With sweeping mountain views, a charming and walkable downtown, orchards and wineries, a riverfront location, waterfall hikes, and a thriving food scene, I think Hood River is one of my absolute favorite places in Oregon.
Situated on the banks of the mighty Columbia River and surrounded by fruit orchards, vineyards, and sweeping mountain views, Hood River is one of my favorite little towns in Oregon.
Being that we live just a couple of hours away in Bend, Oregon, we find ourselves coming back to this charming town time and time again (and still aren’t sick of it!).
We’ve put together a guide of the best things to do in Hood River, packed with insider tips and tidbits that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
My personal experience in Hood River
I love Hood River so much that I aim to go at least once each season. Yep, that’s right; I usually visit 4 times a year, and let me tell you, I am always finding new things to do in this area.
I genuinely think there’s something for everyone in Hood River and feel like each season has its own draw.
- Spring: wildflower hikes & waterfalls
- Summer: U-pick cherries & lavender, wineries, kitesurfing
- Fall: Fruit Loop (apple & pear picking)
- Winter: skiing, winter hikes, breweries, Polar Express
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Hood River Travel Guide
For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Hood River, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
Top Things to Do in Hood River
If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Hood River, Oregon, here are our top recommendations:
- Drive the Fruit Loop
- Take in the views at Panorama Point
- Sample local wines or beers
- Try (or watch!) kiteboarding
- Go on at least one waterfall hike
Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Hood River.
1. Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop
The Fruit Loop is a 35-mile scenic drive through the country that passes more than 30 wineries, farms, orchards, produce stands, breweries, cideries, and flower fields. There are also a few coffee shops, country stores, and antique stores sprinkled in too.
Fruit Loop Season Guide:
- April: tulips
- June: strawberries, lavender, cherries
- July: lavender, cherries, blueberries, peaches
- August: lavender, blueberries, peaches, pears, apples
- September: blueberries, pears, apples, pumpkins
- October: pears, apples, pumpkins
Create your own self-guided tour by deciding on a handful of stops. We recommend hitting a variety, including a winery or two and several fruit stands.
👉🏼 We have a complete guide with all our favorite spots so you can plan the perfect trip!
2. Take in the views at Panorama Point
Checking out the epic views from Panorama Point absolutely has to be on your list of things to do in Hood River!
You can drive to this super accessible viewpoint (no hiking required) and it’s only about 10 minutes from downtown.
Once there, enjoy panoramic (as the name implies!) views of the Hood River Valley, stretching from Mount Hood to Mount Adams and including all the scenic fruit orchards in between. On clear days, you may even see Mount Saint Helens!
Helpful info: There are restrooms and plenty of parking. There are also a few interpretive signs explaining the agricultural history of Hood River. Note that the gate closes nightly at 6pm.
3. Go chasing waterfalls
The lush green, moss-covered, ethereal landscape in the Gorge embodies everything the PNW is so famous for — including, and perhaps especially, waterfalls.
In fact, there are more than 90 waterfalls just on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone. Yes, really!
Uber-famous Multnomah Falls is the obvious star of the show in the Gorge (45 minutes from Hood River), but that’s just the beginning. There are SO MANY more.
Read my full Columbia River Gorge waterfall guide for detailed trail info, parking tips, and tons more falls.
4. Watch the windsurfers
Hood River is known as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World” (& it’s also a major kiteboarding destination).
The mountains surrounding the Columbia River Gorge create a deep, narrow channel where wind consistently blows, creating the optimal conditions for wind-related sports, like windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Kiteboarding isn’t exactly the type of sport that you simply show up and do one day, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you actually want to try it yourself. Hood River has several kiteboarding schools (yep, totally a thing!), so you could sign up for lessons to give it a whirl.
If staying firmly on land and simply watching others attempt kiteboarding is more your speed, that’s another great option. Head to the Waterfront Park with some picnic supplies and set up for a couple of hours. It’s free entertainment at its best!
5. Visit Hood River wineries
With over 80 vineyards and nearly 40 wineries in this region, visiting the wineries in Hood River is one of the best things to do here.
There’s truly one to suit every taste, vibe, and budget. Plus, nearly all of them have killer views and outdoor seating areas.
Thanks to Hood River’s relatively compact size, it’s easy enough to visit two or three wineries in a single visit.
There are plenty to choose from, but here are our top recs:
- Stave & Stone: Great flights, apps, and mountain views. You may want to make reservations on summer weekends for prime seating, but there’s also a more casual “backyard” area with open seating and lawn games.
