DAY 1: ON THE WATERStart your day off the right way with a fresh cup of coffee at one of HR’s favorite coffee spots (Dog River Coffee, Doppio, or Ground); all located right on Oak Street in downtown Hood River. Once you’re sufficiently caffeinated, fuel up with a great New Orleans’s style breakfast at Nora’s Table, where beignets, stuffed French toast, and omelets stuffed with fresh, local ingredients are just a few of the tantalizing items you’ll find on Chef Kathy Watson’s menu.
Now you’re ready to start your adventure. Getting on the water is what it’s all about for many Hood River visitors and locals alike. Bring your own equipment, or head to Big Winds or Hood River Waterplay (in summer, you’ll find them both at the Event Site on waterfront) to rent what you need. You can even sign up to learn how to windsurf, kiteboard, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), with lessons ranging from beginner to advanced, kids to special clinics. Don’t need a lesson? Head over to Big Winds and try one of their SUP tours from either Viento State Park or Mosier.
If rafting is what you’re after, there are plenty of options. The White Salmon River is less than a 20-minute drive from HR center and boasts some of the best white water rafting around; indulge yourself in a 2.5 hour rush of class 3-4+ white water with professional guides that will not only introduce you to the wonder of the river, but will get your heart racing. Wet Planet, Zoller’s, and River Drifters All Adventures operate on the White Salmon and offer daily trips. And if you want to kayak, just contact the Kayak Shed downtown and they’ll get you all set up.
To cap off your day, head back down to the city center and indulge in wine tasting at Springhouse Cellar or The Pines before heading down to Andrew’s for pizza made with love that you can take right into the Skylight Theater while you watch a movie, or Celilo for their organically inspired local menu.
DAY 2: TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
Today we recommend Bette’s Place for a hearty breakfast before heading out to one of HR’s many hikes. Bette’s place serves up fan favorites like omelets and biscuits and gravy and has some of the best cinnamon rolls around.
Now you’re ready to burn those carbs! We’re got endless miles of hiking trails throughout the Gorge, with walks on easy terrain that are perfect for a family outing, to difficult hikes that will take you on a multi-day journey through some of the prettiest country you’ll ever see. Try the easy-going Hood River Trail (a 1.3 mile one-way hike along the Hood River pipeline), or local favorite Tamanawas Falls Loop (a 4.5 mile loop that takes you into the beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest to a waterfall complete with a cave behind the falls where you can hang out on a warm day). Hike to a waterfall, hike a mountain, or hike to a spectacular viewpoint—it’s all good in the Hood. Need some gear? Head to Shortt Supply, Doug’s Sports, or 2nd Wind downtown for everything you need from shoes to permits.
Biking and horseback riding are big here too. You can bike on paved paths (like the Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail) or fly down an off-road path in Post Canyon—the choice is yours. You can rent a bike at Discover Bikes downtown—or bring your own and stay in a bike-friendly vacation rental, B&B, or the outstanding Oak Street Hotel that boasts free bike storage onsite, a bike washing and repair station, and breakfast-to-go if you want to head out early. Saddle up with Double Mountain Ranch and take a spectacularly scenic horseback ride through the Gorge—you can even ride through a lavender field to one of the best local wineries.
Now congratulate yourself on surviving your hike by kicking back at Pfriem Brewery where you can sip on beer made on site and sample fares like Rachlette Cheese Fondue or the Vegan Bowl or Sixth Street Bistro where you can sample their rotating NW beers on tap or wine selection including delicious NW varieties while pairing it with Teriyaki Stir Fry or one of their famous burgers. Or maybe you’ll want to do a little wine tasting at Cathedral Ridge, and then make your way back to town for dinner at Stonehedge Gardens for a classic blend of European recipes using fresh, local ingredients.
DAY 3: GIVE IT A REST
We think you’ve earned a day off, so pick up a Fruit Loop map at any local store or restaurant and take this 35-scenic loop through the Hood River Valley, filled with over 40,000 acres of orchards and vineyards. Eat, drink in the scenery, and be merry! Tomorrow you can go out and start on a new Hood River adventure.
