GeT HaPpY There’s a certain feeling you get when visiting Hood River—one that washes over you as you take that first sip of a locally brewed beer, stop to soak in a sweeping view of the Gorge from the Historic Columbia River Highway, find the perfect powder on Mount Hood, or fill your basket with pears and apples at an orchard on the Fruit Loop. We call it Hood River Happy, and not only is it contagious, but it also stays with you after you leave the area, adding a Gorge-infused glow to your life back at home. Explore this guide for inspiration on how to get a dose of Hood River Happy in any season! 2 Bear Boot Productions Uncage the Soul Half the fun of Hood River is the journey there. Hood River sits WhErE To StAy tucked into the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Bed & Breakfast, Camping/Glamping 20 Scenic Area in an ecological transition zone that harbors an Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Vacations Rentals 21 astonishing array of diversity. Heading east into this scenic area, one encounters grandiose ancient rainforests, which EaT & DrInK unfold into oak savannah and then into high-plain shrub- Beer, Casual Dining, Cider 24 steppe. Heading west, all unfurls in reverse. A favorite gateway Coffee and Tea, Fine Dining, Specialty Foods 27 from either direction is by way of the Historic Columbia River Spirits, Wine 28 Highway, an approximately 75-mile-long scenic roadway that one can alternately walk, bike and drive, depending on ShOpPiNg the stretch. Along this route you will encounter thundering Apparel, Arts & Crafts, Gifts, Books & Toys, Sporting Goods 32 waterfalls (Oregon’s tallest!) and breathtaking views of the Columbia River. The journey has even been known to keep the GaThErInGs Meetings & Retreats 36 “are we there yets?” at bay. And that speaks for itself. EvEnTs ThInGs To Do Foodie February, Music Month 40 Fruit & Farms 7 Hard-Pressed Cider Fest, Roy Webster Cross-Channel Swim 41 Outdoor Adventure 8 Hood River Hops Fest 42 Wind & Water 11 Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, Hood River Holidays 43 Family Fun for All Ages 12 Arts, Culture & Heritage 15 CoMmUnItIeS Rest, Relaxation, Rejuvenation 16 Cascade Locks, Hood River, Parkdale, Mosier, Odell 47 Parkdale, White Salmon/Bingen 48 4 5 ThInGs To Do The truth is that you will feel challenged to squeeze in everything you want to do, no matter how long you plan to stay. Because … there … is … so … much … to … do. But unfurrow your brow, because the good news is that whatever path you take, there are no bad choices. And we don’t plan on going anywhere, so just come back. And stay longer next time. Hood River is not just an ecological diversity zone. It has range when it comes to fun, and to meeting a variety of entertainment needs and passions. From grandparents to toddlers, from sports extremists to art lovers, and from foodies to fishers, you will find your groove in Hood River. Think of us as the BEST BUFFET EVER. Without the soggy vegetables. 6 7 Bear Boot Productions Uncage the Soul FrUiT & FaRmS Fruit Loop, U-Pick, Farmers Markets There are few better places to feel the range of Happy than while making your way—whether by car or by bike—around the Hood River Fruit Loop. A 36-stop, 35-mile-long scenic progression of orchards, farm stands, wineries and bakeries specializing in making your mouth water, this route stands out as a Happy maker, no matter the time of year. Spring is a visual feast, with apple and pear blossoms carpeting rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Summertime delivers berry fields akin to a sensory Lollapalooza. What to do but smile while nibbling down a mound of fresh blueberries? Fall offers some of the best foliage you’ll encounter anywhere in the U.S. (we have magazine clippings to prove it), along with apple, pear, pumpkin and flower U-pick farms that will keep your family photo wall fresh for years to come. Maps of the Fruit Loop are available at the Hood River Visitor Center and at most hotels and restaurants. 8 9 Becky Brun Gorge-Us Photography OuTdOoR AdVeNtUrE Walking, Hiking, Biking, Wildflowers, Golf, Snow Sports One of the notable features of Hood River is the variety of activities it affords people of different ages and interests at different times of the year. Which is probably why people keep coming back. Walkers and hikers can find their pleasure on trails that run the gamut from paved pathways to high- elevation ascents. Whether it’s wildflowers, mushrooms, fall foliage, geological formations, ancient forests or snowy peaks, you’ll find your flavor of paradise a stone’s throw from Hood River. Speaking of snow, with the longest ski/ride season in the U.S., Mount Hood will meet every snow bunny’s needs. In a mere 45 minutes, you can be at a groomed ski area tackling the slopes on a board or skis, or sipping hot chocolate after a Nordic trek or gentle snowshoe. For those who prefer mountains as a backdrop to their golf green, beguiling views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood are on full display at the town’s two top-notch golf courses. The takeaway here is that any season is a good season in Hood River. 