun exploring!
