September in Hood River

September in Hood River is the time of year when we get that perfect summer weather combo of warm days and cool nights, as we ease into fall. Everyone seems to want to be out on the water right now. From where I’m sitting, I can see kiteboarders and windsurfers, people sailing and stand-up paddleboarding, some kayakers, a wave runner, and three fishing boats. It’s truly paradise.

And the food! We have so much fabulous local fruit right now—peaches, pears, apples, berries, nectarines, apricots—for use with pies, tarts, ice cream, canning, or just eating right there at a farm stand. Best to buy twice as much as you need, because you’re likely to eat half of it on the way home. (Try some of these great local recipes.)

September in Hood River also means event time. Labor Day weekend brings the Roy Webster Columbia River Cross-Channel Swim, Gorge Winery Open House, and the Peach Celebration and Country BBQ. Also in September you’ll find the WAAAM Fly-in, the Gorge Film Festival , the Fruit Loop Pear Celebration, the Harvest Ride, the Gorge Farmer’s Market every Thursday, and, of course, the Annual Hood River Hops Fest.

Don’t just wish you were here—come visit!

PS You also won’t want to miss First Friday, September 7 in downtown Hood River and the annual Rock, Paper, Scissors contest.