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Top 5 Reasons to Make Hood River Your Winter Base Camp

There’s fresh snow on Mount Hood, which means it’s time for winter vacation planning. Hood River is the perfect winter destination with something for everyone, both on and off the slopes.

Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Hood River is a welcoming winter destination for art lovers, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone just looking to get away from it all. Here are just a few compelling reasons to plan a winter vacation to Hood River this year:

1. There’s no better place to take a nature bath. When you stay in Hood River, you’ll find lots of ways to get back to nature. Go for a hike on one of the local trails. Cross-country ski or snowshoe in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Take a bike ride on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Or check out the area’s beautiful vineyards during Thanksgiving Wine Weekend.

2. Hit the slopes! Just 45 minutes from downtown Hood River are two great ski options: Mt. Hood Meadows, the mountain’s biggest ski area, and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, which is perfect for families. A huge extra incentive: Throughout the winter season, those who stay at participating Hood River lodging partners gain access to special Ski & Stay deals for Mt. Hood Meadows (see below for additional details).

After an awesome day on the slopes, ease back down from the mountain via the beautiful Highway 35 (avoiding congested Highway 26). Once in town, refuel at one of Hood River’s great brewpubs or restaurants, and then spend the night. Need a down day? Go wine tasting, museum hoppingor shopping in historic downtown.

3. A cornucopia of art. The winter season is jam-packed at the Columbia Center for the Arts (215 Cascade Ave.), which offers a full calendar of eventsranging from live performances to lectures to painting classes—and just about everything in between. Spend a sunny day discovering the unique sculptures along Hood River’s BIG ART Walk. This 4.5-mile walking tour of public art winds its way around the community, including stops at local eateries. Or you can browse the numerous galleries and shops featuring local artists.

4. Breathtaking scenery. With a dry, arid climate and fascinating geology, the eastern Columbia River Gorge offers year-round hiking opportunities. Located within a 20- to 30-minute drive from Hood River, local hiking trails such as Catherine Creek, Columbia Hills State Park, and the Deschutes River Trail are off the beaten path and nothing short of spectacular. After your hike, go wine tasting at one of the area’s beautiful vineyards.

5. Post-holiday recovery. With its Gorge-ous views, spas, coffee shops and more, Hood River is the perfect place to unwind in January and recover from the holiday season. The historic Columbia Gorge Hotel is also home to Spa Remedease, where you can immerse yourself in one of their relaxing spa treatments, from a holistic facial to a couples massage. Want to kick back with a good book? Stop by Waucoma Bookstore in downtown to find their staff picks for good reads. Then head to local favorite Dog River Coffee for a freshly brewed cup of joe or tea while sitting in cozy armchair.

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East End of Gorge Unaffected by Fires — Go Explore, Have Fun!

The recent Eagle Creek Fire and the resulting trail closures in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area have many people wondering where and how to get their Gorge fix. The answer is simple: They can come to The Dalles and the eastern end of the Gorge, where there is an abundance of beautiful hiking trails, plus unparalleled cycling routes, unique museums, world-class fishing and more.   At the end of the day, visitors can relax at one of the new breweries and pubs, or enjoy a glass of wine at a local tasting room. And with 300 days of sun and only 14 inches of rain a year (compared to 37 inches in Portland), The Dalles is the perfect fall and winter escape.

Some Fun Gorge Escapes

Hike amongst petroglyphs. Head across The Dalles Bridge to Horsethief Butte. For age-old petroglyphs and stupendous views of the Gorge, this hike can’t be beat. Though the trail is just two miles long, the hike can take all day, given the seemingly endless rock labyrinths and basalt mazes within the butte.

The Friends of the Gorge website is a great resource for more hikes in the Eastern Gorge and beyond. For post-fire hiking suggestions, visit gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/columbia-gorge-hiking-opportunities.html.

Gorge

Hike amongst the Petroglyphs. Photo by Michael J. Horodyski.

