Things To Do

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders. It has its rightful place on this list for its natural splendor. This 85-mile-long river canyon boasts a diverse landscape offering stunning vista views and a bounty of hikes for all experience levels. Clicking this link to the Oregon Hiker's Field Guide, you will find an index of hikes in the area with directions, trail guides, and important notices for the area. **Fire restrictions in effect.

Vista House at Crown Point

The Vista House was built on one of the most breathtaking viewpoints of the Columbia River Gorge. It was constructed as a space for travelers to rest and refresh while making their way through the Historic Columbia River Highway. Now featuring educational exhibits and local art in the gift shop, (and public restrooms downstairs), it is a must-see place to stop on the drive between Portland and Hood River. The building does remain closed on days when winds exceed 50mph. On these days, if you are able to get out of the car, being carried by the wind is a powerful experience while taking in the natural beauty. There are also parking spots overlooking the area where you can still stop and take in the views.

Historic Columbia River Highway

From Crown Point, for a leisurely drive you may head east through the iconic waterfall corridor, the road is windy, but is especially beautiful in the fall, offering some of the most beautiful views in the gorge. There are several small spots to park for a quick picture, several trailheads, including Latourell Falls, Wakeena Falls, a quick view of Multnomah Falls, and Horsetail Falls. A beautiful scenic route!

Latourell Falls (Easy)

A mere 50 minutes from Hood River, Latourell Falls is one of the closest waterfalls to the town and is considered one of the prettiest. The looping trail to the upper falls is under 2.5 miles long; when you return, the bowl of the lower falls awaits with its torrent of water.

Wahclella Falls Trail (Easy)

A gorgeous 2.4 mile round trip hike and a favorite of the Columbia River Gorge. *Daily parking permit required. The $5 day pass can be purchased by QR code at the trailhead or in advance using https://www.discovernw.org/recreation-passes.html

Multnomah Falls (Moderate)

Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can view the 542-foot-tall beauty from Benson Bridge at the base of the falls or hike a mile up steep terrain to reach the top for views of the Columbia Gorge. Parking at the falls is limited but accessible using Exit 31. Timed-use permits will not be required during the fall.

Angel's Rest Trail (Moderate to Difficult)

A long-time favorite of locals and tourists alike, Angel’s Rest is a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike that gains 1,500 feet in elevation and provides expansive panoramic views of the Columbia River and surrounding features. Hikers can enjoy the small waterfalls, creek, exposed cliffsides, and several viewpoint opportunities.

The Gorge White House

Featuring hard ciders, wines, farm fresh food, fruit, flowers, & more!

Hood River Lavender Farms

Hood River Lavender Farms was established in 2003 by a cosmetologist and esthetician of 30 years who worked to create products that were healthy and beneficial for the skin using the healing properties of lavender. Nestled right next to Stave and Stone Wine Estates, this farm is the perfect place to stop and smell the lavender and enjoy views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Their lavender ice cream and shortbread cookies are also amazing!

Brimstone Boulders

The History Museum of Hood River County

Hood River Waterfront Park

Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM)

Mount Hood Railroad

Activities offered here include a three hour scenic train ride, a spooky halloween themed train, two person rail biking around Hood River Valley and more!

Mt. Hood Meadows

Hood River Soaring

MountNbarreL - Guided Tours

Packer Orchards And Farm Place

Fall Festival featuring a pumpkin patch, farm animals, and a bakery filled with sweet treats. **Tickets must be purchased in advance (under age 2 is free) and include: corn pit, play area, trike track, fun outside games, animal barnyard, u-pick fields and more! Under $15 per person *Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mike's Ice Cream

Pine Street Bakery

Whiskey Tango

Ferment Brewing Company

A must-visit for those who want to experience award-winning beers and food inspired by the art of fermentation and locality while seated right on the waterfront.

pFriem Family Brewers

Full Sail Brewing Company

Full Sail Brewing Company. As one of the earliest microbreweries established in Oregon, customers can now enjoy their world-class beer, great food, and views of the Columbia River at their pub.

