Hood River Township

Hood River is located 1-hour east of Portland on the Columbia River Gorge, and has an attractive location with upscale restaurants, boutiques, surf shops and tasting rooms.  It’s a popular, sunny location famous as a world-class windsurfing and kite-boarding destination.  Hood River is also the gateway to the breathtaking Hood River Winery Loop.

Hood River’s historic main street buzzes with activity, including a wide choice of restaurants and cafes.  If you’re searching for a relaxed atmosphere for morning coffee, try Ground Expresso Bar or Doppio Coffee.   Or if you’re in the mood for a sophisticated dining experience, try Celilo Restaurant, Three Rivers Grill or Brian’s Pourhouse.

If you wish to venture beyond the main street, the nearby historic Hood River Hotel offers riverside dining on a patio, with superb views of the Columbia River.  A number of famous movie stars and Presidents have stayed at the hotel; including Rudolf Valentino, Shirley Temple, and President Roosevelt. 

Things to do in Hood River

1. Columbia River Waterfront:  During summer time, plan to spend a day on the Columbia River Waterfront at Hood River, and prepare to be dazzled by the skills and colorful spectacle of windsurfers and kite-boarders gliding along the water.   Visitors can rent paddleboards and kayaks, or book a windsurfing lesson from a pro.  However many visitors choose to just soak up the rays on the beach, or take a swim in the refreshing waters of the Columbia River. 
2. Hood River Winery Loop:  A must-do activity when visiting Hood River is completing the Hood River Winery Loop. Prepare to be charmed by picturesque country back roads with orchards and vineyards, quaint wineries, and the awesome spectacle of snowcapped Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens in the distance.  
3. Maryhill Winery:  Wine lovers should also travel a short distance across the Columbia River to the celebrated Maryhill Winery.  At Maryhill Winery you can sample wines beneath the vines on a European style patio with sweeping views of the Columbia River.  
4. Maryhill Art Museum:  If time permits, then travel 1-mile up the road to the Maryhill Art Museum to experience a celebrated art collection including Rodin sculptures and the fabulous “Theater de La Mode” mid-century fashion collection from Paris.  The Maryhill Art Museum rivals any Art Museum found in a major city, and has the added benefit of being housed in a spectacular mansion along the Columbia River.
5. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center:  Many visitors also enjoy the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center at Hood River, providing a cultural and geological history of this fascinating area.  The raptor demonstration is a big hit with kids.
6. Historic Columbia Gorge Highway:  Finally, travel along the 18-mile Historic Columbia River Highway from Dodson to Troutdale.  Prepare to be enthralled by countless waterfalls and stunning vantage points in this lush, ancient gorge.  Multnomah Falls and Vista Point are the highlights of this historic highway.

Lodging, Hotels and Inns at Hood River

Review the table below for lodging options at Hood River, including:

• Hood River Hotel
• Villa Columbia B&B
• Hood River B&B
• Lakecliff B&B
• Inn at the Gorge
• Best Western Hood River Inn