- Grateful Vineyard: Boutique winery, cidery, and microbrewery set right in the orchard, with an open meadow area where you can bring a blanket or lawn chairs. I recommend the pear pizza! Dog and family friendly.
- Idiot’s Grace: Tiny, intimate tasting room on a working vineyard and orchard out toward Mosier. Groups are capped at eight, so it feels more like visiting a friend’s farm than a typical winery. Kids and leashed dogs welcome, with seasonal food on weekends.
- Mt. Hood Winery: Named Oregon Winery of the Year, with floor-to-ceiling windows that put the mountain right behind the vines. Their Syrah is the one to try, and the staff are genuinely knowledgeable.
- Analemma Wines: Biodynamic winery out in Mosier with a rotating seasonal food menu built around Slow Food principles. Reservations recommended, but walk-ins get in as capacity allows.
- Hood River Common House: Not a winery itself, but a solid pick if you want a curated wine list without committing to just one vineyard. Part lounge, part bottle shop, right in downtown Hood River.
Why are there so many wineries in this small town? We’re glad you asked!
The climate in Hood River is significantly drier and warmer than the coast, and the soil is extremely fertile. This all has to do with Hood River’s unique geography, with both the Columbia River and the Cascade Range in its backyard. It also happens to be the perfect recipe for grape-growing and wine-making.
5. Check out Hood River’s brewery scene
Hood River is unequivocally associated with wineries and cideries, but there’s also an incredible brewery scene. Now, beer enthusiasts like us can have their proverbial cake and eat it, too (or should it be “and drink it, too”?!).
Bonus: most of Hood River’s breweries have incredible views and delicious food too!
Here are some of our favorite breweries in town:
- Double Mountain (the one we go to most often!): If you’re looking for a laid-back local vibe and great pizza, and you genuinely love beer, Double Mountain is your spot. They often have live music!
- pFriem Family Brewers: Recommended to us by a friend who’s a master brewer in Portland (coolest job ever?!). Both the beers and elevated pub fare at this waterfront brewery are excellent. There’s often a wait, so try to head over before or after the dinner rush.
- Solera: This is actually located in Parkdale, just a short drive from downtown, but it is a total gem! Sit outside with stunning views of Mount Hood and feel like you’ve discovered a local secret. Tip: The burrito bowl with added pulled pork is really reasonably-priced and splittable.
- Full Sail Brewing Co.: In all our visits, we’ve personally never been here but we couldn’t leave it off the list since this brewery has been hand-bottling its beers since 1987!
- Ferment: A relative newcomer to the Hood River breweries scene, Ferment focuses heavily on — you guessed it — the fermentation process. They offer a great selection of kombucha in addition to their beer. Plus, they have a pretty good food menu as well.
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6. Go on a wildflower hike
If you time your visit for spring, usually late April through mid-May, you’ll be able to (hopefully) hit the wildflower blooms. There are a lot of hikes in the area, but here are our personal favorites:
- Dog Mountain: This fantastic 6.5-mile loop hike is so famous for its spring wildflower blooms that a permit is required during peak wildflower season (typically from April through mid-June)! It involves a steep uphill climb of nearly 3,000 feet, so it’s considered one of the more strenuous hikes in the Gorge, but bucket list-worthy, nonetheless.
- Memaloose Hills Trail: This hike turns into a wildflower show, with balsamroot and lupine covering the open, steep slopes above the Columbia River Gorge and has Mount Hood views near the top.
- McCall Point Trail: Full of balsamroot flowers in the spring and has great views of Mount Hood near the top.
If you love hiking, here are some more of the best Hood River trails.
Planning a family hike? Don’t miss our essential tips for hiking with a toddler!
7. Grab an ice cream cone
If you’re visiting in the summer, you will definitely want to cool down with a cone!
- Mike’s Ice Cream: is an institution in Hood River and has been in the same spot downtown for over 30 years. It’s cash-only and it’s only open seasonally, typically from April or May through early October. There will almost certainly be a line, but it’s well worth it!
- The Old Trunk: This is a hidden gem! Head out of town a bit to find this historic building that dates back to the early 1900s. While it’s most known as an antique store, you can also order milkshakes or, our recommendation, soft serve, which is made from blending Tillamook ice cream and real fruit. Open seasonally.
- Romeo Gelato: Small-batch, old-world Italian gelato made from scratch daily with local organic milk and fresh fruit. Seasonal, April through October, and it’s out near the waterfront/marina area, so it’s an easy add-on if you’re already down by the river.
