Discover Hood River: Water, Trails, and Local Flavors

Hood River combines water activities on the Columbia River with trails through forests and valleys, regional products, art, and unusual excursions. Those looking for a vacation rental can therefore plan their stay according to their preferred pace of travel: active days along the waterfront, a self-guided route through the Hood River Valley, or cultural discoveries in the city.

Waterfront Trails and Water Activities on the Columbia River

Hood River’s waterfront is used by locals and visitors for both active and passive recreation. Nearly two miles of walking paths run along the waterfront, although there are some gaps. The paved Hood River Waterfront Trail is 2.8 miles long and connects The Hook with the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. It also passes numerous parks and recreation areas.

For those interested in water sports, the individual areas offer different focuses. The Hook has a sheltered bay for beginner windsurfing lessons. The Event Site provides water access for windsurfing, limited access for kitesurfing, and space for events. Nichols Basin includes a sheltered bay, a beach, and a launch area for small non-motorized watercraft.

Trails Through Forests, Valleys, and Orchards

There are also specific ways to explore Hood River away from the water. The Indian Creek Trail is a multi-use trail with three sections that runs from Hazel at 2nd Street in the Heights to Hood River Valley High School. The Indian Creek Trail System extends through the lower Hood River Valley to Barrett Park in rural western Hood River. Much of the Indian Creek Trail runs through forest along Indian Creek and offers opportunities to experience nature without implying a specific walking time.

The Hood River Railbikes offer another way to explore the area. The ride heads toward Mount Hood through pine forest, past a small waterfall and a rare switchback, as well as through orchard and wine-growing areas. It includes a stop at the factory and historic museum of The Fruit Company. The Fruit Company Tour itself travels through an orchard in a tractor-drawn tram and includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of how fruit gift baskets are made.

Fruit Loop, Market, and Local Products

The Hood River Fruit Loop is a 35-mile self-guided route through the Hood River Valley. It includes 32 fruit stands located directly on farms, wineries, breweries, cideries, and flower fields. This makes the route appealing to travelers who enjoy combining excursions with regional foods and a variety of stops. Planning a vacation home or vacation rental can particularly benefit from leaving room for the self-guided route to fill an entire day.

The Hood River Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from May through November, and on the first and third Saturday of each month from December through April. Offerings include local food as well as works and products by local artists and craftspeople. Every week also features live music, activities for children, and vendors serving hot food. In downtown Hood River, the Tasting Room at Crater Lake Spirits offers spirits tastings and mini cocktails.

Art, History, and Special Museum Days

The Columbia River Gorge BIG ART Outdoor Gallery includes 18 sculptures loaned by artists and nine permanent sculptures in the downtown area. Those wishing to explore this focus further can take the Hood River BIG ART Walking Tour: The art walk is 4.5 miles long and supplemented by a map and an audio tour.

The Columbia Center for the Arts houses a gallery for visual art and crafts, a theater or auditorium, and multipurpose spaces for cultural education programs. The facility includes a 1,700-square-foot gallery, a black-box theater with 136 fixed seats, and a 700-square-foot multipurpose studio or classroom. The Hood River County Library was built in 1913–1914 in the Jacobethan style and was the first building in Hood River County designed specifically for library use. In the center, Georgiana Smith Park surrounds the library; its northern lawns along Oak Street offer views of the Columbia River. Accessible terrace areas provide space for sitting, having lunch, or holding small musical events.

An additional excursion leads to WAAAM on the second Saturday of each month. On these special museum days, volunteers operate historic aircraft and automobiles and invite visitors to attend. Joy’s Art Studio may also be a suitable idea for families with different interests: It offers painting parties with drinks for adults.

More Places for Your Regional Search

If you would like to compare destinations beyond Hood River, you can also look at Cascade Locks and Parkdale. This allows you to combine your search for a suitable vacation rental or accommodation with your personal preferences for water, nature, culture, and regional excursions.

To the main travel overview: Hood River.