Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, Oregon, is best known for windsurfing. But on a recent trip, I discovered there’s much more to this historic town than watersports. Hood River offers outdoor adventure and culinary delights.
This 2-day itinerary blends waterfalls, food tourism and wine tasting for a memorable girls’ getaway.
Highlights
- Sip and Stroll Through Downtown: I found the perfect walkable route through Oak Street’s tasting rooms. From the “exotic vibes” at Porrón Cellars to the stacked barrels at Evoke, it’s easy to enjoy local Pinot and Syrah without a designated driver.
- Chase the Gorge’s Best Waterfalls: I’ll guide you through the “Waterfall Corridor,” including my tips for navigating Multnomah Falls’ parking permits and finding the best hidden-gem basalt cliffs and moss-covered trails.
- Adventure on Two Wheels and the Fruit Loop: Discover why I recommend renting an e-bike for the car-free Mosier Twin Tunnels path and which farm stands along the 35-mile Fruit Loop served my favorite pear-topped flatbreads.
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.
Day 1: Arrival + Waterfront Stroll
Checking into the Lightwell Hotel & Spa
I loved this thoughtfully renovated historic hotel. It’s in the heart of downtown Hood River and a few blocks from restaurants and shops.
Why it’s perfect for the girls:
- Character: Exposed old brick and original wood floors.
- Luxury: High-thread-count sheets and an on-site spa.
- Vibe: Local art throughout and a stunning rooftop bar.
I appreciated the on-site coffee shop and views from the rooftop bar.
Are you ready to explore more? Let us inspire you!
A Scenic Stroll Along the Columbia River Waterfront
Stretch your legs after your drive to Hood River with a half-mile walk down Second Street to the multi-use path along the Columbia River waterfront. I enjoyed the brisk air and watching the ships on the river.
Dinner at The Lobby Bar
After a day of travel, keep dinner simple and head to the Lobby Bar on the main floor of the Lightwell Hotel.
The bar dishes up elevated fare, such as za’atar fries with sumac ranch dressing and a Tandoori chicken wrap. I opted for a juicy beef and lamb burger, fries and a mocktail.
Day 2: Waterfalls + Wine Tasting
A Local Start at Doppio Coffee
Doppio Coffee is where I shook off the morning grogginess. It’s an airy coffee shop on Oak Street, with a vibe that says locals eat here too.
- Hearty: Breakfast sandwiches on ciabatta, bagels or gluten-free bread.
- Fresh: Yogurt, oatmeal and avocado toast.
- Sweet: An assortment of scones and muffins (GF options available).
Exploring the Waterfall Corridor on the Historic Highway
Winding along the Columbia River, the scenic stretch of historic highway between Dodson and Corbett is often called the Waterfall Corridor.
Six main waterfalls (not counting Oneonta Falls, which uses the creek as a trail) cascade off basalt cliffs in a forest thick with moss and ferns.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Aesthetics: Instagrammable stone bridges and lush ferns.
- Access: Roadside viewing or very short, easy hikes.
- Impact: Multnomah Falls is the tallest in the state.
Additional Parking Info: Timed permits are released in two waves at 7 a.m. PST—one batch two weeks in advance and a second “last-minute” batch two days prior. If you miss the first window, set an alarm for 48 hours before your visit to snag a spot on Recreation.gov.
Pizza and Pears: Lunch at Solstice
Solstice Wood Fire Pizza Cafe and Bar elevates pizza with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region and handmade dough, perfectly baked in the wood-fired Italian oven.
I savored one of the house pizzas piled with local pear, caramelized onions and blue cheese.
Diners can also choose unique toppings like:
- House-made Italian sausage
- Pineapple chutney
- Chili crisp ricotta
This place is packed during the summer season, so make a reservation online or order food to go. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
The Best Wine Tasting in Downtown Hood River
Hood River is a wine-lover’s dream. A wine bar and three tasting rooms offer wines ranging from local to global, all in a walkable, four-block stretch along Oak Street.
It’s easy to leave the car keys behind and just focus on which bottle is going in your suitcase.
My Mini-Tour Recommendations:
- Porrón Cellars: Great for settling in with “exotic vibes.”
- The Pines 1852: Known for live music and vineyard tours.
- Cascade Cliffs: Large tables perfect for group discussions.
- Little Bastions: A tiny, personal space with a comfortable couch.
Riverside Dining at pFriem Family Brewers
Working on the theory that great beer deserves great food, pFriem Family Brewers offers an eclectic menu in the waterfront tasting room.