 

Hit the road on two wheels. The Dalles is a cyclist’s paradise, with rides ranging from the family-friendly Riverfront Trail to a gorgeous spin on the Historic Columbia River Highway (which is still open east of Hood River) to an all-day, 100-mile epic to Mount Hood and back. Winter is the perfect time to take advantage of the area’s dry climate, and the newly updated “Explore The Dalles Scenic Bikeways” bike map includes six of the most popular local routes, which vary in length and intensity. The map is available online and for free at The Dalles Chamber’s headquarters (404 W. Second St.), Dalles City Cyclery in downtown The Dalles and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, which is located at the west end of the Riverfront Trail.

 

Gorge

Go out on two wheels! Photo by Justin Yuen.

Explore downtown. Historic downtown The Dalles is beautifully preserved and offers a plethora of shopping experiences, including Klindt’s Booksellers & Stationers, Oregon’s oldest bookstore (founded in 1870); Yesterday & Today Records (vinyl, CDs, DVDs and an awesome collection of Beatles paraphernalia), clothing stores, antique and second-hand shops, great restaurants and cafes, Dalles City Cyclery, Flyfishing Strategies Fly Shop, wineries and more. For a complete overview, see the downtown shopping map. And don’t miss the unique historic mural artwork while strolling downtown.

Gorge

Explore downtown. Photo by Klindt’s Booksellers & Stationers

We will feature three more east Gorge escapes soon.

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Little Huckleberry Trail A Good Day Hike

Little Huckleberry Trail Facts:

  • 5 miles/3 hour walk
  • West of Trout Lake in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

“One of the more accessible viewpoints from Highway 14, Little Huckleberry Trail makes a quick, and at times steep trip to an old lookout site,” according to the book, Washington Hiking: The Complete Guide to More Than 400 Hikes. “Views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood, across the Columbia River, are quite nice, and a feast of huckleberries along the way sweeten the deal on August trips to the mountain. This is a nice trail for a weekend morning, if you’re coming from from Vancouver or Portland.”

The trail gains 1,800 feet in just 2.5 miles, which makes it a steady and tiring ascent. Early in the summer, a cold-water spring runs two miles, which makes it a nice place to take a rest. There is room at the top of the trail to pitch a tent.

User Groups: The trail allows hikers, leashed dogs, horses, and mountain bikes. There is no wheelchair access.

Open Seasons: This trail is accessible April-November.

Permits: A federal Northwest Forest Pass is queried to park here.

Directions: from Vancouver, drive east 70 miles on Highway 14 to Highway 141. Turn north and drive 22 miles to Trout Lake. Continue north on Highway 141 as it becomes Forest Service Road 66. Turn left (south) and rive five miles to the trailhead on the left.

 

Little Huckleberry

Little Hucklebery Trail entrance.

Source: Washington Hiking: The Complete Guide to More than 400 Hikes

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Travel: Take Your Pick of the Hood River County Fruit Loop

The Hood River Valley County Loop explores the heart of the area’s agricultural scene, and this gorgeous 35-mile scenic drive has something for everyone. The route passes by gorgeous pear, cherry, apple, nectarine and peach orchards, as well as numerous farm stands, wineries, cideries, alpaca ranches and lavender farms.

The Fruit Loop really comes into its own in summer and autumn, with a highlight being the numerous u-pick opportunities – strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples, pears, flowers and more. Hood River County Fruit Loop Stands offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh fruit pies, jams, syrups, fruit smoothies, local artisan gifts, all around the county.

In addition to the fruit stands and vineyards, enjoy local lavender, alpaca, and chestnut farms, plus you can experience our seasonal Blossom Festival, fruit celebrations, and fabulous eateries, including Hood River Cherry Days in July and Gravenstein Apple Days in August.

Top tip: Avoid the crowds by planning a mid-week trip, or by exploring farms on the Fruit Loop’s eastside.