8. Visit the downtown shops
Downtown Hood River centers around charming Oak Street, lined with trees and well-preserved historic buildings.
There’s an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, outdoor outfitters, art galleries, coffee shops and cafes all in one walkable stretch.
Some highlights include:
- The Ruddy Duck: buzzy clothing boutique
- Hood River Stationers: fun souvenir shop
- Waucoma Bookstore and Artifacts: both bookstores are worth a visit
- Cajun & Clover: quirky vintage shop that’s tucked in a basement so it’s easy to miss
- Art on Oak: an artists’ co-op where you can buy artwork of all types and price points
9. Lunch & cider at The Gorge White House
The Gorge White House is one of the most iconic stops on the Hood River Fruit Loop, and it lives up to its reputation.
Set inside a Dutch Colonial farmhouse dating back more than a century, this property is stunning. It’s the kind of place that offers a bit of everything: hard cider, craft wines, a farm fresh food cart, a fruit stand, and U-pick fruit and flowers, all with a casual, no-reservation, no-dress-code vibe.
The White House only makes a handful of wines under its own label, but it more than makes up for it with a well-curated selection from other Columbia River Gorge wineries, plus an award-winning cider lineup. The lemon pear is a personal favorite, though a flight is the best way to land on yours.
If you’re hungry, the onsite Farm Fresh Food Cart serves up a small, casual menu with an elevated touch. Don’t skip the flatbreads, especially the fruit-forward ones like cherry bacon, blueberry sausage, and pear caramelized onion.
Open most of the year (closed December through February), with hours that vary by season, so it’s worth checking ahead before you go.
10. Explore Mount Hood
Not only does 11,245-foot-tall Mount Hood loom over the entire Hood River Valley, but it also provides four-season outdoor recreation.
Visiting in the winter?
Mount Hood is perhaps best known for its winter sports, and rightfully so — the mountain is home to the largest night ski area in the U.S., Mount Hood SkiBowl, and the longest ski season in all of North America at Timberline Lodge. Timberline is open for a whopping 10 months out of the year!
- Cross-country skiing at Teacup Nordic Sno-Park
- Hike to Tamanawas Falls, which freezes over in the winter. Be sure to wear crampons!
- Stop inside Timberline Lodge and order their famous (huge!) hot chocolate
- Try Cosmic tubing at SkiBowl
Insider tip: During ski season, the CAT runs a Gorge-to-Mountain Express shuttle between Hood River and Mount Hood Meadows for just $5 roundtrip!
Visiting in the summer?
During the summer months, enjoy Mount Hood’s hidden-gem hiking and biking trails. Note that snow may still be present through August, so dress and pack accordingly!
- Tamanawas Falls: This hike is short and sweet and it’s just a 30-minute drive from Hood River. The 3.4-mile hike brings you to the waterfall, a broad curtain-like cascade flowing dramatically over a 110-foot volcanic cliff. It’s great in all seasons! If you hike here in the winter to see it frozen, be sure to wear crampons.
- Tom Dick and Harry Mountain hike: This makes an amazing backpacking trip, but it can also be done as a day hike. (Pictured above)
- SUP at Trillium Lake: You’ll have incredible views of Mount Hood from the water. There’s also an easy 1.9-mile loop around the lake. If you can snag a spot (it can be tricky), we love Trillium Lake Campground.
- Wildwood Recreation Site: With easy-to-navigate boardwalk trails for views into the water, this is one of the best things to do near Hood River with kids.
Psst! Check out our round up of Mount Hood hikes for every level and ability!
10. Visit a lavender farm
Open seasonally from April through October, Hood River Lavender Farms deserves a slot on your Hood River itinerary. The certified-organic, family-owned farm boasts fantastic views of the mountain, a country store with hand-made bath and beauty products, and of course, expansive lavender fields.
During peak bloom season in June and July, visitors can stop by and wander the fields for free or even pick your own lavender bundle. They have a little ice cream stand on site too!, which I recommend!
Bonus: The lavender farm is directly next to one of our favorite Hood River wineries, Stave & Stone! After picking your lavender, walk over to the winery for a glass of vino. They have seating with amazing mountain views or a more casual “backyard” area with lawn games.
Psst! Check out these other breathtaking Oregon lavender farms you can visit!
11. Stroll Waterfront Park
Hood River’s Columbia River waterfront is a lively hub with small playgrounds, open grassy areas, a sandy swimming beach, and walking trails. This is also a fantastic spot to watch kiteboarders.
