Ah that feeling when you pass the cloud bank that constantly hovers over Portland during the non-summer months and make it to the sunshine of Hood River never gets old.
Given the amount of blissful weekends I spend here, I figured it’s high time I shared my own personal list of the best things to do in Hood River. Whether you’re planning a day (or weekend) trip to Hood River like I usually do, this list should prove useful.
Located in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is one of the most charming towns in Oregon. Full of quaint farms, delightful wineries, epic hiking trails, top-notch breweries, and panoramic views, there’s so much to love about this pocket of the state.
Without further ado, here’s some of my favorite things to do in Hood River.
Planning a trip to Hood River but haven’t booked a place to stay? If you’re looking for a beautiful spot overlooking the river, my favorite hotel in Hood River might just be yours too 😉
Best Things to Do in Hood River, Oregon
(Click here for the table of contents)
Table of Contents: Things to in Hood River, Oregon
Table of Contents: Things to Do When Visiting Hood River
- Best Things to Do in Hood River, Oregon
- Visit the Famous Lavender Farms
- Explore the Historic Downtown
- Watch the Windsurfers
- Stock Up on Seasonal Produce
- Enjoy a Slow Afternoon at a Winery
- Or Go Brewery Hopping Instead
- Spend a Relaxing Afternoon at the Gorge White House
- Walk Hood River Waterfront Park
- Pick a Bouquet at Grateful Vineyards
- Spend the Night at One of Oregon’s Most Iconic Hotels
- Hike the Beautiful Trails at Mount Hood
- Hop Aboard the Mount Hood Railroad
- Visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
- Hike the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
- Mountain Bike at Post Canyon
- Go Steelhead Fishing
- Hood River Guide (Post Summary)
- Map of the Best Hood River, Oregon Activities
Visit the Famous Lavender Farms
If you’re visiting Hood River in the summer, then visiting one of the many lavender farms here is an absolute must-add to your list of things to do. The epic backdrops of Mt Hood and Mt Adams (depending on which way you’re looking) really add to the scene.
If you’re planning to visit, peak bloom for lavender varies from year to year based on the weather, but between mid-June & mid-July is your bet bet.
Most Oregon lavender farms offer U-Cut options where you can borrow shears from a stand and cut your own bouquets to take home (typically $15 per bunch). Likewise, the gift shops are full of fun lavender-scented products like soaps, candles, lip balms, essential oils, lotions, and other creative lavender-scented products.
Heck, you’ll even find delicious edible treats too like lavender lemonade, lavender ice cream, and lavender honey (my favorite). Visiting the lavender farms is one of those quintessential things to do in Hood River in the summer, you won’t want to miss it.
You May Enjoy Reading: 5 Enchanting Lavender Farms in Oregon
Explore the Historic Downtown
There was a time when Hood River’s downtown could’ve been considered a bit sleepy. No longer. These days cute shops, great coffee, and tasty restaurants line the streets making the downtown a definite add to your list of things to do in Hood River.
A stroll down Oak Street is a great way to spend a sunny Saturday morning. I recommend brunch (or any meal) at Broder Øst and coffee at Doppio.
The downtown also has a charming view of the river, especially higher up on the hill. Bring a snack or grab a cup of coffee, find a nice bench, and enjoy some stunning views while you eat a bite.
Watch the Windsurfers
If you’re the type of person that loves the feeling of having the wind at your back and knowing there’s a good chance that at any moment it will toss you into the icy-cold waters of the Columbia River, well, congrats! Hood River has you covered.
In all seriousness, many outdoorsy types love windsurfing, and this blustery destination is perfect for it. In fact, Hood River is known as the wind surfing capital of the world. Even if you’re not up for giving it a go yourself (like me), watching the windsurfers is just as much.
Local’s Tip: If you’d like to try your hand abs at windsurfing, sign up for a lesson from Big Winds. If you’re a pro, grab your own gear and hit the water for hours of fun.
Stock Up on Seasonal Produce
Every September, the end of summer is made slightly less sad by the knowledge that it’s time for my annual apple picking trip to Hood River. Hood River offers a bonanza of u-pick and farm stand options, all which can be hit in one go on the Hood River Fruit Loop, which offers visitors a guided tour through some of the region’s most popular agricultural destinations.
The Hood River Fruit Loop is a 35-mile drive through breathtaking orchard country. The route includes 28 farm stands, wineries, cideries, breweries and glorious flower fields. Visitors can pick fruits (apples, pears, cherries) at various local farms that cover more than 14,500 acres of farmland in the valley.
If you love a good deal, supporting local farmers, and the sweet taste of delicious apples, then add this to your list of things to do in Hood River.
