Things To Do

Hood River

"From the majestic cliffs and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge and the snow-capped peak of Mt. Hood to over 15,000 acres of farms, orchards, vineyards and the Hood River — which is often referred to as the 'Wind Surfing Capital of the World' — there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, foodie, wine lover or historian." (from the Columbia Gorge Hotel website) Our favorite spots in town include: - the Waterfront Area: includes a local beach popular for swimming & stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing & kitesurfing, & a great park/playground for kids right across from some of the most favorite local restaurants - Historic Downtown Hood River: lots of cute little shops, breweries, cafes, & restaurants - Koberg Beach: at first glance, this places seems just like a rest area & boat ramp just south of the Hood River city center. but if you park & walk towards the rest area entrance, you'll find a path to the beach :)

Multnomah Falls

Iconic waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge about 30 minutes east of Portland, easily visible and accessible from HWY 30. Very popular tourist spot (recommend visiting early and/or on weekdays) but most definitely worth a visit! Besides this, there are TONS of waterfalls to find and visit around the Columbia Gorge! A quick Google search can easily come up with as many other falls/lakes/vistas/trails you could want :)

Vista House

Must-see! The Vista House is located in Corbett, OR, a short drive off of HWY-30, and an alternative route to Multnomah Falls & Horsetail Falls. Amazing views from this place!

Tamanawas Falls Trailhead

One of our favorite easy hikes. The trailhead is about 30 minutes south of Hood River along OR-35 towards Mt Hood Meadows. You can hike right up to the bottom of the waterfall! (Watch your footing with the water though, of course!) Besides this, there are TONS of waterfalls to find and visit around the Columbia Gorge! A quick Google search can easily come up with as many other falls/lakes/vistas/trails you could want :)

pFriem Family Brewers

Hood River & Portland are known for all the microbreweries & wineries. pFriem family brewers is our personal favorite in Hood River, especially for lunch or dinner on the waterfront. But there are many many fantastic others to try!

Angel's Rest Trailhead

Popular local hike to an exposed bluff above the Columbia River. Fantastic views from the top!

Horsethief Lake

Horsethief Lake is one section of the Columbia Hills Historic State Park on the Washington side of the Columbia River. Not only are there gorgeous rock formations as well as a campground and water access, but this is also the site of ancient, sacred petroglyphs/pictographs that hold immense cultural and religious significance to local tribes, including Tsagaglalal ("She Who Watches").

Lavender Valley

Although the lavender most likely won't be in full bloom yet in May, this place is THE spot if you want stunning photos (imagine being completely surrounded in endless purple lavender grosso up to your waist/chest with Mt. Hood as your backdrop!)

Powell's City of Books

5 floors of a city block-large bookstore! Aka, Bookworm Paradise! (or the most dangerous place to take Novia, according to Craig)! Arguably the BEST BOOKSTORE EVER. If you stop in, make sure to pop into the Rare Book Room on the top floor. Fun fact: Portland has more bookstores per capita than any other city,.

Ground Kontrol

This place is both an arcade and a bar. Both being super nerds, we actually went here on our first date :) All these years later, and his spot has expanded and only become even more awesome! They have an impressive collection of pinball machines & classic arcade games, as well as regularly hosting tournaments and events for gamers, not to mention their themed food/cocktail menu is great.

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House

Favorite haunt in SE Portland. Great spot for late night tea, coffee, & desserts, with live music on the weekends. This will sound weird, but if you do go here, you must at least go see the bathroom. Great date spot, and definitely fits the city's "Keep Portland Weird" vibe.

International Rose Test Garden

A must-see for visitors to Portland :) The garden is in the hills of Forest Park on the westside of the city and has a great view of Mt. Hood above downtown Portland. Sometimes there are live performances in the amphitheater. The Portland Japanese Garden is located across the street, and both gardens are not far from the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, Pittock Mansion (another must-see!), and tons of great hikes in/around the rest of Forest Park. Besides taking visitors, we love to go to the garden for picnics together :)

Portland Art Museum

Our local art museum is on the Park Blocks downtown near the Oregon Historical Society and has a nice permanent collection as well as some great visiting/rotating exhibits. The location is also the home of the NW Film Center.

Fort Vancouver Historic Site

Preserved site of the historic fur trading & military post, originally founded in the early 1800s as the headquarters of the Columbia Department of the Hudson Bay Company. Great place to learn about & experience local history of the site, once known as the major center of trade & population in the West until the California Gold Rush.

Moulton Falls Regional Park

Just outside of Battleground, WA, this park is a great spot for a day trip or picnic. The trails and paths are easy but still enjoyable, and within the park you have access to Moulton Falls, Yacolt Creek Falls, and the Lewis River. The park is also a very short drive (or longer trail walk) away from Lucia Falls.

Lost Lake

Disappearing lake located south of Hood River in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The lake fills in the wintertime, but is known for the "hole" that appears in the summer as the water drains away into an underground river/lava tube.

Pittock Mansion

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

Fun stop (especially for kids!) to learn about the local history of the Columbia Gorge

Saddle Mountain

One of our favorite hikes with absolutely breathtaking views from the top.

Tillamook Creamery

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is always a favorite stop on any trip out to the coast!