The brewery dishes up bites ranging from elevated pub food, such as mac and cheese with pilsner sauce, to smoked rainbow trout. Seasonal entrees round out the menu.
My dinner, soup of the day (tomato basil) and a salad with pear and goat cheese, was delish.
Day 3: E-Biking + Wine and Treats on the Fruit Loop
Fueling up at Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe
For an early, espresso-fueled start, head to Ground Espresso Bar and Cafe, which opens at 6 a.m.
Breakfast sandwiches dominate the menu, accompanied by avocado toast and an eggs, bacon and sausage plate.
I devoured the generously portioned yogurt and granola bowl with fresh strawberries.
E-Biking the Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail
If you haven’t ridden a bike in years, or even if you have, renting an e-bike to power uphill and against the Columbia River Gorge’s famous winds is a smart move.
The best part? The sudden, cool hush that hits you the second you ride into the tunnels cut from solid rock.
The Ride Highlights:
- Car-Free: Most of the route is closed to vehicles.
- Views: Panoramic Columbia River overlooks.
- Tunnels: Historic twin tunnels with windows over the water.
Mountain View Cycles supplied me with an e-bike and directions for a solo ride to the Mosier Twin Tunnels.
Most of my out-and-back route followed a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway that’s closed to cars.
Farm-to-Table Lunch at The Gorge White House
One of the stops on the famous Fruit Loop route through farm country, the historic Gorge White House makes a convenient and flavorful place for lunch.
The food cart offers a selection of burgers and sandwiches, but it’s the loaded flatbreads where the chef’s creativity shines.
I loved the sweet and savory flatbread with farm-grown pears, caramelized onions and white cheddar. Gluten-free options available.
Sipping Through the 35-Mile Fruit Loop
Beginning and ending in Hood River, the 35-mile Fruit Loop cruises through the Hood River Valley, bringing visitors to the doorsteps of more than 30 stops.
The route leads visitors to fruit stands, wineries, breweries, cideries, vineyards, packing plants, flower fields and other agricultural enterprises.
Many of the stops on the Fruit Loop are open seasonally. In early spring, I found several wineries, the Draper Girls Country Farm store and a few other stops welcoming visitors.
Don’t miss these stops:
- Mt. Hood Winery: Award-winning reds with a mountain view.
- Packer Orchards: Grab fruit empanadas for the ride home.
- Draper Girls Country Store: The best spot for locally made souvenirs.
Museum Alternatives for History Lovers
If the weather is unpleasant or you’d rather spend the afternoon indoors, head to a museum for a bit of history.
A “Secret” Dinner at Sushi Okalani
Sushi Okalani feels a little like a foodie secret, tucked out of sight below street level in the Yasui building on First Street.
The creative sushi rolls are a real treasure. Extensive sake offerings complement a menu bursting with options from nigiri to sashimi.
Try specialty rolls such as the wango (walu, mango, avocado, sesame seeds) or firewire (spicy tempura asparagus, avocado).
What to Know Before Visiting Hood River
How to get there: Hood River is 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon, on Interstate 84. For a scenic route loaded with waterfalls and viewpoints, follow the Historic Columbia River Highway from Troutdale to Dodson.
Parking downtown: Expect to pay for street parking. If your hotel doesn’t have a parking lot (many don’t), you can pay to park in 24-hour increments at the Mt. Hood Railroad parking lot.
What to pack: A waterproof windbreaker and good walking shoes. Layered clothing helps you adjust to temperature changes.
Planning Your Hood River Getaway FAQ
Absolutely. If you stay downtown (like at the Lightwell), you are steps away from a four-block stretch of tasting rooms and shopping on Oak Street. However, you will need a car or a shuttle to reach the “Waterfall Corridor” and the Fruit Loop orchards.
To see the 14,500 acres of apple and pear orchards turn pink and white, aim for April or May. If you want to pick fresh fruit and visit as many open farm stands as possible, a summer visit is best.
Yes, if you are visiting between late May and September. A timed-use permit is required to park at Multnomah Falls. To avoid the hassle, I recommend using one of the local hop-on-hop-off shuttle services that frequent the Waterfall Corridor.
Not with an electric boost! The Gorge is famous for its winds and hills, but an e-bike from a local shop like Mountain View Cycles makes the 4.6-mile ride to the Mosier Twin Tunnels feel effortless, even for casual riders.
There are nearly a dozen wineries in the immediate area. You can enjoy a flight downtown at spots like Porrón Cellars or Little Bastions, or drive the 35-mile Fruit Loop to visit estate vineyards like Mt. Hood Winery with a view of the peak.
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