To learn more, go to hoodriverfruitloop.com to find a calendar that lists what’s in season, along with a full calendar of farm events and a searchable map. Head to hoodriver.org for a listing of u-pick farms and a suggested Fruit Loop itinerary.

Some Fruit Loop Area Attractions

Hood River County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
The Hood River County Visitor Center welcomes visitors from around the world and provides information about all the things to see and do in Hood River.

720 East Port Marina Drive
Hood River, OR 97031
541-386-2000
800-366-3530
www.hoodriver.org

Hood River U-Pick Organic
Open:
Cherry season through Apple Season
8am-5pm daily
A Certified Organic Family Farm.  It’s all Organic U-Pick – Cherries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Heirloom Tomatoes, Honey Crisp Apples, Wedding Dahlias, Roses.  A fun day!
4320 Royal Anne Drive
Hood River, OR 97031
541-359-4481
www.hoodriverupick.com

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Travel: Car-Free Exploration of Hood River Wineries

Hood River is known for its active lifestyle, and is rapidly raising its profile as one of America’s unique wine areas. (It was named a Top 10 Wine Destination for 2017 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine). Visitors can experience both of those things at once with these fun cycling and horseback winery tours:

MountNBarreL: Hood River Wine Country Bike Tours. Bringing together two Gorge favorites – cycling and wineries – MountNBarreL is Hood River’s first wine country bike tours company, offering all-inclusive wine-tasting tours. Their standard tour is a leisurely seven-mile exploration of Hood River Valley’s west side. Pedal past orchards and breathtaking views of both Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood, and stop at three wineries – Phelps Creek Vineyard, Cathedral Ridge Winery and Marchesi Vineyard – with vineyard tours and food pairings. There are also seasonal stops for u-pick lavender, berries, vegetables and flowers. Owner Ali McLaughlin also offers custom bike tours of the Hood River Valley for up to 17 participants.

MountNBarreL
4480 Post Canyon Drive, Hood River
mountnbarrel.com

Wine

 

Self-Guided Winery Tour by Electric Bike: Oregon E-Bikes. New to Hood River’s cycling scene is Oregon E-Bikes, the Gorge’s first electric bike shop. Visiting local wineries is no sweat with these electric-assist bikes. Wrap up your e-bike adventure with a trip to the scenic, car-free section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail between Hood River and Mosier.

Oregon E-Bikes
207 Front St., Hood River
www.oregon-ebikes.com

Bike

 

Double Mountain Horse Ranch Wine Tours. Explore Hood River vineyards on horseback! Double Mountain Horse Ranch’s portfolio of original tours includes a Wine Tasting Tour. Relax on horseback along fruit orchards and vineyards with views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. Stretch your legs on the banks of the Hood River and then head to a variety of renowned local wineries.

Double Mountain Horse Ranch
3995 Portland Drive, Hood River
ridinginhoodriver.com

Wineries

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PNWonderful: Punchbowl Falls Hike Review

Hike the Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls for a one-of-a-kind Northwest hike

by Haley Childers

Whether you’re a Pacifc Northwest native or just outdoorsy and looking for adventure, the Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls is a definite must for the beginning of an adventurous summer. The Trail boasts incomparable views from tall heights that other trails don’t offer. Make sure you make it down to the water for a fun swim at the falls after your hike, and you’ll forget you ever huffed and puffed your way up there!

While you’ll only need to walk about 1 ½ miles in until you reach the break off trail which has a path leading down to the waterfall. The Eagle Creek Trail is actually the trailhead for about 6 other trails. Don’t be surprised if you run into PCT hikers passing through, as the trail ultimately leads to Mexico. Many PCT hikers like to divert from the usual course to take in the powerful views of the Eagle Creek Gorge.

A moderately easy hike, all you’ll need to bring with you is water, some snacks, and if you’ve worked up a sweat getting there, your swim trunks. Don’t forget your GoPro if you have one, as the waterfall at Punchbowl is far from standing ground; you can get some really fun pictures if you dare to swim to it. As for the trail, it would be wise not to bring your young kids with you. It is steep in some places, but the real concern is that there are cliffs on the side of the trail in certain areas, and for that reason it isn’t recommended to bring small children or pets with you.

