Things To Do
Vista House & Multnomah Falls
Historic Columbia River Highway is on the way from the airport to Hood River. If you arrive in the early afternoon, this is a must-see! Take I84 east and take exit 22 toward Corbett/Vista House. First stop at the Vista House, which was built in 1917 on one of the most beautiful scenic points on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Then, continue heading east for views of roughly a dozen waterfalls including the #1 most photographed location in Oregon, Multnomah Falls.
Fruit Loop Tour
Directly south of Hood River is Oregon's largest fruit growing region. Over thirty percent of the nation's winter pears are harvested here, along with a variety of apples, berries, peaches, and cherries. A Fruit Loop Driving Map is available at the tourist office in Hood River. It will guide you through the valley to over thirty member farms, fruit stands, country markets, and wineries.
Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is about a 45-minute drive from Hood River, and offers the absolute best view of Mt. Hood. The lake is popular for hiking, fishing, camping and photography, often clearly reflecting a mirror image of Mount Hood.
Wet Planet Rafting
Are you interested in a unique and exciting twist to your weekend? Ever feel like escaping the heat of the city on a hot summer afternoon? A river rafting trip with Wet Planet is the perfect mix of adrenaline, scenery, and camaraderie all contained in a magnificent wilderness setting.
Columbia Gorge Winery
Long famous for its fine pears, apples, cherries and other fruits, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that residents started experimenting with grapes. The vines prospered, and soon folks began to recognize the Gorge as a viticultural gem. Currently, over 70% of Gorge grown grapes are exported to other wine regions such as the Willamette Valley and Walla Walla, but plenty are crushed here in the Gorge at local wineries the day they are picked. From Albariño to Zinfandel, the Columbia Gorge really is a World of Wine in 40 Miles!
Full Sail Brewing
Named Oregon Brewery of the year for 2019, Full Sail Brewing Company, is located in downtown Hood River. You can either enjoy a beer on tap or sign up for a Brewery Tour. You’ll see the local ingredients they use and learn about sustainable brewing practices.
Gorge Fly Fishing
On the Columbia River, anglers can catch famously huge sturgeon, as well as trophy walleye, bass, trout, catfish, steelhead and panfish. ... In the city of Hood River, anglers can fish from the bank under the Hood River bridge, at the jetty out to The Hook, and at the west end of Koberg Beach, just a few miles east of Hood River.
Indian Creek Golf
Wanna squeeze in a tee time? Indian Creek Golf Course is just a short drive from downtown Hood River.
Double Mountain Horses
Your adventure awaits… Unplug, unwind, and discover the Columbia River Gorge’s hidden treasures – orchards, vineyards, waterfalls – on horseback! You can even pretend you're riding on the 'real' Oregon Trail!
Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge is best known for being the hotel in The Shining, but it is also home to the best view of the peak of Mt. Hood. In the summer, you can ride the chair lift and take in the expansive views of the Cascade Range. Stop in the pub for a locally brewed beer or Bloody Mary, and marvel at the sights from the huge picture windows within the hotel’s lounge area. You can see Timberline Lodge and Trillium Lake in the same day trip, so be sure to take them both in if this is the route you take.
Cannon Beach
Are you staying longer than just the weekend? The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen. About a 2.5 hour drive from Hood River is Cannon Beach, and is in the same area where Lewis and Clark first set eyes on the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to spend some time walking the beach around Haystack Rock. It’s the third largest oceanic monolith in the world at 235-feet tall, and is a great place to sit and watch the waves roll in. It’s a great place to get lost - without leaving.
Oregon Film Museum
If you are a fan of the movie Goonies, keep heading north to Astoria after you leave Cannon Beach. The movie was filmed here, and was one of Pete's favorite movies growing up. The Oregon Film Museum is also located in Astoria, and is a great stop to get some of the history of all the movies filmed in the area. Stand By Me, Free Willy, Kindergarten Cop, and Short Circuit are just a few that were filmed in the area.