Enjoy a Slow Afternoon at a Winery
One of my (personal) favorite things to do in Hood River is to spend time at the beautiful wineries in the area. In fact, these wineries are the reason I fell in love with Hood River in the first place.
The Columbia River Gorge is teeming with award-winning wineries, ripe for exploration. Much aligned with the relaxed Pacific Northwest lifestyle, the wineries in the Columbia Gorge offer an easy-going atmosphere that encourages you to slow down for a while. Scenic views of mountains, rolling hillsides and charming farms with a glass of cold Chardonnay in hand? Who can resist that? Not this gal.
A couple of my favorites include Hiyu (on the fancy side for sure), Marchesi (super laid back and relaxing), and Stave & Stone (somewhere in the middle with epic views to boot).
You May Enjoy Reading: 18 Breathtaking Hood River Wineries Guaranteed to Impress
Or Go Brewery Hopping Instead
Hood River has no shortage of great breweries to choose from. Some of these award-winners are considered the best breweries in Oregon state, which makes popping in for a pint non-negotiable in my book!
One of my favorite breweries here is pFriem (“freem”). Opened in 2012, pFriem has amassed an impressive array of prestigious beer awards (including being named Brewery of the Year by Beer Connoisseur for three years).
The artisanal beers are inspired by European influences while staying true to Northwest roots. The end product is a beautiful thing: complex, smooth and satisfying, these are some of the best beers in the Gorge.
My husband’s favorite is Ferment and even if you somehow don’t love the beer (fighting words) you’ll enjoy the atmosphere. Fully planked with natural wood panels, the massive floor to ceiling windows expose breathtaking views of the gorge. The newly designed brewery has a minimalist Nordic flare to it, which keeps the focus on the exceptional brews. I recommend opting for a tasting flight and making sure to include a sour (especially the strawberry one).
This is a popular post-hike activity which means long wait times are all but guaranteed on the weekends. If the wait is too long for your liking, pop over to the Washington side of the Gorge and hit up Everybody’s Brewing instead (the apricot sour is something else!).
You May Enjoy Reading: All 12 Columbia Gorge Breweries (Ranked)
Spend a Relaxing Afternoon at the Gorge White House
The Gorge White House is a majestic 1908 Dutch Colonial house that sits on a 30-acre farm in the very heart of Hood River Valley. While the Gorge White House doesn’t produce wine in-house, they offer pours from local Hood River wineries, in addition to knock-out cider flights and local craft brews.
This is a great place for the whole family because the sprawling property has a large u-pick wildflower field in addition to a charming gift shop and several u-pick fruits and veggies.
Every time we’re in Hood River, regardless of the wineries we visit, my husband always asks to swing by the Gorge White House for the hard cider flight, he’s a sucker for it.
As for food, I never pass up the chance to order the seasonal salad because it tastes so fresh. But heads up, food orders typically take an hour to prepare for some reason. However, if you have the time, the food is completely worth it.
Walk Hood River Waterfront Park
Want to relax somewhere quiet and peaceful, while still joining in the hustle and bustle of this charming town? Make a beeline for Hood River Waterfront Park. Strolling this scenic park is one of the best things to do in Hood River.
With room to spread out a picnic, play games, and enjoy the stunning views of the Columbia River, you’ll be spoiled all afternoon. Plus, a visit to this gem is the perfect way to wind down from a morning adventure or a long week of sightseeing.
Pick a Bouquet at Grateful Vineyards
Opened in 2019 by Katrina McAlexander, Grateful Vineyard is Hood River’s first winery, cidery and brewery combo. The passion project of a 3rd generation farmer, Katrina’s great-great grandparents tended a vineyard in Switzerland before immigrating to Oregon in 1905.
Years later, Katrina’s uncle and aunt would start Elk Cove Vineyard in the Willamette Valley (1974). Today, Grateful Vineyard partners with Elk Cove Vineyard to produce exceptional wines under the Grateful Vineyard label.
Home to an apple orchard, tons of flower fields (the sunflowers & dahlias are magical!) and an epic outdoor patio, the relaxing ambience and great vibes guarantee a great time.
Learn from my mistake and make lunch or dinner reservations well in advance (the wood-fired pizza is top-notch). Reservations are required for tastings and food pairings, you can book online in advance. You won’t regret adding this to your list of things to do in Hood River.
Spend the Night at One of Oregon’s Most Iconic Hotels
There’s a few good places to stay in Hood River, but none get me more excited than the Columbia Gorge Hotel. This hotel is as iconic as it is beautiful. It took me many trips to even know it existed as most of my times visiting Hood River tend to be day trips from Portland.
