Hood River, Oregon is also the windsurfing and Anjou pear capital of the world.
Throughout the hr - foresightful drive from Portland along the Columbia River Gorge , glimpses of gorgeous mountainsides and flash waves of weewee offer up a sneak peek of what awaits in Hood River .
Nestled at the merging of the Columbia and Hood Rivers , the Oregon city has many claims to fame , include a railroad terminus on the National Register of Historic Places date back to 1882 , which aid it blossom and lead to the official establishment of Hood River in 1895 . A block away , a historical downtown area and charming master street also offer diminished - Ithiel Town vibes dotted with ma - and - pop shops .
Currently , with a universe of 8,000 , Hood River is also known as being a year - long hub for outdoor sport against the prime backdrop of the Pacific Northwest , the Anjou pear uppercase of the world abundant withlocal fruit farms , and for the nearby bridge where Reese Witherspoon ’s lineament finish her journey in the final scene of the 2014 moving-picture show , Wild .
Wilderton’s distillery and tasting room in Hood River.|Photo courtesy of Wilderton
Hood River of late ushered in another first with the debut ofWilderton , America ’s first non - alcoholic distillery and tasting elbow room . For your next escape from Portland , here ’s everything fun to do on a getaway to Hood River , Oregon .
Travel time
1 hour from Portland
If you don’t do anything else: Sip zero-proof cocktails and hang at America’s first non-alcoholic distillery and tasting room
America ’s relationship with alcoholic drink is speedily change , and long become are the days when booze - innocent sustenance mean doom for a social life . The advancing phylogeny of this new norm is also in part to companionship likeWilderton , a botanical - drive non - alcoholic craft emotional state sword . They open their flagship homebase in Hood River to welcome the country ’s first NA still and tasting elbow room . locate at the Hood River Waterfront Park and ground by Oregon topical anaesthetic , Brad Whiting and Seth O’Malley , head to the gorgeous space for drinks and still tours for sober hangs all yr beyond Dry January and Sober October .
Fill your days
Things to do outdoors in Hood River
From water sports and skiing to hikes with waterfalls , Hood River is a great place to enjoy the outdoors all year .
know as the “ Windsurfing Capital of the World , ” take in waves on the Columbia River Gorge with object lesson and rentals from bothBrian ’s Kiteboarding , Windsurfing , & SUPandBig Winds . Mt. Hood is Oregon ’s tallest peak and just a 20 - minute drive away . Hit the slopes atMt . Hood Meadowsfor skiing , snowboarding , and snowshoe through an array of trails open to all ability levels .
The Pacific Crest Trailis a famous 2,650 - mile hike track that runs along the American West Coast from Mexico to Canada through the states of California , Oregon , and Washington . Its Oregon route passes through theBridge of the Godsin the nearby city of Cascade Locks , which is a 25 - minute cause aside . The bridge is also know for the concluding scene ofWild . Take a selfie on the illustrious span and hop on the PCT itinerary for a bit to take in the celebrated Pacific Northwest nature .
The local area is also home to a plethora of tramp track and scenic goal like waterfalls atPool of the Winds .
Eat, drink and sleep
Restaurants and bars in and near Hood River
Located on the downtown main street of Oak Street , Broder Øston the ground flooring of the Hood River Hotel offers Scandinavian fare within a casual two - story dining elbow room . serve brunch only , the kitchen is open daily from 8 am–3 pm for dishes like Swedish Meatballs and the touch Lindstrom Burger geminate with champagne cocktails or aquavit , a traditional Norse spirit .
Just over the Hood River Bridge in the nearby city of White Salmon ( which is technically in Washington State),Henni ’s Kitchen and Baroffers a refined dinner party menu with Fresh Baked Focaccia , Fresh Black Mussels , and Pan - Seared Halibut to pair with beer , wine , and signature cocktails .
In nearby Stevenson , also on the other side of the Columbia River in Washington , the 175 - Accho hangout , Skamania Lodge , is an entire destination of its own . Dine at its onsite eateries , Cascade Dining Room and River Rock Lounge , for local and seasonal offerings ranging from Margherita Pizza , Braised Short Rib , and Pacific Seafood Risotto with any booze to your liking .
Wilderton’s distillery and tasting room in Hood River.|Photo courtesy of Wilderton
Where to stay in Hood River
sit on Oak Street and a block by from the historic wagon train station , theHood River Hoteldates back to 1912 and is also on the National Register of Historic Places . The pet - well-disposed lodgings range from modern suites with a contemporary esthetic to classic rooms that capture all of the vintage component ( rheumy floors let in ) of the more than century - sure-enough establishment . Take note : if you get an eerie and creepy impression anywhere on the property — or specially during eye contact with the faces in the monolithic picture hanging above bottom — just know you ’re not alone .
The Hood River Hotel|Photo courtesy of the Hood River Hotel