10 11 Tyler Roemer Cody Booth (Gorge Fly Shop) WiNd & WaTeR Fishing, Wind Sports, Whitewater, SUP, Kayaking, Swimming, Waterfalls There may be a plethora of words to describe the Pacific coast’s overcast skies, but you won’t need them in Hood River most of the year. With summer and fall weather next to perfect, you’ll find the banks of the Columbia River peppered with bright swim gear and outdoor eateries. Hood River’s reputation as a world-class wind tunnel has attracted windsurf and kiteboard enthusiasts from around the world. Under blue skies full of sails, it’s hard not to absorb the happy- go-lucky spirit of the place. Eight rivers and numerous lakes located less than an hour away also make Hood River the perfect basecamp for paddling and angling adventures. But sporty and non-sporty alike will be awestruck by the string of waterfalls in the Gorge that make the Cascades worthy of its name. So regardless of your activity of choice, the waters around Hood River are sure to provide physical and spiritual sustenance to all who seek it. 12 13 Bill Reynolds Ian Bristow FaMiLy FuN FoR AlL AgEs Scenic Drives, Parks, Nature Walks, Birding It’s no secret that it’s easier to feel joyful when your traveling companions are in the groove along with you. One of Hood River’s special features is its menu of activities that pretty much guarantees people of any age, interest or attention span can find their sweet spot. An undisputed crowd-pleaser is the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. This 70-mile turn-of-the-century road treats visitors to dizzying vantage points while coursing by waterfalls that leave your face misty and your senses awakened. Or take a nature walk along the Riverfront or along any of the stunning Columbia Gorge trails. As for the little wiggly ones, nothing beats parks for channeling youthful energy. From Hood River Waterfront Park’s sprawling adventure course to nearby state parks, Hood River County will keep little bodies moving and adult companions serene. Nature often brings out the best in everyone, so whether it’s an “inner city” walk on the Indian Creek Trail or a bird- watching expedition in the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest, open yourself up to Hood River’s priceless gifts and await the joy. 14 15 Bear Boot Productions Kate French ArTs, CuLtUrE & HeRiTaGe Art Galleries, Museums, Performing Arts, Lecture Series, Live Music, First Friday The Columbia Gorge’s majestic landscape has long drawn artists, musicians and creatives of all kinds to its shores. For a town of its size, Hood River hosts an amazing array of art galleries, studios, museums and cultural experiences. Due to a condensed historic downtown, it’s easy to take in many of the area’s sculptures, murals, art collectives, and galleries on foot while also popping into museums to get grounded in the rich history and culture of this area. While the visual art scene is alive and well in Hood River, the performing arts have made their own mark on this community. Whether you’re interested in theater, lectures, classical music or the blues, Hood River has an unusual amount of talent. And if you are a weekend traveler, you can revel in the festival aura of First Fridays, where you can mingle with the locals downtown and enjoy a fusion of art, wares, music and special deals. Beyond Hood River, there are a number of nationally known museums and cultural stops featuring everything from still-flying antique airplanes to Native American pictographs to a replica of Stonehenge. Stuck about what to do? Try putting your finger in the air and seeing which way the wind blows you. Regardless of which direction you go, you are sure to be rewarded. 16 17 Bear Boot Productions Kris Atomic ReSt, ReLaXaTiOn, ReJuVeNaTiOn Mind, Body, Spirit and Wellness There is no bad time to sign up for a rest, relaxation and rejuvenation vacation in Hood River. However, winter and spring weather can offer the perfect excuse to cozy up next to a fireplace with a hot drink while you tend to your inner smile. You’ll be supported in this worthy pursuit by a plethora of services designed to smooth out life’s wrinkles, or maybe some real ones.