“The Waldorf of the West” was originally constructed in 1921 by Simon Benson, the Portland timber magnate famous for his “Benson Bubblers” which provide fresh drinking water to Portland citizens to this day. Famous guests in the early years included presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt.
While the hotel has gone through many renovations and owners over the years, it is as magnificent as ever today and offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the gorge. While it’s certainly not the least expensive lodging options in Hood River, it’s bound to be the most memorable.
Benson was quoted as saying, “No one has the right to die and not leave something to the public and for the public good.” Well in the Columbia Gorge Hotel he’s sure left us a wonderful addition to our list of things to do in Hood River.
Hike the Beautiful Trails at Mount Hood
If you’re an adventurous out-of-town visitor, it would be a pity not to take advantage of the valley’s namesake, Mt. Hood (the third most climbed mountain in the world!).
Known for its distinct double hump at the top, this semi-dormant volcano last erupted in 1866 and is still actively monitored for signs of activity.
That said, there’s no need to side-eye this beloved Oregon landmark. Locals will tell you that it’s a very gentle giant, with plenty of gorgeous hiking trails in Mount Hood National Forest, which covers its lower slopes.
Hop Aboard the Mount Hood Railroad
This is a great Hood River activity no matter what age you are, but if you have little ones, it’s a can’t-miss. First established at the beginning of the 20th century, Mount Hood Railroad closed in 1987. Investors thereupon purchased and rehabbed the trains and tracks, which you can now enjoy during your trip to Hood River Today.
The train winds along beautiful stretches of Hood River then climbs hills to give you glimpses of the mountain for which the railroad was named. Train rides are several hours long, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views.
Check out the holiday train options if you’re going to be there at Easter or Christmas! This is definitely one of the best things to do in Hood River with kids.
Visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
Aviation nerds unite! The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is just as cool as its name suggests, with “one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country.”
The scale of this place is hard to wrap your head around – WAAAM boasts 3.5 acres (yes, acres!!) of indoor hangar space. It’s no wonder the mostly older volunteers and staff here use Segways to get around. If you’re planning to visit the museum, be sure to leave plenty of time to see not just the airplanes… but the cars… and all the other vehicles housed here – a few hours is plenty (although it seemed my travel companion could’ve stayed all month).
Hike the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Old U.S. Highway 30 formerly wound along the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. However, it’s no longer accessible by car. That doesn’t mean you can’t still catch some stunning views of the panorama from up there, though.
Now, the old highway has become the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. You can make your way along it on foot or by bicycle today, with more than 12 miles of gorgeous trail, much of it paved. Bring a picnic lunch and spend all day in the midst of nature.
Mountain Bike at Post Canyon
Post Canyon is known for its excellent mountain biking, with a huge network of trails on Hood River’s west side. Whether you love twists and turns or adrenaline-pumping downhill spills, you’ll find it on this trail. Expect to rub elbows with locals on the weekends, the trail gets very busy!
You can access Post Canyon through four main trailheads:
- Post Canyon Road
- 7 Streams
- Family Man
- Binns Hill
Don’t forget about trail etiquette. Although Post Canyon is dedicated to bikers (no pedestrians to crash into, yay!) you still need to watch out for the smaller set.
Go Steelhead Fishing
Steelhead trout are a neat species. The scientifically minded will be interested to learn that they’re actually genetically identical to rainbow trout.
The difference is, rainbow trout spend their entire life in freshwater, while steelheads do the whole fish-heads-to-the-ocean-for-some-fun-before-returning-home-to-breed thing. (Think of it like rumspringa, but for our aquatic brethren.)
In addition to being cool, of course, they’re also quite delicious. Many anglers fish in Hood River – a tributary of the Columbia – as well as the latter. If you don’t have gear, you can find somewhere to rent it downtown.
Hood River Guide (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the BEST things to do in Hood River, Oregon.
- Go Windsurfing
- Window Shop in the Historic District
- Visit a Farm for U-Pick Fruit
- Enjoy a Slow Afternoon at a Winery
- Or Go Brewery Hopping Instead
- Dip Your Toes in Hood River Waterfront Park
- Hike the Beautiful Trails at Mount Hood
- Hop Aboard the Mount Hood Railroad
- Mountain Bike at Post Canyon
- Fish for Steelhead
- Hike the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
- Visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
Map of the Best Hood River, Oregon Activities
Cheers!
What is happening in Hood River in June to see local art. Is there a museum? Galleries? Cooperatives? Please reply. I will be there eve of June 20 through noon June 23. Thanks.
Thanks for the tips
My pleasure!! 🙂