25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Hood River (OR)

Hood River is located in the state of Oregon and is an affluent of the Columbia River in Hood River County, United States.

Initially known as Dog River, the city of Hood River has an estimated population of approximately 7, 745 people after the 2020 census.

Unsurprisingly, tourists who have visited this city usually lack the correct words to describe the magnificence of this city; you need to check it out yourself.

There are many places to visit in this city, such as Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom, Celilo Restaurant and Bar, Hood River U-Pick Organic, Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood Railroad, and many more.

Are you planning a trip to Hood River, Here are the top things to do in Hood River, OR.

Things to Do in Hood River

 1. Columbia River Gorge

Is this your first time in Hood River? If yes, Visiting the Columbia River Gorge is one of the best things to do in Hood River, OR.

The Columbia River Gorge is a wonderful deep canyon of 4, 000 feet directly above the Columbia River, which extends through the Cascade Range for more than eighty miles.

The Canyon serves as a barrier between the northern Washington state and the southern side of Oregon.

The Columbia River Gorge is the only water chain between the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia Plateau.

The Gorge is well conserved as the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and a spot for several outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, tours, rock climbing, and Mountain biking.

Address: Hood River, OR 97031, United States

2. Panorama Point County Park & Viewpoint

Panorama Point County Park & Viewpoint is a small but beautiful park perfect for the whole family to stop by and relax.

There are picnic tables where you and your loved ones can sit, have a meal and enjoy the beautiful views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood.

The Park also provides clean restrooms and large parking space, and you can also scan through the interpretive symbols, which talks about the Hood River Valley’s geological history.

Do well to bring a camera or a recording device when visiting, to capture the incredible views of vineyards and orchards of over 15, 000 acres

Address: Eastside Rd, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

3. Mount Hood

The Multnomah tribe also calls Mount Hood WY ‘east; it is found in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. as a functional stratovolcano.

It lies on the boundary between the counties of Hood River and Clackamas, roughly fifty miles from the east to the southeastern region of Portland.

Mount Hood is graced with eleven glaciers, and it is proclaimed as the tallest Mountain in Oregon and the World’s second most visited mountain.

The Mountain is surrounded by many natural amenities, including beautiful wildflowers, the Timberline lodge from the 1930s, many trails for hiking, and more.

You will also find the Hood River County Fruit Loop consisting of wildflowers, dramatic alpine lakes, lavender, and large hectares of fruit orchards.

Address: Clackamas / Hood River counties, Oregon, United States

4. The History Museum of Hood River County

For those who want to learn about the history of Hood County, add a visit to the History Museum of Hood River County to your list of top things to do in Hood River, OR.

The History Museum of Hood River County was established to preserve the diverse culture of the mid-Columbia River Gorge region and the Hood County’s history.

The Museum showcases an interactive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, intriguing programs, and captivating exhibits about the region’s history.

Here, individuals get a better insight into the cultural heritage through the preserved past, which also helps fashion the future.

The History Museum of Hood River County showcases permanent exhibits related to the Japanese American tale of Hood River, early pioneers, the culture of Native Americans, and more.

Children aren’t left out of the fun, and there is a special place featuring many hands-on activities and innovative exhibits for children and families to explore.

Address: 300 E Port Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

5. Hood River Marina Park

Are you searching for a beautiful place for a family picnic? Then, a visit to Hood River Marina Park is an excellent addition to your Hood River to-do list.

Hood River Marina Park is an open recreational area offering outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of fun activities.

This is a great spot for outdoor lovers; they can engage in activities like sailing and kayaking. Sailing lessons for community education are held here as well as activities by the city’s yacht club.

Hood River Marina Park features a yacht marina and a large picnic shelter, and you will also find a short time dock for travelers.

Address: Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

6. Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum

A more fascinating place like Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum should be at the top of your list of fun things to do in Hood River, OR.

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is next to the Ken Jernstedt Memorial Airport.

It is a place dedicated to preserving remnants of automobiles, aviation, and many other historical items related to transportation.

The Museum is home to the largest collection of three-cylinder airplanes powered by radial in the United States, dating back to the early 1900s.

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum hosts the fly-in Hood River event annually, featuring automobiles and aircraft artifacts.

