Things to Do in Hood River, Oregon

The Port of Hood River’s waterfront runs almost two miles, with sites for every level. The Hook has a protected cove for beginner windsurfing lessons, the Event Site is the classic windsurfing launch, and the Sandbar draws kiteboarders. Brian’s Kiteboarding, Windsurf and SUP runs lessons from Portway Avenue, and Big Winds rents gear at The Hook in season.

★ Good to know Even if you never get wet, the Event Site is the best free show in town on a windy summer afternoon; strong currents at the Sandbar call for real caution.

This self-guided 35-mile drive winds through the Hood River Valley, where the first fruit trees went in in 1855. Today there are 14,500 acres of pears, apples and cherries and 32 member stops, including farm stands, wineries, cideries and flower fields.

★ Good to know Stands set their own seasons and hours, so check the Fruit Loop site before you go. These are working farms, so stay in the public areas.

The old Columbia River Highway, built from 1913 to 1922, was the first planned scenic roadway in the United States. A 4.5-mile paved, car-free segment runs from the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead above Hood River to Mosier through the restored Mosier Twin Tunnels. Workers clearing the tunnels found graffiti from 1921, left by snowbound drivers.

★ Good to know E-bikes and leashed dogs are allowed, and you need a day-use parking permit, which you can buy at the trailhead.

WAAAM, on Air Museum Road, keeps one of the country’s largest collections of antique planes and cars that still fly and drive. Look for the 1917 Curtiss JN-4D Jenny and more than 130 cars, from a 1914 Detroit Electric to Model Ts.

★ Good to know On the second Saturday of each month, volunteers roll the planes and cars out of the hangars and fire them up.

This century-old short line runs scenic excursions south from Hood River through orchards and forest, with views of Mount Hood. Depending on the season there are regular train rides, electric-assisted railbikes, fall and holiday trains, and The Polar Express.

★ Good to know Most rides are seasonal, and the schedule changes year to year, so check the railroad’s site for what’s running.

The county history museum sits in Marina Park on the waterfront, next to Marina Beach and the boat marina. Mary and Nathaniel Coe founded the town, and Mary named its first post office in 1868, when the place was still called Dog River.

★ Good to know Pair it with a walk along the Port’s waterfront trails, which link Marina Park with Waterfront Park and the Event Site.

Full Sail Brewing Company pours downtown on Columbia Street, while pFriem Family Brewers and Camp 1805 Distillery sit near the water on Portway Avenue. Up in the valley, Marchesi Vineyards grows Northern Italian varietals, and Cathedral Ridge Winery is off Post Canyon Drive.

★ Good to know Hood River is the only city in Oregon that allows drinking on sidewalks and in parks, but plan a driver for the valley wineries.