Camp 1805 Distillery & Bar

The Old Trunk Treats & 'Tiques

KickStand Coffee & Kitchen

Mountain View Orchards

A 50-acre apple and pear farm nestled just north of Mt. Hood

Forest Park

At 5,200 acres, Portland's Forest Park is one of the most extensive urban forests in the United States, with more than 80 miles of trails that can be explored without leaving the city limits.

Lower MacLeay Trail

The Lower Macleay Park Trail is a popular and scenic five-mile trail in Forest Park that leads to Pittock Mansion, a historic building on a beautifully maintained property that overlooks the city of Portland. This trail is excellent for beginners; on sunny days, you will see many families with young kids and pets.

Pittock Mansion

Step back in time at this turn-of-the-century mansion nestled in Forest Park. The mansion is characterized by its impressive architecture and 23 art and antique-filled rooms. You can tour the iconic building, explore the grounds (for free), enjoy a picnic, and browse the gift shop. The mansion is accessible via hiking/driving/transit.

Portland Japanese Garden

Founded in 1963, the Portland Japanese Garden is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. The tranquil grounds include five separate gardens, streams, intimate walkways, views of Mt. Hood, a Japanese tea house, a gift shop, and art exhibits. The peaceful setting offers unparalleled tranquility for its visitors.

Portland Saturday Market

Portland Art Museum

Powell's City of Books

OMSI

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Explore the museum, the planetarium, submarine tours, and the featured exhibit, Orcas: Our Shared Future. **closed on Mondays**

Oregon Zoo

Hopscotch Portland

An all ages immersive art experience

Cafe Olli

A cafe with an open-concept kitchen that features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, the basis of its well-rounded brunch, daytime, and evening menus.

Jinju Patisserie

Artisan chocolates and unique modern desserts and pastries are the cornerstones of this patisserie, owned and operated by award-winning pastry chefs Jin Caldwell and Kyurim Lee.

Proud Mary Cafe

A one-stop shop for delicious food and drink that serves all-day breakfast, lunch, smoothies, pastries, cakes, and high-quality coffee.

Cheryl's on 12th

A great spot for breakfast and lunch!

Mother's Bistro & Bar

Now offers two free hours of valet parking!

Broder Nord

This Scandinavian eatery has been serving traditional Nordic fare since 2007 and offers multiple locations in Portland and one in Hood River.

Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails

Awarded Portland Monthly Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year in 2019, Eem has gained a reputation for its Thai bbq fare and playful cocktails.

Nob Hill Food Carts

Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, this pod of vendors showcases a diverse selection of bites ranging from Chinese street food classics to Middle Eastern flavors.

Wu-Rons

Inspired by the ramen stands from owner Shintaro Yamada’s hometown, this shop specializes in Nagahama-style tonkatsu ramen that features chashu pork and thin, firm noodles.

Gumba

A food cart turned brick-and-mortar restaurant centering on robust Italian-influenced dishes with an emphasis on housemade pasta and an ever-changing rotation of locally sourced ingredients.

Radio Room

Housed in a historic 1949 service station building, RR is now a classic 1960s mid-century style diner that melds food, drink, art, and music into an eclectic Portland staple experience.

Scotch Lodge

A cozy whiskey-heavy cocktail lounge showcasing spirits, wines, beer, cider, and cocktails for beverage aficionados.

Huber's Cafe

The oldest restaurant in the City of Roses offers upscale American fare in a beautiful historic building that has retained many of its century-old architectural features.

Screen Door Pearl District

Reservations are recommended and limited.

Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai

Portlanders love to queue up for these delicious donuts and chai! Closes at 2:00 pm

Jam On Hawthorne

Voted Portland's Best Brunch, every year since 2018. A great spot for a boozy brunch! Seating is first come first serve, closes 3:00pm.

Revolution Hall

Located inside an old high school, this venue offers multiple bars, live shows and excellent views from the rooftop bar!

Departure Restaurant + Lounge

Rooftop views and Pan-Asian cuisine, on top of The Nine's Hotel.

Andina

Tusk

Hey Love

Food and drink and a jungle of indoor plants, next to the Jupiter Hotel.

Papa Haydn