Location: Hood River
Top Things to do in Hood River
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Hood River, Oregon (OR)
Hood River beckons travelers with the scent of orchard blooms and the promise of adventure on the rushing waters of the Columbia River. The winds through the Columbia River Gorge provide the perfect conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing, making the city a hotspot for those sports in recent years. The surrounding area is ripe with orchards growing cherries, apples, peaches and other sweets. Take the Mt. Hood Scenic Railroad through the orchard route and take in the views of Mt. Hood.
Restaurants in Hood River
1. Mount Hood
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 634 reviews
The tallest mountain in Oregon.
Reviewed By MarilynM1457
My birth place and such a beautiful drive any time of the year with lots of scenery, places to stop and taste the wonderful fruit and goodies along the way. Fruit Loop is a joy to go on. All the way from Hood River to Odell, to Parkdale, Dee and back to Hood River and seeing the majestic beauty of The Hood just about wherever you drive. Takes my breath away every time I see it.
2. Gorge Paddling Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Stand Up Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals located along the waterfront pathway. Our location features a safe protected cove that connects to the Columbia River. We also offer stand up paddleboard lessons, sunset kayaking tours, and cruiser bicycle rentals.
3. Sol Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Find new adventures in Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge! We have tours for everyone…wine tasting, U-pick orchards, sightseeing and history of Oregon. Have an agenda of your own… our large fleet of eBike rentals are charged and ready to roll. Discover the exciting thrill of riding bikes with minimal effort and experience the Gorge like never before.
4. White Salmon River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
A popular river in Hood River, Oregon.
Reviewed By DanW440 - Portland, United States
A group of us took a half-day trip downriver in kayaks and for me it was one of the better white water adventures I've experienced. It was one of the first where I was sincerely glad to have a helmet. The water runs high and cold due to it being glacier melt and the rapids are definitely challenging. Once or twice the river came so very close to the overhanging rocks - hence the appreciation of a helmet. A thoroughly enjoyable activity that I highly recommend.
5. Columbia River Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,199 reviews
The Columbia River Gorge, a 75-mile canyon through the Cascades, is a broad, picturesque river with water-controlling dams.
Reviewed By traveladdict3500 - Hasselt, Belgium
We saw the Columbia River Gorge from Bonneville Dam to Troutdale. We loved all of our stops : The Bonneville Dam, the Fish Hatchery, Multnomah Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Latourell Falls and Vista House. The other falls were unreachable in June 2018 because the road and the complete area around those falls was closed due to a forest fire in 2017.
6. Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 401 reviews
The WAAAM Air & Auto Museum has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country. The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they're full of LIFE! Enjoy over three-and-a-half acres of indoor exhibit space.
Reviewed By 104jareds
I first heard of WAAAM years ago, shortly after they opened. At first I thought "An antique airplane and car museum in Hood River? How good could that be?" I have come to rue those thoughts. If only I had visited much sooner. If you like antique planes, this is a must see, bucket list item. The number and variety of antique aircraft is simply astonishing. And the fact that the planes are maintained in flying condition - well, that is just fantastic. I am not a pilot, but I do like vintage aircraft. I love to see all the details that make up a craft that can take to the air, in the relatively simple form of old airplanes. You can see all the working bits in some of these planes. Take a look at the 1910 Curtis Pusher, where you CAN see everything. If you also like vintage cars, those are here in abundance as well. Would you like to learn how to drive old cars? WAAAM has you covered there as well. I have taken the Model T driving course, and will be back for another one. Seriously, I cannot say enough good things about WAAAM, it is simply wonderful.
7. Northwest Rafting Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
We are an award winning outfitter based in Hood River, Oregon. We offer trips in the Pacific Northwest and a few select international destinations.Our premiere trip is on Southern Oregon's Rogue River. This is a 4 day expedition through a true wilderness river perfect for both first timers and veterans alike. Kids and families love the Rogue.We also offer trips to a few of our favorite international destinations each year. Our most popular international trips are our Rafting & Cultural Tour of Bhutan and our Rafting Expedition in Siberia.
8. Apple Valley Country Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Come and enjoy delicious jams and pastries in a friendly hometown kind of way. Our goods will inspire you to start baking so we will even help you pick out a homemade apron to get you started! Our store is located in the beautiful town of Hood River OR, where there is plenty to do, taste, and see. And don't forget to try one of our famous Huckleberry Milkshakes! Stop on in and make a memory with us at Apple Valley Country Store.
9. Hood River Mountain Bike Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Hood River, OR has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. Hood River Mountain Bike Adventures (HRMBA) was created to give visitors a chance to see and ride the Hood River areas beautiful trails, through custom mountain bike experiences made to fit every need. Services include full/half-day bike rentals, transportation to and from rides and photography.
10. Mirror Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Located on the Mount Hood's north side.
Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States
My husband and I hiked the Mirror Lake Trail on a trip exploring the west coast. We had hoped to continue on to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain but the visibility was poor so we decided to only hike the lake. There were other hikers but it wasn't overly crowded. We were mostly alone on the trail and were able to find a quiet spot to sit by the lake and take it in for a while. This trail is relatively easy and provides lots of beautiful forest views of all of the greens the Pacific Northwest has to offer. We enjoyed hiking through the grasses along the wooden planks. We would have loved to have seen Mt. Hood but it was lost in the clouds/fog that day, though the lake was crystal clear and it was nice to see the trees reflected in it. We were able to see the bottom where crawfish were moving around. Our only complaint about the hike was that the restroom at the trailhead was absolutely disgusting. The restroom at Government Camp a few miles up US 26 had plumbing and was perfectly fine. We'll definitely be returning in hopes of seeing Mt. Hood next time we're in the area.
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