24 Best Things to Do in Hood River, OR

By VI Staff on July 2, 2020 - Updated

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Surrounded by spectacular waterfalls, high basalt cliffs, rolling farmlands and orchards, and the azure blue Columbia River, Hood River is a vibrant small town with a passion for the great outdoors. Set along the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River offers a wealth of things to see and do, ranging from hiking and mountain biking along the Columbia River Gorge; taking a scenic train trip through the countryside; kiteboarding or windsurfing on the Columbia River; and skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in winter. Add to that interesting museums and art galleries, cozy cafés and coffee shops, and sleek wineries, and the small town has something for everyone. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.

1.Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a magnificent 4,000-foot deep canyon above the Columbia River that stretches for over eighty miles westward through the Cascade Range. Forming the boundary between the state of Washington to the north and Oregon to the south, the canyon offers the only navigable route through the Cascades Range, and the river is the only water connection between the Columbia Plateau and the Pacific Ocean. The gorge is protected as the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and offers a wide variety of recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, and guided tours.

Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-308-1700

2.Mount Hood

Known as Wy'east by the Multnomah tribe, Mount Hood is a potentially active stratovolcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. Resting on the border between Clackamas and Hood River counties, about 50 miles east-southeast of Portland, and crowned by 11 glaciers, Mount Hood is Oregon's highest mountain, and the second most climbed mountain in the world. Natural attractions in and around the mountain include carpets of wildflowers, several hiking trails, six skiing areas, the 1930s Timberline Lodge, the Hood River County Fruit Loop, which boasts hectares of fruit orchards, lavender and wildflowers, and several spectacular alpine lakes.

Clackamas / Hood River counties, Oregon

3.Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum

Located next to the Ken Jernstedt Memorial Airport, the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum is dedicated to the preservation of aviation, automobile, and other historic transportation-related relics. The museum features the most extensive collection of three-cylinder, radial-powered airplanes in the country that focuses on aircraft from the early 1900s, along with army, air corps, and naval aircraft from the Second World War. The museum also boasts an outstanding collection of OX-5-powered airplanes and hosts the annual Hood River Fly-In show every year that features antique aircraft and automobiles from around the country.

1600 Air Museum Rd, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-308-1600

4.Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom

Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom is a brewery and pub that produces a range of innovative craft beers and distributes them in the Pacific Northwest, the Los Angeles area, and New Jersey. Founded in 2007, the spacious brewpub-restaurant is a popular spot for casual fare and great beers, serving a menu of wood-fired brick-oven pizza, gourmet sandwiches, snack baskets, and other pub grub. A rotating selection of craft beers is available on tap and by the bottle, and live music is regularly hosted at the venue. Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom has taprooms in Woodstock and Hood River and is open every day for lunch and dinner.

Eight 4th St, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-387-0042

5.Hood River Distillers Tasting Room

Hood River Distillers is a long-standing distillery that produces, bottles, markets and imports spirits in the Northwest. Established in 1934, Hood River Distillers is the oldest of its kind in this state and has kept up with the time by designing a stunning new tasting room on Oak Street. The stylish new venue is furnished in natural materials with original brick walls, cork plank flooring, a beautiful curved edge walnut bar, and contemporary steel finishes. The tasting room also features the original bank vault, in which visitors can watch a video detailing the history of Hood River Distillers from its humble beginnings to the present day. A fully-stocked bar serves bottles of the various spirits and tasting samples.

304 Oak St Suite #3, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-716-5276

6.Mt. Hood Railroad

The Mount Hood Railroad is a heritage and shortline freight railroad that provides exciting excursions through the beautiful Hood River Valley to Mount Hood. The historic century-old railroad was once an essential connection between the valley’s fruit farmers and foresters with the significant markets in the area; however, today, its primary function is simply to provide visitors with an unforgettable train ride through the magnificent Hood River Valley to Mount Hood. The excursion takes place aboard original historic cars dating from the early 1900s and begins at the northern depot in downtown Hood River and travels through the Hood River Valley which is filled with orchards of fruit trees and fields of blooming flowers and boasts breathtaking views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams and the majestic Cascade Range. The journey ends at the southern terminus at the base of Mount Hood in picturesque Parkdale, which is home to several fascinating museums and restaurants.