What is amazing about the trail is that it was built in the early 1900s to preserve parkland areas in the Columbia River Gorge. Workers used dynamite to blast through the rock in certain areas and create the trail. Their work to protect the area from becoming industrialized made it possible for us to have access to incredible views that are incomparable to say the least.

Take caution where you park your car. While the trail is a popular one, it is known that cars are often broken into in the parking lot outside the trail. It is recommended to park in the lower parking lot near the fish hatchery because there is a park host there who supervises the area during the summer. Make sure you do what you can to protect your car: don’t leave any belongings or valuables, take ID information with you, and leave the doors unlocked to insure that the windows don’t get broken in.

Driving Directions to Punchbowl Falls

Eagle Creek Trailhead:  Traveling eastbound on I-84, take Exit #41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road. You will go past a footbridge (that takes hikers up to Wauna Viewpoint) as the road narrows to one lane. Continue a short ways to a large parking lot; park only in designated spaces. NW Forest Pass required. Coming from the east, there is no westbound exit at Exit #41/Eagle Creek. You must continue on I-84 and get off at Exit #40/Bonneville Dam, get back on the interstate and head east for one mile to Exit #41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road. You will go past a footbridge (that takes hikers up to Wauna Viewpoint) as the road narrows to one lane. Continue a short ways to a large parking lot; park only in designated spaces. NW Forest Pass required.

Punchbowl Falls

Driving Directions.

 

Punchbowl Falls

Photo by Haley Childers.

 

Punchbowl Falls

Photo by Haley Childers.

Punchbowl Falls

Photo by Haley Childers.

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In Time for Summer: Beacon Rock Reopens

Closed since February due to damage from a major storm, the Beacon Rock State Park Trail was recently reopened to hikers on May 14th, just in time for summer hiking.

Beacon Rock gives an unparalleled view of the Columbia River Gorge. Hikers can now enjoy the mild, albeit steep, walk up the trail along with the rich history of the Gorge.

Beacon Rock

Beacon Rock, from the bottom of the trail. Photo by Haley Childers.

About Beacon Rock

The historic rock is the remains of the core of an ancient volcano, and was rumored to have been bought in 1915 for only $1.

Beacon Rock is truly a Gorge icon, not to be missed! It is an easy, straight-forward climb with wonderful views in all directions from the top.

Two miles round trip from the base of the Rock to the top and back down; 600′ of elevation. The climb can be done year round, but use caution when conditions are unusually cold, wet, icy or windy. The grade on the trail is gradual with railings all the way up across 17 bridges and 54 switchbacks.

Beacon Rock State Park is located in Washington State, 35 miles east of Vancouver, Washington. The park is a 4,650-acre year-round camping park, which includes 9,500 feet of Columbia River freshwater shoreline. Henry J. Biddle purchased the rock in order to build a trail to the top. The trail was built, and in 1935 his heirs turned the rock over to the state for use as a park. Additional development was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Elevations: The River at this point is about 15′ above sea level. The trailhead is at 250′ and the top of the Rock is at 848′.

For more information, check out the Beacon Rock Climbing Association on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/BeaconRockClimbingAssociation/

Article and photos by Haley Childers.

 

Beacon Rock

Photo by Haley Childers.

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Dog Mountain Trail: An Aggressive Hike

Dog Mountain Trail, which begins right off Highway 14 in the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, is an aggressive hike that is used by many to help with conditioning for runs or longer hikes.

“It took us three hours to do it,” said Steve Hoskisson, of Camas, who hiked the trail recently with his son, Logan. “It doesn’t look hard until you’re in there a bit. We enjoyed it, though.”