Another perk to this area is that it is lined with restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.
- Grab a coffee at STOKED Roasters + Coffeehouse
- Order a wood-fired pizza to go from Solstice and bring it down to the grassy part of the part for a perfect picnic spot
- If you’re craving something heartier, Grasslands Barbecue is a local favorite
- Try a local beer at one of the area’s most renowned breweries, pFreim, or grab food and drinks at Ferment Brewing
- Grab a cone at Romeo Gelato
12. Head across the river to White Salmon
White Salmon is a tiny town just across the Columbia River in Washington state and is well worth a visit.
Wander the (very) small downtown strip, spot murals, get gorgeous mountain views, and enjoy some food while you’re there.
Good to know: The fastest way to get to White Salmon from Hood River requires crossing the toll bridge. At the time of writing, the toll fee is $3.50. You will be sent a fee in the mail and can pay online. Locals can buy passes to make it a simpler process.
Places to eat in White Salmon
- Everybody’s Brewing: Order literally any beer on tap and the to-die-for pulled pork nachos (fair warning, the portion is enormous so you’ll want to share!). If possible, snag a seat on the patio and take in the epic mountain views.
- White Salmon Baking Co.: Really good pastries and breakfast sandwiches
- Nativ Cafe: Cozy global fusion cafe serving breakfast and lunch. The GF butter mochi muffins are great as are the breakfast burritos.
13. Ride the Mount Hood Railroad
The Mount Hood Railroad is nearly a century old and takes passengers on scenic rides with several offerings throughout the year.
- Classic scenic ride through the Hood River Valley’s orchards and vineyards
- Spring “Buds & Blossoms” train through blooming fruit trees
- Fall Harvest train for peak foliage
- Polar Express holiday train each winter
- Champagne brunch on holiday weekends
- Western Train Robbery, a live-action “robbery” in which passengers get pulled into
- Railbikes are motor-assisted, two-person bikes along the old rail line (roughly 5.5 miles round trip)
14. Explore more of the Columbia River Gorge
This incredible stretch that divides Oregon and Washington has endless things to explore beyond Hood River. There are unique places to stay, epic hikes, charming small towns, historic landmarks, and so much more.
👉🏼We even created a full guide to the Columbia River Gorge so you can plan the perfect trip!
Traveling with kids in Hood River?
Insider Tip: The Children’s Park is always a must stop for us each time we’re in Hood River. It’s a really beautifully-designed playground! We also really like the little playground at the Waterfront Park.
On our list for next time…
- Bike (or walk) through the Mosier Tunnels
- Catch live music at Mosier Company
- Walk the Penstock Flume Pipeline Trail
- Do the Railbikes through Mount Hood Railroad
Where to eat in Hood River
Hood River’s foodie scene is just as varied as the rest of the city, with at least a couple of options for literally every taste and budget.
From quick casual to fancy sit-down restaurants with a view, you definitely won’t go hungry in Hood River!
Coffee shops & Cafes
- Freshies Bagels & Juice: great breakfast bagel sandwiches and smoothies in the heart of town
- Doppio Coffee: cute coffee house known for their honey lavender latte
- STOKED Roasters + Coffeehouse: good option for morning coffee, right down by the river
- Remedy Café: Clean, healthy breakfast and lunch, plus smoothies.
- Pine Street Bakery: Pastries and sandwiches. Get there before 10am to beat the rush.
- Broder Øst: Scandinavian breakfast and brunch spot in a bright, modern downtown space. Try the Swedish hash or the smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches with trout, ham, and pickled beets).
- River Daze Cafe: Clean, minimalist café with big mountain-view windows. Get one of the english muffin breakfast sandwiches!
Restaurants & Breweries
- KickStand Coffee & Kitchen: Coffee and cocktails as well as a globally-inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. One of our favorites (we have been more times than I can remember!)
- Love & Hominy Tacos: Globally-inspired tacos and margaritas. My favorites were the Vietnamese and the Mediterranean.
- Solstice Wood Fire Pizza & Bar: Wood-fired pizza with local ingredients. Go for the Cremini or Country Girl Cherry, and take it to the waterfront if there’s a wait.
- Grasslands Barbecue: Food truck barbecue, weekends only, until they sell out.
- Double Mountain Brewery: Wood-fired pizza and creative brews. The Truffle Shuffle is the go-to if you like mushrooms.
- Mugen Noodle: Cozy ramen shop that’s a great winter pick when you want something warm and slurpable.