Address: 1600 Air Museum Rd, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

7. Mt. Hood Railroad

If you truly want to explore this city your list of fun things to do in Hood River, OR isn’t complete without a visit to Mt. Hood Railroad.

A historic site, Mt. Hood Railroad, takes people to Mount Hood from the magnificent Hood River Valley being a freight railway.

Mt. Hood Railroad was one-time a highly fundamental route for the fruit farmers and foresters in the Valley.

But currently, it is used to offer visitors an incredible ride on a train to Mount Hood through the dramatic Hood River Valley.

The tour began in the downtown area of Hood River from the North depot using historic vehicles in the early 1900s.

It then leads towards the Hood River Valley, largely packed with ample lands of flourishing flowers, fruit trees, and amazing views of the imperial Cascade Range, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood.

Address: 110 Mt Hood Railroad, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

8. Marchesi Vineyards

To your list of fun things to do in Hood River, OR, include visiting Marchesi Vineyards with your family and friends for an amazing experience.

Marchesi Vineyards produces unique and quality Italian wines, including Primitivo and Sangiovese, with several other outstanding wines.

The vineyards are owned by Franco Marchesi, who is well experienced in the winemaking industry in Hood River.

The tasting room is a place you will love to visit with an outdoor porch that is widely surrounded by a stunning garden.

The garden features massive umbrellas and tables, çeramic carafes, nice rugs, and the local Grissini breadsticks.

Address: 3955 Belmont Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

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9. Mt. Hood Winery

How about visiting a casual and laid-back spot in the city? Mt. Hood Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that has to be added to your Hood River to-do list.

Mt. Hood Winery was founded by Steve and Don Bickford in 2009, and it is located on a farmland that has been in the family for a century.

The Winery is popular for using special procedures that have gone through five generations of wine producers to make the best wines.

The wines produced at the winery are sampled at their beautiful tasting room, consisting of indoor and outdoor seating plus a fireplace used during the winter months.

Mt. Hood Winery offers amazing views of the Hood River Valley, and the owners and staff are nice and receptive.

Address: 2882 Van Horn Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

10. Hood River Waterfront Park

Hood River is a city with many attractions that offer you lots of outdoor activities, and Hood River Waterfront Park is one of them.

An energetic multipurpose park, Hood River Waterfront Park is found next to the Hood River and features several exciting amenities.

There is a lovely beach shaped as a crescent perfect for swimming and sunbathing, coupled with a sandbar kite beach ideal for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

There are picnic tables and benches where you and your loved ones can relax and spend quality time together.

You can also go watercrafting as there are many areas for launching with nice trails perfect for a jog, stroll, and cycle.

There are other exhilarating activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing.

Address: 650 Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

11. White Salmon River

White Salmon River is a branch of the Columbia River that extends for 44-mile into the Columbia Gorge from Mount Adams’ slopes.

Located in a beautifully reserved area with a watershed of about 400-square miles featuring a wide variety of waterfowl and wildlife.

White Salmon River is an outstanding location for white-water rafting throughout the year and other outdoor activities.

It is a great place for wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking with friends and family as you get to enjoy the beautiful environment.

White Salmon River requires special permits from visitors before they are allowed to go kayaking and white water rafting.

12. Columbia Center for the Arts and Columbia Art Gallery

Columbia Center for the Arts and Columbia Art Gallery is located in the middle of Columbia River Gorge in Hood River.

This exceptional arts center focuses on promoting and improving the performance and visualization of arts.

The art center offers talented artists from the community of Columbia River Gorge several amazing opportunities.

Columbia Center for the Arts and Columbia Art Gallery showcases and offers visual artworks for sales, and it also contains a spacious auditorium.

There is a theater that can accommodate one hundred and thirty-six, and it is a venue for various art shows. In addition, the center features multipurpose rooms of 7, 000 Square feet used for educational programs relating to arts open to everyone, both adults and children.

Address: 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

13. Cathedral Ridge Winery

Cathedral Ridge Winery was named in honor of Mt. Hood’s Cathedral Ridge, consisting of thirteen local vineyards.

Each of the vineyards is extremely fertile with unique climatic conditions and produces a large number of contemporary wines.

Cathedral Ridge Winery is owned by Robb Bell, who uses traditional methods to produce wines. He has produced an incredible number of twenty-seven award-winning wines.