110 Mt Hood Railroad, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 800-872-4661

7.Celilo Restaurant and Bar

Celilo Restaurant and Bar is a woodsy-chic New American restaurant on Oak Street in the heart of downtown Hood River that serves contemporary farm-to-table cuisine and Oregon beers and wines. Committed to sustainability, the restaurant uses only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients from local foragers, ranchers, and winegrowers to create a menu of farm-to-table fare such as grass-fed, antibiotic and hormone-free meats, fresh local seafood, and organic salads, herbs and vegetables. A full-service bar serves a selection of award-winning wines from Oregon and surrounds local craft beers and brews, and classic cocktails made with high-end spirits. Celilo Restaurant and Bar is open for dinner.

16 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-5710

8.Mt. Hood Winery

Located in the Hood River Valley, Mt. Hood Winery produces highly-acclaimed wines using techniques that have been passed down through five generations of winemakers. Established in 2009 by Steve and Don Bickford, the winery rests on a century-old farm in the beautiful Hood River Valley that has been in the Bickford family for more than five generations and produces quality vintages on its fertile, well-maintained land. Mt. Hood Winery’s award-winning wines can be sampled at the scenic Mt. Hood Winery Tasting Room, which offers indoor and outdoor seating, a crackling fireplace for the cooler months and spectacular views of the Hood River Valley.

2882 Van Horn Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-8333

9.White Salmon River

Located in south-central Washington, the White Salmon River is a 44-mile tributary of the Columbia River that originates on the slopes of Mount Adams and flows down into the Columbia Gorge near the community of Underwood. A designated Wild and Scenic area, the river has an approximately 400-square mile watershed and is home to a vast array of wildlife and waterfowl. It is also a popular white-water rafting destination and offers the sport year-round, as well as more sedate activities such as hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching. Continuous rapids, rushing waterfalls, and abrupt drops challenge white-water rafters advanced skill, and only ten commercial outfitters are issued special use permits to white-water raft and kayak on the White Salmon River.

Klickitat County, Skamania County

10.Tom McCall Nature Preserve

Nestled between Mosier and The Dalles, the Tom McCall Nature Preserve is a pristine nature reserve with a magnificent plateau overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Named for Oregon Governor Thomas Lawson McCall, who inspired a commitment to nature conservation, the reserve is famous its spectacular displays of wildflowers that cover the gorge in May. The park is home to several species of rare plant populations, which are monitored by ecologists and can be enjoyed on docent-led interpretive hikes during the spring when the flowers are in bloom. There are also several hiking trails throughout the reserve that cater to all skill levels.

Old Columbia River Scenic Highway, Rowena, OR 97014, Phone: 800-628-6860

11.Full Sail Brewing Company

Founded in 1987, the Full Sail Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery that produces about 100,000 barrels of beer a year, sold in bottles, cans, and kegs in 28 states. Formerly known as the Hood River Brewing Company, Full Sail was one of Oregon's early microbreweries and the first craft brewery to bottle beer for sale in the Pacific Northwest. Signature ales include Full Sail Golden Ale, Full Sail Imperial Porter, Full Sail Amber Ale, and Wassail Winter Ale and eleven-ounce, snub-nosed bottles of a lower-alcohol Session Lager. Guided brewery tours are available, and tastings can be enjoyed on the riverside patio against a backdrop of lovely views.

506 Columbia St, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-2247

12.Wy'East Vineyards

Wy'East Vineyards produces handcrafted wines from estate-grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay grapes, along with the highest quality fruit grown at some of the finest vineyards in the region. Owned by husband-and-wife team, Christie and Dick Reed, Wy'East Vineyards is named after the Native American word for Mt. Hood and is one of the highest elevation vineyards in the state, resting at an elevation of 1,600 feet in the Hood River Valley. The estate’s tasting room and winery is located at Blue Chip Farm and features a lovely outdoor patio where the wines can be sampled against a backdrop of bucolic views.

