Hood River

Just an hour away from Portland yet worlds away from the city. With a population of just 7,715 and an area of roughly 3.5 square miles, this small town lives large as it is nestled along the Columbia River and flanked by mountains in every direction. There is no shortage of fun to be had when visiting! Here are our Top 5 Things to Do in Hood River on a Summer Day Trip!

#1 Pick Your Own Fruit

Each summer, we look forward to seeing blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and strawberries available at our local farmers’ market. Because what’s better than farm-fresh berries? We’ll tell you: farm-fresh berries that you picked yourself! 

Did you know that Hood River is home to a 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop, which features 29 members and businesses that offer everything from wine to cider, berries, cherries, peaches, and apples to gorgeous flowers and food. Several of the orchards and farms on the loop offer you-pick throughout the summer and into early fall. On a gorgeous day, there is nothing better than the mountain air, sunshine on your face, mountain views all around, and great local, often organic produce right from the growers.

A few places to try:
The Gorge White House
https://www.thegorgewhitehouse.com/
U-pick, great food cart, and tasting room where you can sample their house-made wine and cider. Just a few minutes from downtown Hood River, this is a fun spot to enjoy. 

Hilda’s Organic U-pick
https://www.hildasorganicupick.com/
This iconic old Americana farm offers u-pick fruit and gorgeous flowers. The setting is laid back and super cool with beautiful mountain views. We really love the blueberries here!

Mt. View Orchards
https://www.mtvieworchards.com/
Although this one is a bit outside of Hood River in Parkdale, it is so worth the stop! This could really be its own full-day trip. Mt. View Orchards is a third-generation 50-acre apple and pear farm that has been in operation for over fifty years. The wine and cider here are as delicious as the u-pick fruit. Stunning views, open fields, and a great venue for any gathering.

#2 Eat Good Food

Who could forget eating when talking about the Top 5 Things to Do in Hood River on a Summer Day Trip? Well, there is no shortage of great local food in Hood River. The bigger issue is deciding where to go because there are so many options! Here are a few of our favorites.

Kickstand Coffee
https://www.kickstandcoffee.net/
This is absolutely not just a coffee spot. In fact, while the coffee is probably great, we have actually never gone for coffee. The food and the craft cocktails are why we head to Kickstand. Try there Fisherman’s Toast for brunch, Panzanella Salad, and a Bloody Mary. For lunch, the Kickstand Burger is pretty amazing and for dinner, we cannot get enough of the Fried Chicken Dinner. They make a mean Old Fashioned that seems to pair well with the chicken dinner. Enjoy!

Pine Street Bakery
https://www.pinestreetbakery.com/
Make this your first stop and grab breakfast and coffee. Not sure how to pick just a few things to try here because everything is delicious. Breakfast sammies are serviced on the best biscuits ever and they have sweet or savory pies wrapped in unbelievable puff pastry. Tip: worth grabbing a loaf of bread to take home!

Double Mountain Brewery
https://www.doublemountainbrewery.com/
Another one of those places where it is hard not to want one of everything. Truffle Shuffle pizza is a great choice, with any one of their house-made ciders and a caesar salad. Double Mountain Brewery is right downtown so super easy to enjoy the shops and walk over for lunch or dinner.

#3 Enjoy Downtown

Just an hour away from Portland yet worlds away, Hood River’s historic downtown is lined with historic buildings, a shopping district perfect for wandering, antique shops, and more than 30 restaurants! If you come to town on a Saturday, there is a great farmers market in town. This cute, friendly town is a must-do on our Top 5 Things to Do in Hood River on a Summer Day Trip!

#4 Rent e-bikes and cruise the trails

Here are some great spots to rent e-bikes in Hood River:

Oregon E-Bikes
Discover Bicycles
Mountain View Cycles

Once you’re geared up, hit the trails! Hood River has dozens of scenic biking trails. Here’s a link to a Google Map of Hood River’s biking trails: BIKING TRAILS.

#5 Learn to wind surf or just watch the wind surfers!

As you drive into Hood River on I-84, the first thing you’ll notice is the windsurfers on the Columbia River. Thousands of adventurers travel to Hood River every summer to take advantage of jet skiing, paddle boarding, world-class windsurfing, and numerous other water activities found in Hood River. Whether you’re surfing or simply watching the action, it’s a must-see on your Hood River day trip.

Want to get in on the action? Try one of these local outlets and sign up for lessons. We recommend signing up before your trip.

Big Winds Hood River
Brian’s Kiteboarding, Windsurfing & Standup Paddling

Time to hit the road!

Looking for other info on local spots in and around the Portland Metro Area, click here.