Hood River: gateway to the Columbia River Gorge
Hood River is a family-friendly city that can be enjoyed year round, with great restaurants, and perfect for hiking and biking through the spring, summer, and fall, and skiing through the winter months. A Hood River vacation rental is an ideal base from which to explore the picturesque scenery of the Columbia River Gorge. Overlooked by the snowy cap of Mount Adam and surrounded by dense scented forests, Hood River vacation rentals range from tranquil wooden lodges to luxurious glass-walled modern homes that really make the most of the spectacular views.
Explore on a winery tour in Hood River
As the foodie hub of the Gorge, Hood River is blessed with great farm-to-table restaurants, up-and-coming craft breweries, and fantastic local wineries. With local orchards and farmsteads mingling with the vineyards and virgin forest, a winery tour is both a scenic and tasty way to explore this beautiful region. Anyone into aviation shouldn’t miss a visit to Hood River’s largest museum, the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum. It hosts the Hood River Fly-In on the first weekend after Labor Day each year, which features antique aircraft and automobiles from across America.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Hood River
With a plethora of world-class mountain bike trails, and scenic hiking possibilities, Hood River offers many opportunities to get back to nature. Climbing, white-water rafting, fishing, world-beating windsurfing, and kiteboarding are also available, but there’s plenty for the less active. Besides great views of Mount Adams and the wide, sparkling blue Columbia River, the attractions of Hood River’s quaint Downtown include wine-tasting rooms, boutique shops, and art galleries.
Snow and sunshine in Hood River
Summers in Hood River are warm and dry. But with snow always on the Palmer Snowfield on Mount Hood, a Hood River vacation rental offers year-round skiing opportunities. Winters are colder and wetter, but Hood River gets less rain that nearby Portland, for example. The ski season proper runs November to May, with Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort just 35 miles from Hood River. In April, visitors flock to the Hood River Valley Blossom Festival, while September and October play host to the Hood River Hops Fest, and the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, respectively.
Exploring the natural features in Hood River
Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to appreciate the scenery, Hood River is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most enchanting sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Hood River (0.6 mi / 0.9 km)
- Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail (4.8 mi / 7.8 km)
- White Salmon River (6.4 mi / 10.2 km)
- Cascade Range (8 mi / 12.9 km)
- Dog Mountain Trail (9.1 mi / 14.6 km)
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (16.5 mi / 26.6 km)
Transportation to and around Hood River
The nearest airport is in Portland International Airport (PDX), located 52.6 mi (84.6 km) from the city center.