Travel Budget for Hood River Visit Hood River on a Budget or Travel in Style

Hood River on a Budget

The city of Hood River is the seat of Hood River County, Oregon, United States. It is a port on the Columbia River, and is named for the nearby Hood River. The dynamic town of Hood River is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations in the world. Strong river currents, prevailing westerly winds and a vast body of water provide the perfect conditions for these wind sports, attracting sometimes hundreds of photogenic enthusiasts who zip back and forth across the wide Columbia River.

But Hood River offers more than awesome winds. The city has a bustling commercial core, with shops, bars and restaurants lining a few steeply angled streets.

Sights

Natural scenery abounds in Hood River. The Columbia River Gorge was designated a National Scenic Area - the largest in America - for good reason. You'd be hard-pressed to find vistas as stunning as these. At the western end of the Gorge, the view from Crown Point is a front-row seat to the mighty Columbia as its unfurls and cuts through the Cascade mountains. From there dozens of awe-inspiring waterfalls spill from basalt cliffs, lining the Historic Columbia River Highway, like the famous Multnomah, Bridal Veil, Latourell, and Horsetail falls. The landscape seems to grow bigger, grander and brighter as it rolls east.

The Fruit Loop is perhaps the largest draw for visitors to the region. This network of farms and vineyards in the surrounding area provides fruit picking, wine tasting, shops, animal interactions, and hiking. Grab a map from the Fruit Loop website and make a day of driving around the beautiful countryside while you taste everything Oregon has to offer.

Visit he History Museum of Hood River County. Spark your imagination through fresh, engaging exhibits, and exciting programs. Permanent Exhibits include: Native American Culture, Pioneer Settlers, Timber and Logging, Agriculture, Recreation, the Hood River Japanese American story, and Luhr Jensen & Sons: Where Legends Were Made. The Children's Exploration Space features hands-on activities and educational displays for families and children of all ages.

Neighborhoods

Downtown
Since the town's inception, downtown Hood River has been the cultural and commercial capital of Hood River County and the Columbia River Gorge. The historic buildings that add so much charm to the downtown streets today are, in many cases, the same ones that housed the first settlers and shop keepers of Hood River. The boutiques, shops, restaurants, galleries, and outfitters that comprise Hood River's downtown businesses provide the highest levels of customer service, and they dispense some of the best local's only knowledge you can find.

The Waterfront
The Waterfront of Hood River is perhaps the most transformed region in the county. Here you'll find a family park, a fully paved riverfront walking path, newly constructed kiteboarding and windsurfing launches, one of Oregon's best new breweries, a brand new hotel, and enough positive energy to make anyone happy.
The Hood River Waterfront is thriving. Dining options and ideal picnic locations line both sides of Portway Avenue. The whole family can find hours of varied enjoyment along the river in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

The Heights
The Heights of Hood River is a family friendly neighborhood with beautiful Mount Hood views to the south and Mount Adams views to the north. Indian Creek and the Hood River helped carve this livable community between Downtown and the orchard filled Hood River Valley. Shops, services and small businesses line 12th and 13th Streets, and Providence Hospital anchors The Heights, next to historic May Street Middle School and the outdoor community hub, Jackson Park.

Westside
West Cascade is both a beautiful community neighborhood just west of Downtown and a commercial hub not far from I-84. It is the gateway to the western Hood River wineries and the home of many Hood River service companies, company headquarters, office space, hotels, restaurants, and stores. A skate part and Frisbee-golf course add to the family fun of West Cascade. The neighborhood is livable, clean, and safe, with quick access to just about anything you could want or need.

Activities

There's plenty to do in Hood River! Explore the Columbia River Gorge. Walk along a waterfront, discover hidden waterfalls, follow the wildflowers at Rowena Crest or challenge yourself with a trek up Dog Mountain. Cycle the roads around The Dalles or along the various hiking and biking trails. And it's hard to resist water sports on the Columbia, especially when Hood River is known as the windsurfing capital of the world.

Have a fun filled day at the Hood River Waterfront Park. This freshly designed, family oriented park and waterfront promenade offers fun and exciting beach access to the Columbia River. Hood River Riverfront Park is a key recreational addition to the wind and kite surfing capital of the U.S. The park features open lawns, landscaping with native vegetation, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a cool playground with a modern, natural spin that reinforces Hood River's active outdoor culture. And with a large, sandy beach and a walk-in-only boat launch, the park is yet another launching point for those looking to play in the Columbia River's cool and choppy waters. Several restaurants and shops are nearby, too.

Go wind surfing or kite boarding! The area is world-renowned for the quality of these sports in this area, so take full advantage of your time here and give it a try yourself!

Food and Dining

Located in the agriculturally rich Hood River valley, Hood River has an innovative, regionally-inspired food scene that rivals its big city neighbors but is infused with small-town charm. Hood River has all the best aspects of the Northwest food culture. Many of the restaurateurs, chefs, winemakers and coffee roasters in the region are here because they love the outdoors, which shows in everything they create. Hood River has everything from fine dining, to casual dining, to cafe's, most with a rustic, outdoorsy feel.

Transportation

The nearest airport is in Portland, and Hood River is easily accessible from there. Drive or take a bus from Portland. You can also take the train from Portland to Bingen, Washington just across the river. The drive from Portland through the Columbia River Gorge is outstanding, so if possible, rent a car. It's easy to walk around downtown Hood River, but you might want a car to check out some scenic areas nearby. There are also shuttle and tour services offered by local businesses.