Start point: Dog Mountain Trailhead

  • End point: Dog Mountain
  • Trail Log: Trail Log
  • Hike type: Loop
  • Distance: 6.9 miles
  • Elevation gain: 2800 feet
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Seasons: Spring-Fall
  • Family Friendly: No
  • Back-packable: No
  • Crowded: Yes

This is a popular trail, and the trailhead is known to be crowded at peak seasons. You may want to save time and reserve a shuttle at Stevenson. The schedule is available here: http://www.skamaniacounty.org/TRANSPORTATION/WKND_TRNS.pdf

Hikers recommend taking Dog Mountain during the weekdays or early in the morning on weekends — to avoid crowds.

Dog Mountain Trail

Dog Mountain Trailhead

 

Dog Mountain is a popular hike because of its easy access to the Columbia Gorge, breathtaking views, and proximity to the Portland Metro area. But know that looks can be deceiving — the trails are very steep and will require conditioned and healthy hikers. Prime hiking time is Spring through Fall, offering stunning wildflower vistas through June, and beautiful Autumn foliage in October. The easiest part of the hike is the first 1.5 miles up to the lower viewpoint.

At the trailhead, hikers walk along Trail 147 for 0.7 miles to a junction, which then leads to the open forest floor in the lower portion of the trail. The trail offers two options — a more difficult and less difficult route. Hiker have had varying opinions on which is better. You decide what looks best for you.

The trail gets much steeper, and then you will see the summit meadows as you climb.  From here, two trails go to the top and create a loop. The main trail veers to the left, towards a meadow known for high Gorge winds. Plan for that.

In about 4/10 of a mile you will pass a signed junction. Continue up, on the right hand trail, which is the Summit Loop Trail. At the top of the meadow, follow a short spur trail to a fire ring and a great location for eating and resting.  You can return the same way, or continue southeast on the Summit Loop Trail, which meets the main trail at Puppy Dog Lookout.  From Puppy Dog Lookout, you can return to the trailhead.

You may also use Augspurger Trail.

Driving Directions to Dog Mountain

From Carson, drive approximately 9 miles east on State Route 14 to the trail-head, just beyond milepost 53. The parking area and trailhead are on the left (north) side of the highway.

 

Dog Mountain

View from the Summit meadows on Dog Mountain Trail.

 

Dog Mountain

The lower portion of the Dog Mountain Trail.

 

Dog Mountain

Map of the Dog Mountain Trail.

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Hood River: Top 5 Springtime Activities

1. Lose yourself in fruit blossoms.

Hood River Blossoms

To take it all in, visitors can drive the gorgeous Hood River County Fruit Loop, a gorgeous 35-mile drive that follows the county’s Scenic Tour Route and passes the valley’s plethora of orchards, wineries and farms.

Blossom-lovers can drive it in its entirety or in short hops from Hood River. Stop along the way to pick up baked goods, preserves, yarn, fresh produce, wine, cider and more.

During the month of April, the area celebrates spring with the annual Hood River Valley Blossom Time  (April 1-30), featuring family-friendly farm events, craft shows, culinary treats, wine and cider tasting, and the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest (April 16).

The Blossom Time event guide is available online at hoodriver.org.

2. Get a taste of Hood River’s craft hard cider scene at the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest on April 16.

Hard Cider Hood RiverNow in its third year, this family-friendly event is an opportunity for seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike to sample the best of Hood River County and other Northwest cideries. More than 20 cideries will be there, with more than 30 ciders on tap. The day-long event also features local food vendors, produce and arts vendors, a kid’s area and a line-up of local music, from bluegrass to classic rock. Spring showers aren’t a problem, as the tasting takes place in a covered hall.

With 11 cideries and counting, Hood River is at the forefront of the new national hard cider movement. These craft cider makers source fruit from the over 440 orchardists surrounding their production facilities to make a unique, local product.

Each of the Hood River-area craft cideries has its distinct personality.

3. Get up close and personal with the Historic Columbia River Highway during its centennial year.

Travel Hood River2016 marks the 100th anniversary of this Oregon icon, and visitors can walk and bike the Columbia Gorge Historic Highway State Trail from the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead.

