Hood River is a top nature destination in southwestern Oregon, known around the world for its excellent windsurfing opportunities at the crossroads of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range.
The city serves as the western gateway for the Mount Hood Scenic Byway and offers amazing opportunities for kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing throughout the year. Its lovely historic downtown district is home to designer boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants, including the tasting room for Stoltz Vineyards, housed within the 1886 Ezra L. Smith home.
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association showcases choir, jazz, string quartet, and theatrical performances throughout the year, while the Roy Webster Cross-Channel Swim brings top swimmers to the region each Labor Day.
Other events held throughout the year include the beer-focused Hood River Hops Fest and the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, named as one of the nation's top harvest festivals by Food and Wine.