Carl & Kate
Things To Do
Angels Rest Hike
A classic, but steep hike on the Oregon side located between Portland and Hood River (if you want to stop and stretch/punish your legs). The views are spectacular.
Mosier Plateau Trail
A nice gentler hike starting in the small town of Mosier (5 miles east of Hood River) that has views and even a spot to cool off on a hot day in the creek running along the trail for portions.
Catherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead
This trail is good for those who are looking for an accessible, paved trail but don't want to miss out on the incredible Gorge views.
Coyote Wall Trailhead
Coyote Wall is a popular hiking and mountain biking spot. You've probably seen dozens of photos I've taken over the years from the area (also called Syncline) while mountain biking. The views are incredible and rocks are reminiscent of Utah -exemplified by trails called "Little Moab". A great spot for a hike to views and wonderful if you rent a mountain bike. It is a bluff that is super exposed so expect high winds and full sunshine.
Marchesi Vineyards & Winery
I've been a member of this winery for almost a decade and recommend it for anyone who wants to hit some tastings. The owners are italian and their wine is in that tradition. They have charcuterie boards and pro-tip, they allow you to bring snacks in if you want to make it a picnic. Located fairly close to town and to Post-Canyon if you want to go for a walk or mountain bike ride first. I've finished many a day in Hood River at Marchesi after a mountain bike ride at Post.
Mt. Hood Winery
Another lovely winery on the Oregon side, I visited this spot relatively recently as part of an e-bike wine tour (we used a wonderful woman owned business called MountNBarrel). The wine was astounding, the tasting room is lovely and a market with local fruit is set to open soon...
Cor Cellars
This winery is just off Hwy 14 near Lyle, WA (about ten minutes east of the Hood River Bridge). This winery is a stunning and posh venue, with fabulous wine. It's super close to Katherine Creek and Coyote Wall hikes if you want to do a stroll/ hike + winery activity pairing. Definitely an instagram-worthy location, you might want to make a reservation ahead.
Mosier Twin Tunnels
Mosier tunnels is a short, relatively flat paved path that used to be part of the Historic Highway. It's now closed to traffic and open to walkers and bikers. The views are lovely and include "picture windows" cut out of the hillside in the tunnels making for a really unique experience. E-bikes and "acoustic bikes' can be rented in Hood River if you're interested and the bike tunnels can be reached from Hood River.
The Society Hotel Hood River - Bingen
Looking to treat yourself? The Society Hotel has a spa that you can get access to by the hour if your vacation needs to include a nice long soak.
Hood River Waterfront Park
The waterfront is a great place to watch windsurfers and have a picnic. This street is lined with some fabulous restaurants and breweries you might want to check out. Brewery recommendations include Pfriem and Ferment on the waterfront (both have great food as well). Double Mountain is another great one in downtown Hood River. If you want to picnic on the waterfront, Soltice Pizza is amaaaaazing!!
Other food spots to check out....
In Hood River - in addition to the spots down on the Waterfront, we recommend: The Gorge White House -- this is a bit out of town, it's a food truck with super tasty food that sits on a winery/cidery. You can play lawn games and lounge while waiting for food. Kickstand Coffee -- Not just coffee, this has super delicious lunch and dinner food in a casual spot. It's been many a post-mtb spot for us. White Salmon --our home! White Salmon Bakery -- incredible bakery treats, breakfast items and tasty sandwiches to pack away for a picnic. Feast -- Great sandwiches and lunch items for picnic, good spots for tapas type food for dinner. Henni's -- Our fancy, "treat" spot with great small and large plates and incredible cocktails. Pixan Taqueria -- Mexican food but with a south african flair? It works and they have the best chips and guacamole I've ever had.