CENTRAL GORGE OREGON

Hood River  ·  Odell  ·  Parkdale

Hood River is home to both Oregon’s highest mountain and mightiest river. Located in the Central Gorge in Oregon, Hood River is known as the basecamp for several outdoor adventures. The canyon-like Columbia River Gorge runs through the Cascade Mountains, creating a natural wind tunnel that invites wind sports enthusiasts to play on the Columbia River. While many people come for wind recreation, many stay for the thriving food, wine, cider and beer scenes, as well as the welcoming community spirit. The beauty and recreational opportunities in the windswept Gorge brought Hood River County into its present spot as a top tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest.

ART WALK: Take the Hood River BIG ART Walking Tour which is a 2.65-mile self-guided tour that visits 15 outdoor sculptures, all by local and regional artists.
BIKE + HIKE + RUN: Bike, hike or run on the five-mile, traffic-free section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail— America’s first ‘King of Roads’— that runs between Hood River and Mosier.
DRIVE + DISCOVER CIDER: Follow the Cider Route to get a taste of all the different varieties and styles of cider made from fruit sourced from local orchardists in the Hood River Valley.
MUSEUM: Discover one of the largest collections of still-flying antique airplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM).
WATER PLAY:  Hit the water and play on one of the eight rivers located near Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge (Columbia, Deschutes, Hood, John Day, Klickitat, Sandy, White Salmon and Wind Rivers).

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail: Twin Tunnels Segment
This five-mile trail section of the Historic Highway— which is closed to vehicles— starts in Hood River at the Mark O. Hatfield West trailhead and features amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge, plus passage through a double tunnel, on the way to the small town of Mosier.
Hood River Waterfront
The vibrant Hood River Waterfront Park is located on Portway Avenue on the banks of the Columbia River. There are walking paths, a sandy beach and swimming area (no lifeguards), picnic shelters, restrooms, grassy areas and a natural playground and climbing wall. The waterfront area also features a locally-owned brew pub, restaurant, coffee shop and distillery. Kiteboarders, windsurfers and stand-up paddlers come from all over the world to play on the Columbia River. The Event Site is a great spot for watching the activity on the river. There is a $15 day use fee.
Historic Downtown Hood River
Hood River’s downtown historic district has more than 40 civic and commercial buildings dating from 1893 to the 1930s, some of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Panorama Point
At Panorama Point, visitors can see the entire Hood River Valley. The view features more than 15,000 acres of orchards and vineyards, and the fruit trees in bloom in spring offer a photo opportunity not to be missed. Located three miles south of Hood River on Hwy 35. Follow signs.
Hood River Fruit Loop
The fertile Hood River Valley, in Central Gorge Oregon, is home to numerous small, family-run fruit orchards, offering visitors luscious apples, pears, cherries, peaches, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. One of the best ways to experience this fresh fruit paradise is to take the 35-mile scenic drive along the Hood River Valley Fruit Loop. Many of the orchards offer u-pick opportunities. Make sure to call ahead to check out availability. Celebrate the harvest of fruit at the many scheduled events in the Columbia River Gorge.
Cloud Cap Inn
Built in 1889, the Cloud Cap Inn stands 6,000 feet and is located on the eastern slope of Mt. Hood. Cloud Cap Inn originated as an elite mountain retreat and is now a search and rescue base for the Hood River Crag Rats, the oldest search and rescue organization in the United States. Cloud Cap Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and free interpretive tours are available.
Lost Lake
Lost Lake’s awesome beauty with classic views of Mt. Hood offers an ideal getaway for families. Great recreational opportunities including hiking, swimming, boating and camping.
Ski Areas on Mt. Hood
Mt. Hood has five ski areas: Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows, Skibowl, Cooper Spur and Timberline Summit Pass Ski Area. They total over 4,600 miles of skiable terrain. Timberline offers the longest lift-service skiing in North America.