Travel Guide

Things to Do:

Columbia River Gorge

Mount Hood is Oregon’s highest mountain peak at
11,239 feet tall
located just over 35 miles south of the town of Hood River which lies along the Columbia River, while the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular canyon, stretching more than 80 miles as the river meanders through the Cascade Mountains.
It also serves as the boundary between Oregon and the state of Washington to the north. This region is filled with sparkling lakes, streams, waterfalls, and forested mountains delivering some of the most magnificent scenery in the Pacific Northwest while bringing opportunities for day hikes, striking visuals from scenic overlooks, and fantastic spots for watersports from world-class windsurfing to kiteboarding.
For those looking to explore without much effort, a drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway provides an outstanding look at much of what the area has to offer. The nation’s first scenic byway, it was built purely for the scenery, renowned for its countless waterfalls with 90 of them to discover.
Your first stop should be Crown Point, which is only 25 miles east of downtown Portland and offers a panoramic view of the majestic river some 900 feet below.
you’ll reach Latourell Falls, a breathtaking 249-foot waterfall that can be accessed via an easy 5-minute walk on a paved trail.
Continue on to Multnomah, another 14 miles east, and you’ll find the trail to the famous cascade at Multnomah Falls Lodge. It’s made up of three drops, the upper, main, and lower falls. They can be viewed from the base, but a 1.25-mile paved trek will bring you to the top with viewpoints along the way providing various perspectives. Aim to be here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Hood River is worth spending time in, surrounded by aweinspiring scenery while offering an ideal base for a wealth of outdoor adventure from hiking to paddleboarding and kayaking.
It’s big draw is windsurfing as the windsurfing capital of the U.S.
If you’re here in the fall, consider a hike on the 6.1-mile loop Coyote Wall trail nearby where the landscape is a kaleidoscope of vibrant yellows, orange, and fiery red hues.
Wine enthusiasts will find plenty when it comes to touring and tasting with more than 90 vineyards and 50 wineries in the Columbia Gorge AVA. Visitors are often surprised by the many different varietals with everything from Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc produced here.
Just 10 minutes south of town, Mt. Hood Winery was named the state’s winery of the year in 2016, with its highly acclaimed wines using methods that have been passed down for five generations.
The Bickford family has been growing fruit here in the Hood River Valley since 1909, though its wine business was birthed in 2000. The tasting room has indoor and outdoor seating with fabulous views of the valley.
Brew lovers will find plenty here, including opportunities for touring and tasting.
The History Museum of Hood River County is located in Port Marina Park for those who want to learn more about the area’s past, and there are plenty of local shops and eateries too.
Iconic Mount Hood offers plenty to do all year round and from Hood River, it’s less than an hour’s drive away. During the warmer months, there are miles and miles of hiking trails to explore, including easy favorites like the Old Salmon River Trail and Tamanawas Falls Trail