3189 OR-35, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-1277

13.Hood River Waterfront Park

The Hood River Waterfront Park is a bustling, multi-use area for recreational activities and pastimes, offering a wide range of amenities. Bordering the Hood River, the park has a beautiful crescent-shaped beach for sunbathing and swimming and a sandbar kite beach for windsurfing and kiteboarding, picnic tables, and benches, a marina with launching areas for watercraft, and winding walkways for strolling, cycling, and jogging. Other activities that can be enjoyed in the park include fishing, kayaking and canoeing, beachcombing, and dining out at one of the casual restaurants in the area.

650 Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-387-5201

14.Hood River U-Pick Organic

Hood River U-Pick Organic is a family-owned and operated working farm that grows organic blueberries, cherries, raspberries, heirloom tomatoes, honey crisp apples, and dahlias. The farm is open to the public and offers fruit and flower picking, picnicking, and relaxing in a laid-back environment with spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Picnic tables and Adirondack chairs are scattered throughout the orchard and visitors can pick, weigh and pay for fruit, flowers, and berries to take home. There is also a petting zoo with farm animals such as pigs, chickens, roosters and goats that children can pet and feed.

4320 Royal Anne Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-308-0401

15.Hood River Marina Park

Located on the banks of the Hood River, the Hood River Marina Park is a public recreation area with a yacht marina, a picnic shelter, and a variety of activities such as community education sailing classes, kayaking, sailing, and Hood River Yacht Club activities. The Marina Park picnic shelter can be reserved for private events and functions, and the marina has a short-term transient dock available for travelers.

Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-2383

16.Cascade Cliffs Winery

Set along the Columbia River beautiful and scenic Columbia River Gorge below towering basalt cliffs, Cascade Cliffs Winery is a 20-acre family-owned winery with vines dating back to 1986 that produces a variety of classic wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel, and northern Italian varietals such as Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. The main tasting room for the winery is in Wishram, Washington, with two other tasting rooms in Woodinville, Washington, and Hood River in Oregon, and they are open Monday through Wednesday in the afternoon and early evening.

8866 WA-14, Wishram, WA 98635, Phone: 509-767-1100

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17.The History Museum of Hood River County

Located in Port Marina Park, the History Museum of Hood River County is dedicated to showcasing the history of Hood County and the mid-Columbia River Gorge area’s diverse cultural heritage. The vibrant center aims to engage visitors through a collection of artifacts, documents, engaging exhibits, and exciting programs about the unique history of the area and create a better understanding of the heritage that preserves the past, shapes the future. Permanent Exhibits include Pioneer Settlers, Agriculture, Native American Culture, Timber and Logging, the Hood River Japanese American story, and others. The museum is also home to the Children's Exploration Space that features hands-on activities and educational displays for families and children of all ages.

300 E Port Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-6772

18.Columbia Center for the Arts and Columbia Art Gallery

Located downtown Hood River in the heart of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, the Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) is a thriving arts center that promotes and cultivates the performing and visual arts and provides opportunities for artists of the greater Columbia River Gorge community. The center houses a 1,700 square-foot fine art and craft gallery for the exhibition and sales of visual artwork, an auditorium, and 136-fixed seat black box theater for hosting performing arts shows, and 700-square-feet of multi-use spaces for educational arts programming for all ages and all levels of experience. Featured programs include monthly fine art and craft exhibitions, a year-round Children’s Theatre program, Teen Apprenticeship Program, a Seniors & the Arts program, and National Theatre Live broadcasts.

