21 Things to Do in Hood River, Oregon

There aren’t many places you can travel to in the United States where you can experience life on the river, life in the mountains, and life among the orchards. As if by magic, the small town of Hood River, Oregon—population: 8,011—offers all three. Established in 1848 and originally known as Dog River, this river and mountain town nestled along the state’s northwest border offers an adventure for every type of weekend getaway.

Those looking for a fruity getaway will want to spend their days driving the Hood River Fruit Loop, which offers plenty of opportunities to sample fresh apples, pears and cherries from the grove. (Fun fact: Hood River County provides 50% of the world’s supply of Anjou pears and is America’s largest supplier of winter pears.) Prefer ready meals and drinks? Wineries and breweries abound, as do seasonally inspired gourmet restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of mountain hikes, waterfalls, and water activities (the Columbia River Gorge offers ideal conditions for wind and kitesurfing), and you don’t need to be an avid shopper to take advantage of the top quality, and often locally made, independent boutiques in town.

So if you’re looking for a great little town to visit this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Our Hood River, Oregon travel guide is packed with the best restaurants, shops, sights to see and more! Here are 21 ways to take advantage of the season to make the most of a hot summer day – or a full weekend! – in one of our favorite small towns.