Few places balance raw adventure and breathtaking beauty quite like Hood River, Oregon. Framed by dramatic gorge cliffs and crowned by Mount Hood’s snowy summit, it’s a landscape alive with motion, color, and possibility. I’ve found that as years go on, I’m experiencing new places just within driving distance that I never made the time for previously. Hood River is one that has made an imprint.

Copy this itinerary if you’re looking for a memorable Hood River escape.

DOWN TOWN HOOD RIVER // SOLSTICE PIZZA, CAMP 1805 DISTILLERY & BAR, AND FERMENT BREWING COMPANY

Terrific gourmet salads and pizzas (amazing GF, Vegan/Vegetarian options) at Solstice Pizza and great outdoor atmosphere! Really beautiful and tasty hand crafted cocktails at Camp 1805 Distillery, and Ferment Brewing is THE spot for brews, outdoor dining while enjoying live music, and LOTS of doggos!

A long time friend, Susi, from when I started my career at Zumiez lives in Hood River, so it was a pleasant surprise to see each other after so many years. She met up with us at Ferment Brewing and invited us back to their home for a visit and limoncello (from Italy!). The sun lit up their beautiful and scenic back yard like a blanket of evening warmth and we laughed and chatted about travel all evening.

SAKURA RIDGE // in the shadow of Mt. Hood, about 15 minutes from downtown, and centered within orchards sits Sakura Ridge - a serene, luxury, 5-room log cabin property. Thriving live stock, a certified organic working farm with rows of flowers and vegetable garden beds is just a small glimpse in to why Sakura Ridge boasts with truly unique getaway vibes! This is a very intimate property that is perfect for a romantic couples getaway! Farm to table dining, locally crafted ciders, and scenic views that will live forever in your memory!

Each stay includes breakfast created by their on-site chef using locally sourced ingredients from Hood River vendors. A MUST try while visiting is their handcrafted and award winning Nashi Orchards perry and cider - using apples and pears from their very own property.

Elements of Sakura Ridge are inspired by Japanese design and history, including Japanese limestone plaster, a vintage Japanese Tansu circa 1800-1900, and artwork.

ROWENA CREST VIEWPOINT // views that will take your breath away! Take a drive up to the top and enjoy a magical sunset! I chose to ring in my 43rd birthday by poppin’ a bottle as the sun set on the last day of my 42nd year!

HOPE RANCH LAVENDER // absolutely stunning views of Mount Hood and lush purple grounds spanned from one end to the other as far as the eye could see.

-U-pick season opens in late May and closes in early September

-Parking and entry is FREE

-Dogs are welcome, on leash

-Clippers and supplies for u-pick are available on-site

-Shop their locally made lavender goods on-site!

MT VIEW ORCHARDS, GRATEFUL VINEYARDS & MOUNT VIEW BREWING // Mt. View Orchards is a 50-acre apple and pear farm nestled just north of Mt. Hood in the quaint town of Parkdale, Oregon. Mt. View Orchards offers a vast amount of options from wines, beers, ciders, a delicious menu, u-pick flowers, seasonal activities such as a pumpkin patch and u-pick fruit. The views are stunning! A must visit!

CATHEDRAL RIDGE // With over 30 award winning wines and serene views of Mt. Adams from the garden terrace, Cathedral Ridge is a lovely stop on your wine tasting agenda. Their barrel room often hosts events including live music, an art gallery, markets, and more.

HOOD RIVER HOTEL // Historical hotel property located in the heart of downtown Hood River. Hood River Hotel OOZES coolness. We bee-bopped up and down town, which was steps from Hood River Hotel.

Hood River Hotel’s history dates back to 1888 and is one to read about! They have curated a very unique ambiance that can only be experienced to understand.

BRODER OST // Known for their Scandinavian fare (and brunch that you’ll want to make love to), Broder Ost is situated next to the historic Hood River Hotel. Casual dining with memorable dishes. Don’t sleep on the Danish pancakes or Seasonal Fritters!

THE GORGE WHITE HOUSE // (closed December thru February for seasonal schedule) - The Gorge White House sits on 30+ acres of orchard in the heart of Hood River. Seasonally serving up hard cider, craft wines, u-pick flowers, u-pick fruit, and a Farm Fresh Food Cart sits on the property to support your hunger after walking the serene fields. Read up on the beautiful historic 1910 white house that is a main character on the property.

PADDLEBOARDING // With Gorge Paddling Center you can simply rent by the hour for paddle, kayak, or tandem kayak. For more adventure, you can also rent E-bikes, or arrange for a daytime or sunset tour. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you get comfortable if it’s your first time, like me! Paddle or kayak along the Columbia River with panoramic views and sites.

Portia and I enjoyed this so so much! Todd, Lead Guide and Instructor, was so kind and helpful as we navigated an overwhelmingly large body of water! It was so breathtaking!!

Thank you to Visit Hood River for hosting us for a lovely stay and experience! Travel Content Creator Portia Smith of Travel with Portia. Photography by Sarahtonin Shoots

Exploring Our Own Backyard - Hood River, Oregon