This 5-mile trail section – which is closed to vehicles – features amazing views of the Gorge and passage through a double tunnel. It ends near the small town of Mosier. A great family adventure!

 When it was dedicated in 1916, the Historic Columbia River Highway was considered one of the great engineering feats of the early 20th century. America’s first scenic highway, it runs a total length of 73 miles through the Columbia River Gorge. It was modeled after the great scenic roads of Europe and designed to accommodate Model T cars, plus showcase the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge.

Today, the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail looks and feels much like it did in 1920s, but it is no longer simply a highway for cars. The two-lane road is divided into different segments – some of which are only accessible by foot and bicycle – and is one of the most amazing 73 miles visitors can experience in Oregon.

4. Take a wildflower hike.

Hood River WildflowerAvoid the crowds at Dog Mountain and head to Mosier Plateau.

This trail, completed in Summer 2013, begins in the town of Mosier, follows Mosier Creek through the Pocket Park (community park), and then ends up on Mosier Plateau, which is owned by Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust.

The best time to hike is March through May. Top off your hike with a cider or pizza from Rack & Cloth in Mosier.

 

5. Head to a waterfall.

Hood River FallsSpring run-off from Mt. Hood means thundering waterfalls in the the Columbia River Gorge, which has the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America.

Beautiful Tamanawas Falls is just 20 minutes from downtown Hood River. A 3.5-mile loop takes hikers to a 125-foot falls that you can walk behind into a large dry cave. Other Gorge waterfall hikes can be found at Friends of the Columbia Gorge.

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NW Destinations: Historic Benjamin Young Inn

It is easy to feel relaxed at this romantic getaway.  The Benjamin Young Inn Bed & Breakfast sits on the hillside in beautiful Astoria.  Its location gives a great view of the Columbia River, and is located close to the world-famous Astoria Column and well-loved “Goonies” home.

In 1888 Benjamin Young, an early-day salmon packer, built this amazing house on the original bank of the Columbia River.  The house has been well maintained throughout the years and is recognized throughout Oregon as an outstanding example of Queen Anne architecture. The house is even listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.

The current owner Carolyn Hammer, who purchased the home almost 18 years ago, is only the second owner outside of the Young family.  Benjamin’s oldest daughter became a doctor and inherited the home in which she ran her practice.  She then handed it over to her daughter Josephine who was a teacher and taught English at Astoria High School.  It was her daughter, Chris, who was the first to sell it and move outside of Astoria.

A common place for weddings and romantic getaways there are five different rooms to choose from.  The Fireplace Suite is a large first floor suite with a king size bed.  The bay window and fireplace give it the needed essentials for romance.  It also includes such amenities as a TV/DVD, double whirlpool tub, and an adjoining room with its own queen and single beds.

The Honeymoon Suite is a large elegant second floor room with antique furnishings, and private bath.  The canopy queen bed and sitting room have great views of the Columbia River, and touches of wedding bliss add to the elegance.

The Lady Ann Room is a second floor suite that also has an outstanding view of the Columbia River and wooded hillsides.  It has a private bath with shower, queen bed, loveseat, two plush comfortable rocking chairs, and TV/DVD.

You will often find the Rose Room sunlit on the second floor with an excellent view of the Columbia and gardens.  It also has a queen bed and private bath.  Last is the Dorothy Room with the same amazing views, queen bed, private bath, and single bed.

Breakfast is served in the dining room and is prepared by Carolyn.  She tries to keep the menu varied, but always filled with amazing dishes such as orange French toast, chicken apple sausage, blueberry pancakes, omelets, eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce, or scones with cranberries.

With plenty to do and see in Astoria and a great place to stay The Benjamin Young Inn Bed & Breakfast is a great place for your next romantic getaway.

To contact the Benjamin Young, call  800.201.1286 or 503.325.6172. You can also find them at www.BenjaminYoungInn.com.

 
Benjamin Young Inn
 
 
 
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