If you’re looking to extend your stay a few days and just enjoy more of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood area, look no further! We have included all our favorite spots in the area below, but feel free to explore other nearby areas like the Williamette Valley or Walla Walla wine country.
Scenic Drives - Hikes and countless waterfalls all along the Columbia River Gorge. It really is such a beautiful drive from Portland to Hood River!
Scenic Bike Trail - Cycle the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail (no cars!), just 9 miles round trip connecting Hood River to the city of Mosier.
Lost Lake Recreation Area - Beautiful lake in Mt. Hood National Forest with incredible mountain views and a large day use area to enjoy the outdoors. Rent a variety of boats, fishing gear, or walk the 3ish mile trail around the lake.
Hood River Fruit Loop - Self-guided tour of farms, orchards, and u-pick operations. Great varieties of local ciders, fruits, and wines to choose from!
Hood River Valley Wine Tours - Visit local wineries with Mt. Hood as your backdrop, their are tons of vineyards in this part of Oregon and southern Washington.
Full Sail Brewing - Historic brewery in Hood River with river views
Hood River Waterfront Park - Take the waterfront trail from the Best Western Plus to the Waterfront Park and enjoy all the great drinks, food, and windsurfing views (1 mile walk).
Columbia River Windsurfing/Kiteboarding - Hood River is world-renowned for wind sports (lessons available along the waterfront)
White-water rafting - Guided trips on the White Salmon River
Multnomah Falls Trail - The most iconic waterfall in Oregon with an easy paved path to the bridge viewpoint (0.4 miles) or a more challenging hike to the top (2.4 miles roundtrip)
Latourell Falls Trail - Easy 2.3-mile loop with views of a stunning 249-foot waterfall
Horsetail Falls & Ponytail Falls - Easy 2.7-mile roundtrip hike where you can walk behind Ponytail Falls
Lost Lake Loop - Easy 3.2-mile loop with classic Mt. Hood postcard views
Tamanawas Falls - Moderate 3.8-mile roundtrip hike to a beautiful 100-foot waterfall
Laurance Lake High Ridge Trail - Moderate 6 mile out and back (can turn around early once you get the views) with beautiful views of the lake and Mt. Hood
Lodging (outside of our room blocks)
Historic Timberline Lodge: Located at 6,000 ft of elevation, enjoy soaking up outdoor activities in the shadow of Mt. Hood! Movie buffs might also recognize this iconic hotel exterior from the 1980 film The Shining.
Skamania Lodge - Upscale resort in Washington side of the Gorge with golf course and spa
Columbia Cliff Villas - Boutique hotel with Columbia River views and spa services
Old Parkdale Inn B&B - Charming inn near Mt. Hood with mountain views
Our Favorite Local Hood River Eats
Celilo Restaurant and Bar - Our wedding caterer, if you want a precursor to the great food we'll have at the reception!
Three Rivers Grill - Great restaurant with an outdoor patio with sweeping views of the Gorge
pFriem Family Brewers and Ferment Brewing- Breweries down on the waterfront with awesome food as well
Mike's Ice Cream - Small ice cream shop in the heart of Hood River
Stoked Roasters & Doppio Coffee - Coffee shop right in the heart of Hood River
Riverside - Restaurant inside the Best Western Plus (hotel block) that has a patio right on the water of the Columbia River
River Daze Cafe - Fantastic sandwiches to grab & enjoy along the Waterfront Park
Tamanawas Falls in Mt. Hood National Forest
Mt. Hood from Lost Lake Recreation Area
Multnomah Falls
The Gorge White House
near Hood River
Multnomah Falls will have paid parking and timed entry during this time of year. Also, the hike to the top of the falls is very steep and not worth the effort. The best photos and views are from the bottom, so don't feel you need to do the whole thing. Please visit this site to book your timed entry slot.
When you're in Hood River, you actually can't see any of the nearby mountain peaks. Drive up out of the Gorge to the Gorge White House, the Fruit Loop Trail, or surrounding vineyards/orchards to see both Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
The bridge across the Columbia River to White Salmon, WA is a toll road.