Our family just got back from Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge, and I can’t wait to visit again! In this post I’m sharing some of our favorite things to do in Hood River, Oregon and the surrounding region.
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1. Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
If you’re fascinated by things that go, this museum is a must-see. This extensive collection of vintage airplanes and classic vehicles is a hands-on experience that’s a delight for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
We spent several hours exploring the museum’s two full warehouses with our boys.
They got up close to dozens of meticulously restored aircrafts from the early to mid-20th century. Interpretive videos and displays helped to bring the machines to life.
My sons pored over more than 130 classic cars, plus military vehicles and exhibits. They even got to climb into a WW2 army jeep and a Ford Model T! On special event days, many of the airplanes and vehicles offer rides and flight displays as well.
2. Ride the Mount Hood Railroad
If you’re a fan of unforgettable train journeys, don’t miss the Mount Hood Railroad! This vintage train ride runs tours year-round with seasonally themed events (like the Polar Express).
We loved the entire experience! The cheerful conductor and staff make you feel personally welcomed, and are great with kids.
Grab lunch at the Fruit Company during the layover, or enjoy a wine tasting at Mt. Hood Winery (reservations required).
The Mount Hood Railroad also offers railbike rides for a unique way to explore the Hood River Valley at the base of Mt Hood. You can also rent E-bikes for touring around town.
3. Grab brews and bites at a local brewery
Full Sail Brewing Company
One of Hood River’s flagship breweries, Full Sail offers more than just exquisite craft brews. We’ve found it to be a great place to unwind after a day of exploring. We love the cozy taproom vibe and the outdoor patio has great views of the Columbia River.
Full Sail recently won the title of Oregon Brewery of the Year at the New York International Beer Competition. Here are a few fan favorite brews to try: Session Lager; Amber Ale; seasonal specialties like Nut Brown Ale or Wreck the Halls.
pFriem Family Brewers
pFriem is known for blending Belgian-style brewing techniques with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Their tasting room is right across the street from Waterfront Park so you can watch the river traffic sail past while sipping your drink.
Don’t skip the seasonal beer releases—they often showcase unusual ingredients from the region. pFriem seeks to incorporate local produce whenever possible and offers a rotating menu based on what’s currently available.
Double Mountain Brewery
Double Mountain Brewery brews beers and ciders, and is popular for their pizza and live music. Their commitment to sustainability and their community events make them a favorite for locals.
Double Mountain also brews fresh ginger beer and root beer, and offers par-baked pizzas to cook at home. Their Sunday Brunch is a relaxing way to savor the weekend.
4. Hit the trails on a mountain bike
Mountain biking in the Hood River area lets you see the diverse landscapes up close, from river views to forested paths. There are plenty of single track trails and paved, car-free roads to explore on your own, or you can take a guided tour.
Some local favorite biking trails are the Twin Tunnels near Mosier, Post Canyon, and Forest Road #44 in the Mount Hood National Forest. Don’t forget to bring a GoPro to capture some epic trail moments!
5. Stroll the Hood River Waterfront Trail
This trail is the perfect early morning start to your day, or sunset walk on your way to dinner (which is what we did). The paved trail runs from the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn all the way to the Hood River Waterfront Park.
Along the way you’ll enjoy tributes to individuals who shaped local history and public art installations. The trail goes past local landmarks like the Hook, the Marina Park, the swimming beach and more.
Walk over the Hood River on a beautiful pedestrian bridge, or pass underneath the Hood River to White Salmon bridge. The History Museum of Hood River County is also right along the trail.
6. Take the stairs up Indian Creek Trail for epic views
This is truly a hidden gem in Hood River – we stumbled on it completely by accident one morning! Ascend multiple staircases through residential areas and follow wooded paths for beautiful, uncommon views of the city and Columbia River.
The trail isn’t for the faint of heart – some of the staircases are super steep! However the views are worth it, and there are trails and water fountains along the way.
7. Explore Downtown Hood River
Downtown Hood River blends shopping, local restaurants, and art galleries for a charming walking tour. You’ll find everything from handcrafted chocolates to outdoor gear to playful kids toys along Oak Street.
Look for photo ops at historic buildings like the Hood River Hotel (listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
8. The History Museum of Hood River County
This local museum gives you a glimpse into the history that shaped Hood River and its surrounding regions. It’s a treasure trove of local artifacts, from Native American relics to pioneer tools, all thoughtfully displayed to tell the story of the valley’s development.
Exhibits for 2025 include: the history of local watersports; local artists; Nikkei Japanese immigrants; and a Sasquatch feature. On weekends the staff offer walking tours of historic downtown Hood River.
9. Hood River Fruit Loop Auto Tour
The legendary Hood River Fruit Loop is a picturesque 35-mile route dotted with farms, orchards, and tasting rooms. It’s a delightful way to sample farm fresh produce, baked goods, local wines, and ciders.
Be sure to check ahead for special seasonal events and to see what is available for u-pick. If it’s a hot day, you’ll want to start the Fruit Loop early and bring a cooler if you plan to pick fruit or buy perishable goods.
Along the entire drive you’re sure to catch beautiful views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. The best stop for photos is Panorama Point County Park, which affords views of the Cascade Mountains and individual peaks.
10. Go wine tasting
There are over 40 wineries in the Hood River area! Whether you’re sipping at a downtown tasting room, or taking a guided wine tour, you’re sure to find a new favorite vintage.
