What to Do in Hood River: A Complete Travel Guide

If there were ever a location especially made for people who cannot decide between enjoying waterfalls, sipping some quality wine, or flying a colorful kite, it would be Hood River. Located in Oregon, this cute little town sits along the Columbia River Gorge and is one of the top attractions in the northwestern U.S.

One minute you are paddle boarding, the next you’re hiking through well maintained trails or enjoying some craft beer. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or just someone pretending to be a traveler, Hood River has something for everyone. In this complete Hood River travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from the best things to do to the best places to visit. Let’s go!

Hood River is a small city located in northern Oregon with a total population of about 8,000 people. It sits on the Columbia River, about 60 miles east of Portland. The city is well known for its strong winds, which make it one of the best windsurfing and kite boarding spots in the world.
The Hood River Valley is famous for producing many seasonal fruits—especially apples, pears, and cherries. The area features over 15,000 acres of orchards, and Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest mountain, is only about 30 miles away. The Columbia River Gorge near Hood River is home to dozens of waterfalls, and the town features a lively scene of breweries, wineries, and cider houses. The historic Columbia River Highway runs nearby.
The average summer temperature here is around 80 °F, while winter temperatures often stay above freezing. Hood River attracts many visitors each year for outdoor sports, food, and beautiful scenery.

This town is home to many amazing attractions. Some of the best things to do in Hood River are listed below:

Downtown Hood River spans a few blocks near Oak Street and features over 30 local shops selling clothes, books, and handmade goods. Many buildings here were built in the early 1900s and retain their original brick facades. The Hood River County Library (opened in 1913) still stands at the center of town. There are also more than 20 restaurants and cafés in the downtown area, so you can enjoy a nice meal. Local artists often display work at the Columbia Center for the Arts, and free parking is available on most streets. The downtown area overlooks the Columbia River, giving picture-perfect views of Washington across the water.

The Hood River Fruit Loop is a scenic 35 mile drive through farms and orchards in the valley. The route includes more than 25 stops for fruit stands, wineries, and cider houses. During spring, thousands of trees bloom with white flowers, perfect for photos. In summer, cherries and peaches are available at roadside stands. The route passes near Mount Hood. Visitors can pick fruit at several farms, and signs along the loop clearly mark each stop.

Rowena Crest Viewpoint is located about 700 feet above the Columbia River, 16 miles east of Hood River along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is famous for offering panoramic views of the Rowena Loops and the Gorge. On clear days, visitors can see Mount Hood and Mount Adams. The area belongs to the Tom McCall Nature Preserve, which protects more than 200 species of wildflowers. In spring, the plateau bursts into bloom with lupine and balsamroot. Free parking is available at the site, and short trails lead to additional viewpoints nearby.

The Hood River Valley is home to more than 15 wineries that spread across 20 miles. The area’s vineyards grow mostly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling grapes, and the soil from ancient volcanic activity gives the wine rich minerals. Marchesi Vineyards and Cathedral Ridge Winery are popular stops near town. Most tasting rooms are open daily from noon to 5 p.m. Some wineries serve local cheese and bread with tastings. Wine tasting fees usually range from $10 to $20 per person.

Dog Mountain is located on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, about 13 miles west of Hood River. The main trail to the summit is 3.8 miles one way, and it climbs about 2,800 feet. The summit is 2,948 feet, and the hike gives wide views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River. The slopes in spring are covered with yellow balsamroot flowers. A permit is required on weekends from April to June. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

Tamanawas Falls is located on the eastern side of Mount Hood near Highway 35. The waterfall drops 110 feet over a lava cliff formed thousands of years ago. The trail to the falls is 3.4 miles round trip and follows Cold Spring Creek through a shaded forest. The area sits at about 3,000 feet in elevation. In winter, the waterfall often forms thick ice around the edges. The parking area requires a Northwest Forest Pass.

Coyote Wall is located in Washington, about 8 miles east of Hood River. The basalt cliffs rise nearly 1,700 feet above the Columbia River, and the area covers more than 2,000 acres of grassland and open slopes. Trails connect with the Syncline Trail system and offer loops from 3to 8 miles. Wildflowers bloom from March to May. The site is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Falls Creek Falls is located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, about 25 miles north of Hood River. The waterfall features three tiers and a total height of 335 feet. The trail is 3.4 miles round trip and follows Falls Creek through old-growth forest filled with cedar and hemlock trees. The lower tier drops 135 feet into a large pool. The site is free to visit and the trail is open year-round but can be muddy in winter.

El Cuate is a Mexican restaurant located on 13th Street in Hood River. It opened in 2015 and serves tacos, burritos, and carne asada plates. Tortillas are made fresh daily, and the salsa uses jalapeños grown in the Hood River Valley. Seating is available for about 40 people, and the restaurant offers takeout and outdoor picnic tables. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Parking is free.

The Mesquitery is a steak and seafood restaurant located on 13th Street. Opened in 1988, it uses mesquite wood to grill steaks and seafood. Prime rib and halibut are popular dishes. The dining room seats about 60 guests, and the bar serves Oregon wines and local craft beer. Opens at 4 p.m. daily.

Located on 2nd Street in downtown Hood River, Lilo’s Hawaiian BBQ opened in 2010. It serves Hawaiian-style comfort food, including loco moco, kalua pork, and chicken katsu. Rice and macaroni salad come with every plate lunch. The restaurant seats about 30 people indoors. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Located on 12th Street, this shop opened in Hood River in 2009. It serves East Coast–style submarine sandwiches using fresh-baked rolls, with meats sliced daily in-house. Popular items include the Italian, Philly Cheesesteak, and Veggie Sub. Seating for about 20 people. All sauces and dressings are made from scratch.

The best time to visit Hood River is from May to October, with temperatures between 60 °F and 85 °F. In May, wildflowers bloom, covering the Columbia River Gorge with over 200 native species. June brings strong winds averaging 25 mph, ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding. July and August have the most sunshine, with about 14 hours of daylight, and the Hood River County Fair takes place in July. September and October are harvest season on the Fruit Loop, with apples, pears, and pumpkins available. Fall colors peak in mid-October along Highway 35 near Mount Hood. Winter brings rain and nearby mountain snow.

In short, Hood River’s attractions offer something for every type of traveler—from mountain trails to river adventures. Each place showcases the area’s natural beauty and local character in a simple, unforgettable way.

Book your stay at Sunset Motel Hood River today and enjoy the perfect base for exploring waterfalls, trails, and wineries!