Hood River
Hood River beckons people with orchard blooms in its valleys and hills and the promise of adventure on the waters of the Columbia River and the Hood 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. Ride your mountain bike on the Post Canyon trail loops or road bike to Mosier and back on the old scenic highway.
More information at the Hood River Chamber
Columbia River Gorge
The Gorge is a year-round recreational area offering the best of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, biking, golf, whitewater rafting and kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding, boating, bird watching, photography, downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing – the list is endless. Indoor options are also readily available with world-class museums, wine tasting, brew pubs, incredible farm to table dining opportunities, fantastic shopping as well as spa and massage services right in the town of Hood River.
More information at the Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association
Mount Hood
Mt. Hood is the highest point in Oregon, the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge and an area that has become the Northwest's main outdoor play area. Mt. Hood’s slopes are climbed, skied, snowboarded, hiked, mountain biked, ridden on horseback, camped and road biked. Its many lakes and rivers are canoed, swum and fished. Its foothills offer orchards, farms full of fresh ingredients and exotic wildflowers. And when the day is done, be sure to enjoy charming Hood River, hand-crafted beers and spirits, wine tasting and delicious food at the many restaurants.
Read more about Mt. Hood
Marchesi Vineyards
Among the rows of Italian varietals and the beautiful landscaped patio and courtyard; you'll be transported to Italy. The grounds and winery building are constantly evolving. Experience the essence of Marchesi Vineyards & Winery, share a glass of wine on the patio while you enjoy stunning views of the fruit filled foothills of Hood River and Mt. Hood in the distance.
Read more about the Vineyard
Mt. Hood Railroad
The Mount Hood Railroad offers the perfect escape for couples, families and groups in the scenic Hood River Valley. From beautiful pear trees, and great views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams, to classic dinner trains reminiscent of the Golden Age of rail travel or the excitement of a "Western Train Robbery," make sure to fit the Mount Hood Railroad into your travel plans.
More info about the Mt Hood Railroad
Lost Lake
Lost lake is a popular recreational site a couple of miles outside Hood River, with campsites, rustic cabins and a old fashioned general store. The resort's normal season is May through October since it's snowed in during the winter months. Canoes, row boats, and kayaks are available for rental and luckily motor craft are not allowed on the lake. A 3/4 mile level trail runs around the whole lake giving you incredible views of Mt. Hood.
More information about Lost Lake
Cathedral Ridge Winery
Voted Oregon Winery of the Year in 2004 and located in Hood River, Oregon, Cathedral Ridge is a premier Oregon winery and vineyard that features Columbia Gorge hospitality and world-class wines by Michael Sebastiani. Visit them for Wine Tasting in their indoor/outdoor tasting room with beautiful views of the Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood.
More information about the Winery
Windsurfing/Kiteboarding
Hood River has been known as the windsurfing capital of the world for years now. It’s guaranteed that we have lots of wind in Hood River and the Columbia Gorge during the summer months and even some cold windy days in the winter. With the Columbia River Gorge in our front yard and easy accessibility from Hood River at the Event Site and now also the Sandbar for World-Class Kiteboarding, Hood River has now become the go-to place in the summer for wind sports.
More information for windsurf and kiteboard lessons from Brian's Windsurfing
Mt. biking/Road biking
The Historic Columbia River Highway, long a favorite for cyclists -- as well as sightseeing motorists, now has newly constructed segments just for bicycles. No longer must pedalers brave the shoulders of Interstate 84 when following the river's course; a brand new bike path, which opened at the end of 2013 provides safe passage from Portland all the way to Cascade Locks. Eventually the link between Cascade Locks and Hood River will be connected which will mean that the entire Historic Highway from Portland to The Dalles will be open again.
Read more about the Historic Columbia River Highway