The winery is open for guided tours of the entire property, including the facilities for making wines, vineyards, and barrel rooms.

Address: 4200 Post Canyon Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

14. Tom McCall Nature Preserve

If you’re a nature enthusiast, you will genuinely appreciate the magnificence of McCall Nature Preserve in Hood River.

Tom McCall Nature Preserve is in the center of the Dalles and Mosier, featuring a stunning plateau that overlooks the Columbia River Gorge.

An amazing nature preserve named in honor of Thomas Lawson McCall, a former governor of the state of Oregon.

If you visit in May, you will be dumbfounded and captivated by the incredible wildflowers displayed in the preserve.

Featuring a wide array of rare plant species in a large population, closely nurtured by dedicated ecologists. Tom McCall Nature Preserve consists of numerous trails for hiking spread all through the property, open for use by individuals of various hiking skills.

Address: Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, OR 97031

15. Wy’East Vineyards

Visiting Wy’East Vineyards is one of the best things to do in Hood River, OR, especially with your travel companions.

Wy’East Vineyards is a general meeting spot for many wine lovers in the city famous for manufacturing unique handcrafted wines.

It is owned by a couple, Dick Reed and Christie, who named the winery Wy’East, which is a Native American Word translated for Mt. Hood.

This winery has one of the most elevated vineyards in the Hood River Valley in the whole of Oregon state, with a height of 1, 600 feet.

Wy’East Vineyards uses the best quality fruits in producing the wines, including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes.

There is an amazing outdoor porch where wines are sampled, and visitors get to taste some of the drinks and enjoy great backdrop views.

Address: 3189 OR-35, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

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16. Celilo Restaurant and Bar

Celilo Restaurant and Bar is a one-of-a-kind American restaurant located in the middle of the downtown District of Hood River.

Known for serving unique farm-to-table dishes with a twist to them, making them as tasty and fresh as possible.

Celilo Restaurant and Bar uses the best locally harvested ingredients from local farmers and rearers, such as vegetables, herbs, grass-fed meats, and more.

The restaurant offers a food menu that ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy featuring vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options.

Celilo Restaurant and Bar features a full-time bar that offers a large collection of award-winning drinks in the state, including wines, cocktails, and locally crafted beers.

Address: 16 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

17. Hood River U-Pick Organic

Certainly, if you planned to have great fun, don’t think twice before you add a visit to Hood River U-Pick Organic to your list of fun things to do in Hood River, OR.

A wonderful family-owned and operated active farm, Hood River U-Pick Organic, which cultivates naturally grown raspberries, blueberries, dahlias, heirloom tomatoes, cherries, and honey crisp apples.

Hood River U-Pick Organic offers patrons, locals, and visitors inclusive an opportunity to do a U-Pick for flowers and fruits.

Visitors get to pick their own fruits and flowers, weigh and pay for them before leaving with them. It is also a great place for picnics, with several picnic tables and chairs spread all over the place.

The stunning and peaceful environment offers cool views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood. Don’t forget to check out the petting zoo with farm animals like roosters, pigs, goats, chickens, and more.

Address: 4320 Royal Anne Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

18. Cascade Cliffs Winery

Cascade Cliffs Winery is located along the beautiful Columbia River and spectacular Columbia River Gorge underneath the soaring basalt cliffs.

This is a family-owned winery of twenty-acre right from 1986; it has consistently produced a variety of delicious wines.

The winery features major tasting rooms in Washington, Oregon, in Hood River, and Woodinville, which are usually open from Monday to Wednesday during mid-day and early evening.

Cascade Cliffs Winery offers drinks like Nebbiolo, Syrah, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Zinfandel, and more.

Address: 211 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

19. The Pines 1852 Tasting Room

The Pines 1852 Tasting Room is a must-visit for every wine lover in Hood River, popular for offering the highest quality wines.

In 1982, Lonnie Wright, Vinter acquired the Pines Vineyard, which was vacated and in a very bad state during that era.

The vineyard was modified into the flourishing vineyard it is today and has continuously produced Unique wines like Merlot, Syrah, and Old Vine Zinfandel.

The Pines 1852 Tasting Room samples their wines at their classic tasting room, featuring a spacious bar built with cherry wood and a beautiful living room with a bistro-style setting.

