Things To Do
1. Gaze up at Multnomah Falls
One of the most stunning sights in the Hood River area and the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon is the picture-perfect Multnomah Falls, just west of Hood River, along the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway. If you have time to see only one waterfall, this is the one. Tumbling 620 feet, these spectacular falls are framed midway by narrow, tree-covered rock walls, and spanned by the Benson Bridge. The falls are conveniently located just off the highway and they require no hiking to see. For an awe-inspiring view of the falls and of the Columbia Valley, take the trail up to the Benson Bridge and upper viewing area. At the base of the falls is the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge with a restaurant, gift shop, and an espresso stand and snack bar. This is also a good place to buy an ice-cream treat. Be aware, permits might be required! There are also several other beautiful falls in the area.
2. Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway
To fully appreciate the scenery of the Columbia River Gorge, take a leisurely drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway and stop off at some of the spectacular sites along the way. This two-lane National Historic Landmark, first opened between 1916 and 1923, runs for 70 miles from Troutdale to The Dalles, along the Columbia River. Two of the key attractions, where you'll want to stop off for a closer look, are the 1918 Vista House on Crown Point, offering fabulous views over the Gorge, and the 620-foot Multnomah Falls. Other impressive falls along here include Latourell, Shepperd's Dell, Bridal Veil, and Wahkeena. Off the highway are numerous hiking trails and the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, for pedestrians and bicycles. Allow yourself considerable time, at least a few hours or even a half-day to do this drive. It's a slow drive, and you'll also want to stop and see the sights.
3. Check out the many wineries and breweries of the area
The Columbia River Gorge is known for some fantastic wineries and amazing breweries! Eat, drink, be merry! We love pFriem, Ferment, and Double Mountain breweries.
4. Book a white water rafting trip along the White Salmon
For thrill-seekers, the beautiful White Salmon River offers some of the best white water rafting there is! The glaciers of Mt. Adams combined with the immense aquifers in the area, keep the White Salmon bubbling all summer long. The river cuts its way through one of the most beautiful, constricted, and heavily forested gorges in the area. The water is clear blue, the weather is fabulous, and rapids are big and numerous; making the White Salmon River one of the most exciting half-day or full-day river rafting trips in the west! Not to mention the inclusion of the 10 foot high commercially rafted Husum Falls!
5. Hit the Hiking Trails
Hiking around Hood River offers access to a mix of scenery, from hikes along the Columbia River Gorge, leading to waterfalls or high lookout points, to mountain scenery around nearby Mount Hood. In spring, the wildflowers provide vibrant color to the meadows, and in fall, the yellow and orange foliage offers a completely different look to the landscape. The most popular hikes throughout the hiking season are to the spectacular waterfalls, including Wahclella Falls, Dry Creek Falls, and Tamanawas Falls. Some hikes leave right from campgrounds along the Gorge. You can also cross over to White Salmon, Washington to enjoy views in a different direction over the river and back to Mount Hood. These provide a completely different perspective. Popular hikes on this side of the river are Coyote Wall Loop; Old Ranch and Little Maui Trail Loop; and a number of other trails and old roads that can be connected, like Bitterroot Trail and Desert Parsley Trail, to form loops.
6. See the View from Vista House on Crown Point
Sitting atop a basalt clifftop, the 1918 octagonal-shaped Vista House and surrounding grounds offer outstanding views stretching out over the Columbia River Gorge in both directions. Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, this is one of the finest and most accessible viewpoints in the area. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can go inside for a look around. The best views are from the upper observation deck, but the vista is awesome from everywhere up here, even the parking area. Address: 40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, Oregon
7. Explore Mount Hood
The snowcapped peak of Mount Hood looming large on the horizon adds to the beauty of the area, but also provides a winter and summer playground for outdoor adventures. You can find plenty of things to do around Mount Hood, from scenic drives to multi-day hikes, depending on what level of activity you're looking for. In summer, the area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. You can also rent a cabin through the Forest Service. Timberline Lodge even offers summer skiing.
8. Kiteboarding and Windsurfing / Columbia River
Hood River is one of the best places to visit for kiteboarding and windsurfing in the United States. Consistent winds whistle up the Columbia River Gorge and provide great conditions for wind sports from May to September. This is also a great place to learn kiteboarding. Quality schools, including Oregon Kiteboarding, offer features you won't find with lessons at some kiteboarding destinations, including two-way Bluetooth helmet instructions, and Jet Ski assistance. The kiting here is for those with a decent handle on the sport. The river water is cold, the current is tricky, and the wind can be gusty and strong, so bring your full quiver of kites and a wetsuit. Unlike kiting in the ocean, you'll also have to keep an eye out for the occasional barge heading up or down the river.
9. Drive the Fruit Loop
One of the most popular tourist drives in the area, after the Historic Columbia River Highway, is the Fruit Loop. Running for 35 miles through rolling hills of orchards and forests, this route takes you to stops in small towns at local establishments selling locally produced goods, from fruits and vegetables to jams, syrups, and crafts. This area is an important pear-growing area in the US, but you'll also find berries, apples, apricots, lavender, tomatoes, corn, squash, and more, depending on the time of year. The visitor centers offer trail maps of the Fruit Loop, with 29 numbered stops.