Wine tours are perfect for when you want to let someone else do the driving or for those looking for a personalized experience. However, we’ve also enjoyed a slow, quiet afternoon at a single vineyard.
11. Tiptoe through the tulips, or stop and smell the lavender
Oregon’s climate is perfect for growing tulips and lavender, and visiting a flower farm is one of the best things to do in Hood River.
Visit the Hood River Tulip Festival in the month of April at Packer Orchards for gorgeous blooms. Late June and July is the best time for lavender fields and don’t forget to pick up some lavender products like essential oils.
12. Try some water sports
The town of Hood River is called the “windsurfing capital of the world” because of the excellent wind and water conditions. Whether you’re a curious beginner or want to improve your skills, local instructors offer lessons right on the Columbia River.
Even if you’re not into windsurfing, wing foils or stand up paddle boards, there’s plenty for spectators to see. Grab a bench by the river to watch rowing teams, kite flyers, parasails and more.
13. Have dinner at the Columbia Gorge Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in the area, the Columbia Gorge Hotel has cliffside dining and beautiful grounds for photos. Golden hour is the perfect time of day to visit, and don’t forget to check out the precipitous Phelps Creek waterfall onsite.
14. Visit the new Mitchell Point Pedestrian Tunnel
Just reopened in late 2024, the Mitchell Point Tunnel has some of the most spectacular views of the Columbia River.
The tunnel allows visitors to walk through the mountainside, with several viewpoint openings. The parking lot is small, so plan to arrive early in the day.
15. Take a trip to The Dalles or to Bonneville Lock and Dam
If you’re looking for more fun things to do near Hood River, The Dalles has several unique places to visit as well. We love the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, and we’re excited to visit the Neon Sign Museum soon.
The Bonneville Lock and Dam has so much to see and do. Watch salmon swimming up the fish ladder, and explore the engineering marvels at the Bradford Island Visitor Center. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge here too.
The Fish Hatchery is another fascinating place, where you can meet Herman, a 10-foot sturgeon. Learn about the science of maintaining native fish populations and visit the many fish ponds.
@dinkumtribe Herman is a 10 foot sturgeon who’s living his best life in a pond at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. He’s estimated to be over 80 years old! #columbiarivergorge #bonneville #sturgeon #fishtok ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
16. Tour the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The city of Hood River provides easy access to explore the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Take a scenic drive east along the historic Columbia River Highway to Rowena Crest for phenomenal views.
Drive west along the “Waterfall Corridor” for gorgeous hikes and Multnomah Falls is the most famous of the waterfalls, but Bridal Veil, Latourell and Hole-In-The-Wall Falls are other favorites. Note that Multnomah Falls now requires a reservation from May through October.
17. Explore Mt Hood
Mount Hood is Portland’s favorite destination for year-round outdoor recreation, and many popular sites are within an hour of Hood River.
In winter the ski areas such as Mt. Hood Meadows and Skibowl offer winter sports of all kinds. Skiing and snowboarding both have a long history on Mount Hood, which is on display for visitors at the Mount Hood Cultural Center.
Once the snow is gone, scenic hikes and alpine lakes are favorite options for fun. Trillium Lake is a great spot for picturesque views of Oregon’s tallest mountain, with an easy lakefront trail and plenty of camping sites.
A visit to the historic Timberline Lodge is another great way to experience Mt. Hood. Meet the iconic St. Bernard dogs, see the famous movie sites on the Oregon Film Trail, or just enjoy the beautiful architecture of Timberline.
18. Enjoy the wildflowers
Hood River has several beautiful Oregon State Parks nearby that are well-known for stunning wildflower hikes. Visit the Memaloose Hills Trail at Memaloose State Park, or the Tom McCall Nature Preserve from March through October for blooms.
19. Get into nature and history in the Mount Hood National Forest
Many of the surrounding areas of Mt. Hood are part of the Mount Hood National Forest which provides even more fun things to do. Stop by the Zigzag Ranger Station (weekdays only) to learn about all the trails, wildlife, weather conditions and more.
We loved the underwater fish viewing area at the Wildwood Recreation Site and seeing full grown salmon spawning in the fall.
The Barlow Road Tollgate Maples are an amazing place to get close to Oregon Trail history (located near Rhododendron). Some of the old trees on Laurel Hill still bear rope marks from the covered wagons.
20. Check out the Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks)
The Bridge of the Gods is a famous landmark spanning the Columbia River from Stevenson, Washington to Cascade Locks, Oregon. It’s part of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the town of Cascade Locks has plenty of amenities for PCT hikers to refuel before continuing on.
The Bridge of the Gods is open to vehicles and requires a toll. There are scenic viewpoints and interpretive signs on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Bridge.
21. Cruise the Columbia River on a sternwheeler
We’ve enjoyed a sternwheeler cruise on the Columbia River twice, and both times were one of our favorite memories! See wildlife and birds, get unique close ups of the Bridge of the Gods and the Bonneville Lock and Dam, or just relax.
More Hood River activities
What are your favorite activities in Hood River? We’d love to hear what your recommendations are!
You may also enjoy these posts:
- Oregon National Parks
- Portland Fall Festivals
- Fort Vancouver National Park
- 17+ Things to Do in The Dalles
- Best Breakfast Spots in Hood River
©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2025.