The workers here are very nice and cheerful, always present to tell visitors stories of the winery and wines produced.

Address: 415 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

20. Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom

If you just want to take a break and chill, don’t waste any time including a visit to Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom in your list of things to do in Hood River, OR.

Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom is a combination of a brewery that focuses on the production of the best quality beers and also distributing them throughout the country.

The company was established in 2007 with a large brewpub eatery which has become one of the most visited places in the city.

The fantastic serves a nice menu featuring casual American fares, including gourmet sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, snack baskets, and more.

 Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom is open every day of the week for lunch and dinner plus the wonderful taprooms, and visitors also get to enjoy amazing live music.

Address: Eight 4th St, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

21. Bette’s Place

As the saying goes, Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and every city should have a place that serves delectable breakfast.

Dining at Bette’s Place is one of the best things to do in Hood River, OR, a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been in existence since 1975.

Aside from breakfast meals, they also serve homemade meals suitable for lunches offering a diverse food menu.

Bette’s Place is known as one of the most hospitable eateries in the city, which can contain up to one hundred and thirty persons at once.

They serve delicious eggs Florentine, egg dishes, quiche, omelets, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, pancakes & waffles, huevos tortillas, and chorizo burritos.

Address: 416 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

22. Hood River Distillers Tasting Room

Hood River Distillers Tasting Room was founded in 1934, which makes it the oldest distillery in the State with an amazing record of consistency.

The distillery has been producing, bottling, importing, and marketing quality spirits for decades.

The company made a classic upgrade by adding a beautiful modern tasting room decorated with authentic brick walls, a lovely walnut bar that is nicely curved, floors made of cork plank, and touches of steel, keeping the environment as natural as possible.

The new Tasting Room consists of an actual bank vault which offers visitors an opportunity to watch a detailed video of the distillery’s history, starting from its early days up to date.

Hood River Distillers Tasting Room’s full-service bar offers different kinds of spirits to visitors as well as samples.

Address: 304 Oak St Suite #3, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

23. Boda’s Kitchen

Are craving for something delicious? Then, add a visit to Boda’s Kitchen to your list of fun things to do in Hood River, OR.

Boda’s Kitchen is a special food location that offers food prepared from scratch with locally grown seasonal ingredients.

You can stop by for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals; they offer farm-to-table meals like gourmet sandwiches, organic meats, charcuterie & cheese boards, fresh salads, fresh seafood, and more.

 Boda’s Kitchen operates a large market that offers locally made and imported foodstuffs with a catering section that provides a wide variety of catering services for different kinds of events.

Make sure you take your family and friends to this restaurant, so you can enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Address: 404 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

24. Full Sail Brewing Company

Full Sail Brewing Company is an independently owned craft brewery in Hood River established in 1987, initially known as the Hood River Brewing Company.

The brewery currently produces nearly one hundred thousand beer barrels annually and distributes them to twenty-eight states in kegs, cans, and bottles.

Full Sail Brewing Company was one of the earliest brewery companies in the state and the first to distribute beer in bottles throughout the region.

Some of their most popular ales include Full Sail Amber Ale, Full Sail Golden Ale, Wassail Winter Ale, Sail Imperial Porter, and more.

The brewery is open for guided tours, and there is a cozy patio on the Riverside where visitors get to try out some samples.

Address: 506 Columbia St, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

25. White Buffalo Wine Bar and Bistro

White Buffalo Wine Bar and Bistro is a friendly, beautifully decorated restaurant offering a homey and casual setting.

It is one of the places in the city that offers a wide variety of regional and international wines served by glass.

White Buffalo Wine Bar and Bistro feature comfortable chairs and tables where customers can relax and enjoy meals.

They use fresh herbs, seafood, meats, vegetables, chicken, salads, and other quality and freshly sourced local ingredients.

The restaurant offers an impressive food menu and great catering services for many private events with a bar that offers a variety of wines by bottle, flight, and glass, including cocktails and draft & craft beers.

Address: 4040 Westcliff Dr, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

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Plan a Trip to Hood River

If you have never been to Hood River, let your next vacation flight be heading towards Hood River after going through this list.

Hood River is an incredible city known for its abundance of natural resources, offering everyone opportunities to get out and have great fun. Do plan a visit to this city.