Things To Do
Waterfall Corridor
This section of the Columbia River Gorge hosts a series of impressive waterfalls. Most of them can be found a short distance off the road. The gorge offers public transit through the corridor as it is a popular area, but feel free to take your own vehicle, we just recommend starting early or late in the day to avoid crowds/help find parking. Start at the Crown Point Historic Landmark and make your way along the historic highway to visit the following: Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls (timed entry permit required from recreation.gov), and Horsetail falls.
Hood River Waterfront Park
Hood River is known as the windsurfing capital of the world! Visit the waterfront park to watch the windsurfers in action.
Hood River Fruit Loop
A unique rural farm experience awaits you in the beautiful Hood River Valley, where you will encounter 32 on-the-farm fruit stands, wineries, breweries, cideries, and fields of flowers. The Hood River Valley has a rich agricultural heritage, beginning with the planting of the first fruit trees in 1855, resulting in 14,500 acres of pears, apples, and cherries that cover the valley today. Wander down the 35 miles of scenic country roads on your self-guided tour and create great adventures with family and friends, while exploring the abundance of farm products grown in the valley. More details on fruits in season, stand hours, and locations can be found on the website.
Hood River Lavender Farms
Hood River Lavender Farms is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon visiting their gift shop, grabbing soft serve or a drink, and enjoying the weather!
Explore the many breweries & wineries
Explore the many breweries around the Hood River area and throughout the Columbia River Gorge and try their local beers, ciders, and wines! We recommend: Full Sail Brewing in Hood River, OR, Walking Man Brewery in Stevenson, WA, Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks, OR, Solera Brewing in Parkdale, OR, and Mt. Hood Brewing in Government Camp, OR. You can't go wrong!
Bike the Mosier Twin Tunnels
The Mosier Twin Tunnels, just east of Hood River, have amazing views down the gorge. The whole way is paved, so this is a great place for a leisurely walk or bike ride! You can rent bikes at Mountain View Cycles.
Rowena Crest Viewpoint
Rowena Crest is a stunning viewpoint and trailhead along the Historic Columbia River Highway that looks down on Mayer State Park and the Columbia River Gorge, approximately 20 minutes from Hood River. The view includes the iconic Rowena Loops — the horseshoe curves that wind up to the viewpoint. This viewpoint also serves as a trailhead for adjacent Tom McCall Nature Preserve which hosts a 2.6-mile Plateau Trail and a more challenging 4-mile out-and-back hike to McCall Point.
SUP and Kayak Rentals
Get out on the water and rent a SUP or Kayak! The Hook rental location is west of the Hood River Waterfront Park on the end of Portway Ave. Please note the Columbia River often has a strong current!
Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is located approximately 50 minutes from Hood River and would be a great addition to a day trip to Mt. Hood along with Timberline Lodge. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views, take the 1.9-mile loop around the lake, or enjoy get into the water either swimming, paddle boarding, or kayaking.
Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge is an approximately 1 hour drive from Hood River and makes for a great day trip! The lodge itself is historic and a great place to hangout and take in the views of Mt. Hood. There are food options at the lodge or you can pack a lunch. There are several hikes around the lodge and staff members will have maps and additional information. You can also purchase a ski lift ticket to ride further up the mountain. We recommend also stopping at Mt. Hood Meadows and taking the short hike to Umbrella Falls. Also, you can loop in Mt. Hood Ski Bowl for an alpine slide or Tamanawas Falls for another waterfall hike.