- Pesco: Hidden gem food truck in a kind of random spot (that you’d never find unless you know where to look). The menu is small and everything is scratch-made. Don’t forget an order of house-made focaccia.
Best time to visit Hood River
We’ve visited all year round and truthfully can’t choose a favorite time because Hood River has a unique draw in every season.
- Spring brings pastel blossoms to the orchards outside of town and is the perfect season to tackle some hikes (put Dog Mountain on your list for wildflowers and epic views!).
- Summer is a perfect time to visit the flower fields, pick your own cherries and hang out on the Columbia River.
- Fall brings comfortable temperatures and the opportunity to pick your own apples and pears in the nearby orchards.
- Winter is relatively mild in this riverside town, but offers easy access to epic skiing at the resorts on Mount Hood.
How to get to Hood River
Hood River is almost exactly 60 miles east of Portland, making for an easy 1-hour drive. It’s basically a straight shot down I-84 and makes for a great day trip from Portland.
Where to stay in Hood River
Inn at the Gorge: B&B in a cute residential section of town offering welcoming, super comfy accommodations and a delicious, hearty daily breakfast. There are six guest rooms, all uniquely decorated, plus shared outdoor spaces including an enormous, quaint wraparound porch and a lovely private backyard with a big deck and hot tub. The Inn at the Gorge is also within walking distance of several restaurants and other Hood River hotspots.
Gorge Nest: Adorable, centrally-located self-contained guest suite with everything you could possibly want or need for a Hood River getaway. While there isn’t a full kitchen, you do have a mini-fridge, microwave, and hot water dispenser, plus the owners stock coffee supplies and snacks (and a wine opener!).
White Salmon Guesthouse: Just across the river on the Washington side in White Salmon, this light, airy guest house is ideal for solo travelers and couples. It’s two blocks from downtown (where you’ll find Everybody’s Brewing) in a super walkable location, making it an ideal basecamp for all your Gorge adventures. The guest house has ultra-fast wifi and a kitchenette, plus a front porch and parking space right out front.
Klickitat Treehouse: Also in White Salmon, this dreamy treehouse deserves a spot on your bucket list. The modern space comes with every imaginable amenity, including a full kitchen indoor wood-burning fireplace, wraparound deck with BBQ, and a private fire pit. The views of Mount Adams are to-die-for and thanks to the 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy them from anywhere in the treehouse.
Plan your trip to Oregon
Being that Oregon is our home state, we have TONS of content to help you plan your trip. Start with our Oregon Homepage and be sure to check out the articles below. Leave us a comment if you have any more questions!
- If you need more ideas, here are some incredible places to visit in Oregon.
- You’ll want to keep this Oregon road trip itinerary close by.
- Read up on all the unique things to do in Portland.
- Check out all the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon (our hometown!)
- If you’re headed west, here are all the cutest Oregon Coast towns.
- Plan your Oregon coast road trip with our insider tips & map.
- Keep this list of our favorite things to do in Oregon handy.
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these fun things to do in Hood River stands out to you? Are you planning a trip and still have questions? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!
Katie Diederichs is the lead writer and co-founder of Two Wandering Soles, where she creates in-depth travel guides, itineraries, and tips designed to help readers plan better trips with confidence. With a background in journalism, photography, and design, she combines thorough research with firsthand experience to deliver clear, practical, and visually driven travel content. As the primary trip planner, Katie turns complex logistics into easy-to-follow advice travelers can actually use.
Great guide! We’re going to be in The Dalles most of August, and it’s just a short drive to Hood River. We’ll definitely be checking out the Fruit Loop and your other great suggestions.
The fruit loop is a must if you’re in the area! The Dalles is so close (and there is so much more to do in Hood River anyway!)
fun things to do in hood river: leave and go to washingting
I mean, have you seen White Salmon, WA! It’s worth the 5 minute drive north of Hood River. I highly recommend Everybody’s Brewing Company. Their food is incredible and the beer is excellent!
i didnt realize it was 5 minutes away hehe
Hi
Great article with nice tips on Hood River highlights and things to do.
However, I just wanted to point out that Hood River is not the windsurfing capital of the world! It is windsurfings high wind capital of North America. And just a note that North America is not the world for those who might need to observe the point.
Maui is the capital of the world for windsurfing.
Another noteworthy point is that many places in the world have even more windsurfers and higher wind such as Gran Canaria Island, the Canary Islands, Spain.
All very great places to go wind surfing! Looks like we have more places to visit!