Location: Hood River
Top Things to do in Hood River
What to do and see in Hood River, Oregon (OR): The Best Things to do
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Marchesi Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Franco Marchesi's passion for wine began in his hometown of Borgosesia, Peimonte, Italy. As a child he always wondered what it would be like to be a winemaker like his grandfather Achille. After running his own import company specializing in Italian wines for over 20 years, Franco began planting his favorite Northern Italian grapes in Hood River, where the climate and soil are just like Northern Italy. Please come visit, and taste our wines. Salute!
Reviewed By JeanDKirtland_Ohio - Vancouver, United States
First of all let me begin with my impression of the safety adhered to at Marchesi. I’m a senior and considered high risk for Covid so I am nervous about going out. Marchesi goes overboard to insure the safety of customers as well as their staff. I felt totally safe there. This is our favorite winery in Hood River. Today we enjoyed a lovely bottle of Rose made with Sangiovese grapes. We sat among the grape vines and had a delightful time.
6. Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Reviewed By Davigeta - Saint Louis, United States
This waterfall is right off the road and you do not have to hike to see it (I am sure the hike is great, but I was glad not to have to hike to see it!). At the base of the waterfall is a pond, and kids enjoy that area a lot. A very pretty spot, DEFINITELY worth a stop.
7. Panorama Point County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By cludeg898 - Arcadia, United States
Dropped by this area today and the gate was open to drive in! Great views of Mount Hood in the backdrop while upfront are the green farmlands and orchards. No trash lying around the bathroom area and plenty of parking.
8. Tamanawas Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Guest4two - Salem, United States
The trail is well maintained and enjoyable hike along a beautiful river and great waterfall at the end. Will do again. Family friendly.
9. Cathedral Ridge Winery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 137 reviews
Voted Oregon Winery of the Year and located in Hood River, Oregon, Cathedral Ridge is a premier Oregon winery and vineyard experience that features Columbia Gorge hospitality and world-class wines by Michael Sebastiani. Visit us during your next trip to Oregon Wine Tasting, or sign up for our Wine Club to bring the Cathedral Ridge experience directly to your doorstep each month. Visit our website for a 360-degree virtual tour!
Reviewed By jentravels29
The visit to Cathedral Ridge was exceptional for three reasons: the company I brought, the endless options to sample and Jayne. She was fantastic! So knowledgeable and friendly. My sister and I sampled and were educated about wines for 2 hours. Not a dud in the bunch! It was remarkable. You can't go wrong here.
10. Mount Hood Railroad
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 568 reviews
Mount Hood Railroad (est. 1905) is a short line railroad offering scenic passenger excursions and freight services through the Hood River Valley in northern Oregon. Located in Hood River in the stunning Columbia River Gorge about an hour east of Portland, the Mount Hood Railroad offers round-trip excursions as well as seasonal special events, Christmas trains and corporate charter train hire. Our trips offer a thousand views as we travel through orchards, vineyards, and forests enjoying picture perfect views of snow-capped Mount Hood and Mount Adams and capturing the nostalgia of classic American train travel along the way.
