Hood River city centre is the town’s original historic business district, known for its shops, coffee shops, restaurants, wineries and galleries. You can get around on foot or use Columbia Area Transit (CAT) to connect with local stops and services.
- Hood River has four primary business districts.
- Downtown parking is available in four public lots.
- CAT describes its Hood River service as operating seven days a week.
- A CAT stop at State Street and 4th Street is near the library and a public restroom.
Understanding Hood River's Centre
Downtown is Hood River’s original historic business district, while The Heights, West Cascade and the Waterfront are the city’s other primary business districts. The City of Hood River describes downtown as revitalized while retaining its historic character.
Shops, boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, wineries and galleries give the centre its mix of places to browse, eat and spend time. Cascade Avenue, State Street, Oak Street and 2nd through 7th Streets are among the streets identified on the city’s downtown parking map, useful names to keep in mind as you orient yourself.
Getting from the Motel to Downtown
Walking gives you a direct way to reach the centre without moving the car; driving is another option if you’re carrying things or continuing elsewhere afterward.
If you’re driving, the city’s downtown map identifies four public parking areas: Columbia Lot, Cascade Lot, State Lot and Front Lot. Pay to Park spaces require payment Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on federal holidays.
The city says downtown parking is limited and can be challenging during peak times, so check the official site before you go for current parking details.
Getting Around on Foot
Downtown’s main streets and numbered cross streets make it practical to navigate the centre by walking between businesses and services. Use Cascade Avenue, State Street, Oak Street and 2nd through 7th Streets as reference points when planning a route.
For a visit focused on downtown, you can start among the shops and galleries, then pause at a coffee shop or restaurant before continuing along another street. The area’s historic business-district character and mix of businesses make it easy to combine browsing with a meal or a winery stop without needing to leave the centre.
Visitor Stops and Services
CAT’s Hood River route has stops at the CAT Transit Center; State Street and 4th Street at the library; 2nd Street and Portway Avenue; North 1st Street and Riverside; Cascade Avenue and 5th Street; and Wasco Street at Waucoma Center.
CAT describes the Hood River service as operating seven days a week. Hood River station is another local rail connection; the Hood River Station guide covers its location and local connections.
The State Street and 4th Street stop is near Hood River Library and a public restroom. Near the 2nd Street and Portway Avenue stop are Hood River Waterfront Park, pFriem Family Brewers, Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, STOKED Roasters & Coffeehouse, Camp 1805 Distillery & Bar, and Ferment Brewing Co.
Near the Cascade Avenue and 5th Street stop are Double Mountain Brewery, Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River Cinema, Hood River Hobbies, the Hood River Post Office and Lightwell Hotel & Spa. On the Hood River City route, riders may wave to request pickup away from a designated stop if the bus can stop safely.
CAT also has Dial-a-Ride and ADA Complementary Paratransit services. Its office is at 224 Wasco Loop, Hood River, OR 97031, and the listed phone number is 541-386-4202.
CAT’s Columbia Gorge Express connects the Hood River CAT Transit Center at 224 Wasco Loop with Cascade Locks, Multnomah Falls, Troutdale and Portland’s Gateway Transit Center. Seasonal fixed-route services include the Gorge-to-Mountain Express, Dog Mountain Shuttle and White Salmon Weekend service.
Plan a Short Downtown Visit
For a simple downtown outing, start with the historic business district’s shops and galleries, then choose a coffee shop or restaurant for a break. If you want to include the riverfront, Waterfront Park is near CAT’s 2nd Street and Portway Avenue stop.
Georgiana Smith Park is another green-space stop to pair with time downtown.
For a day with more than one destination, the one-day Hood River itinerary lays out a broader way to organize your time.
FAQs
What is considered Hood River’s downtown?
Downtown is the city’s original historic business district. The other primary business districts are The Heights, West Cascade and the Waterfront.
Can you get around Hood River downtown without a car?
Yes. The downtown area has streets and cross streets identified on the city parking map, and CAT’s Hood River route serves several stops in and around the centre.
Where can you park downtown?
The city’s map identifies the Columbia, Cascade, State and Front public parking lots. Pay to Park rules apply in designated spaces during stated hours.