215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-387-8877

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19.The Pines 1852 Tasting Room

One an abandoned century-old vineyard struggling for survival, The Pines vineyard was purchased by vintner, Lonnie Wright in 1982, and transformed into a thriving vineyard today that produces Old Vine Zinfandel, Merlot, and Syrah. The estate’s limited-production, boutique wines can be sampled at the tasting room on Cascade Avenue, which features a comfortable living room area, bistro-style seating, and a large cherry wood bar. Expert staff are on hand to share the story of the winery, the vines and the wines it produces, as well as to advise on food and wine pairing of the wines.

202 E 2nd St & Cascade Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-993-8301

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20.Bette's Place

Bette’s Place is a long-standing, family-run eatery that has been serving the community with hearty all-day breakfasts and homemade lunches since 1975. Known as the ‘Friendliest Restaurant in Town,’ the 130-seat restaurant serves breakfast plates of French toast, omelets, egg dishes, stacks of pancakes and waffles, and specials like homemade quiche, huevos tortillas, chorizo burritos, and eggs Florentine. Lunch dishes range from homemade soups and specialty burgers to gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads. Don’t miss the legendary cinnamon rolls or award-winning pies made by Bette herself. Special menus are children available, and Bette’s Place is open for breakfast and lunch daily.

416 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-1880

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21.Cathedral Ridge Winery

Named after Mt. Hood’s Cathedral Ridge, Cathedral Ridge Winery features 13 local vineyards with distinct microclimates that produce virtually a wide variety of classic wine varietals from pinot grigio to pinot noir. Owner and Cellarmaster, Robb Bell, uses traditional wine-making techniques to produce 27 award-winning wines ranging from light and easy-drinking to more substantial, more complex vintages, and friendly knowledgeable staff are on hand in the tasting room to guide visitors through the wines. Extensive and informative guided tours of the vineyards, winemaking facilities, and barrel rooms are offered, along with a variety of tasting packages from standard and barrel to reserve and private tastings.

4200 Post Canyon Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-2882

22.Boda's Kitchen

Boda’s Kitchen is a gourmet delicatessen, market, and catering company that serves and sells comfort, market-driven food made with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, the deli, and market serves delicious farm-to-table fare such as fresh salads, handmade sandwiches, wraps and paninis, charcuterie and cheese boards, and hearty entrées of pasta, fresh seafood, prime meats and more. Made-from-scratch meals and a variety of local and imported foodstuffs can be found in the market section of Boda’s Kitchen, and the catering side offers a range of catering and supply service for private events and functions. Boda’s Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily.

404 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-9876

23.White Buffalo Wine Bar and Bistro

White Buffalo Wine Bar and Bistro is a casual neighborhood spot that serves seasonal, locally sourced tapas and entrées with a range of outstanding local and international wines by the glass. The warm and welcoming eatery has comfortable décor, crisp tables and chairs, and a bright and airy ambiance and serves market-driven fare made with locally-sourced ingredients such as grass-fed meats and chicken, fresh local seafood, and organic salads, herbs and vegetables. Daily specials, a delicious bistro menu, and catering service for special events are offered, and the bar serves a wide range of wine by the flight, glass or bottle, as well as local craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails. White Buffalo Wine Bar and Bistro is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday and lunch on the weekend.

4040 Westcliff Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-5534

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24.Marchesi Vineyards

Located in the beautiful Columbia River Valley, Marchesi Vineyards & Winery produces exceptional Italian varietals, such as Sangiovese and Primitivo, and other award-winning Old-World wines. Owned by accomplished vintner, Franco Marchesi, who brings his rich heritage and extensive knowledge in all areas of wine to the Hood River area, Marchesi Vineyards transports visitors to the rolling hills of Piemonte where Marchesi was born. The highly acclaimed tasting room has an outdoor patio surrounded by a garden oasis with vine-strewn arbors and large umbrellas, wicker furniture, tapestry rugs, and tables adorned with colorful ceramic carafes and traditional Grissini breadsticks. Visitors can sample some of the estate’s award-winning wines while soaking up the magnificent views of the Columbia River Valley.

3955 Belmont Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, Phone: 541-386-1800