A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Redwood National Park vs. Hood River for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Redwood National Park and Hood River. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Redwood National Park and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Redwood National Park and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls.

How is Redwood National Park different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hood River and Redwood National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Redwood National Park is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Redwood National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Hood River is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Redwood National Park or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hood River is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Hood River is an experience not to be missed. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Hood River is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a popular place for the beache. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Is the Shopping Better in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Hood River is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Families?

Both Redwood National Park and Hood River are superb family-friendly destinations.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Hood River is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Couples?

Redwood National Park and Hood River both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Hood River is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Redwood National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Hood River is a very popular park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hood River is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Hood River a more walkable city?

Hood River is a town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Redwood National Park?

How long in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Redwood National Park and Hood River. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than in Hood River. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Redwood National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hood River.

Families should spend more time in Hood River than Redwood National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hood River, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hood River than Redwood National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hood River that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River than Redwood National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hood River.

One day in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

With around the impressive park of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hood River, you'll find food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

With around the destination of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Redwood National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Redwood National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint destination of Hood River. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Redwood National Park and Hood River, we can see that Hood River is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River than you might in Redwood National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Redwood National Park Expensive? and Is Hood River Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park or Hood River?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Hood River. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Redwood National Park is generally cooler than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 57°F (14°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Redwood National Park often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Redwood National Park gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets less rain in July than Hood River. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Redwood National Park is around the same temperature as Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Redwood National Park gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Redwood National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hood River. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Redwood National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Redwood National Park is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Redwood National Park in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Redwood National Park often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Redwood National Park gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in January than Hood River. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Hood River. Most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In April, Redwood National Park is generally around the same temperature as Hood River. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 50°F (10°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during spring. Redwood National Park gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Hood River. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Redwood National Park