Trip 2: Hood River and the Fruit Loop

This is an extension of the first trip to the Gorge. If you are in for a longer afternoon or even a close-in overnight trip, you could do worse than to continue on I-84 to the little town of Hood River. You could even hit Multnomah Falls, or any of its lesser fellows, on the way and simply make it a part of this trip.

Perched along the hills and bluffs overlooking the Columbia, Hood River is a friendly small town dedicated to the recreational opportunities that surround it. It’s especially known as a windsurfing mecca. If nothing else, I recommend stopping in at the Big Horse Brew Pub for refreshment and commanding views of the river and the Washington side of the Gorge. Hood River is a fine place to outfit yourself before a fishing trip or to provision up before camping.

Drive south out of Hood River on State Highway 35, and you have embarked on the Fruit Loop. The Hood River Valley is replete with orchards and vineyards. Depending on the season, you can pull into many roadside stands to sample the local fare. Many wineries on both sides of the Gorge will make you feel welcome with a taste. You will approach Mt. Hood, climbing steadily, until you’re too close to see the summit.

If you’re in for more adventure, stop at the small roadside sign for Tamanawas Falls. The falls is about 4 miles from the trail head, and the hike will take you up and down through a startling range of microclimates. The walk requires some exertion, but the end is worth every bit.

If you are going up for an overnight, farther south on HWY 35, you’ll see signs for Sherwood and Robin Hood Campgrounds. Both are nice, easily accessible sites right on Hood River. Summer travelers: on those dry hot days when the valley is up around 100 degrees, this is the place to be.

If you’re just passing through, follow the signs that connect you to HWY 26, which will return you to Portland. Be sure to stop by Timberline Lodge, if just for a look. This hotel/ski lodge seems to hop year round; no idea what it takes to reserve a room there. But a trip up is worth it to see the place and stand on the steps at the entry way that offer a sublime southward view of the Cascades and the ragged peak of Mt. Jefferson.

From this point you may just cruise back into Portland, enjoying the shifting landscape and your descent back into civilization, or you may stop at any of numerous sites that offer short or long hikes. I hear that both Timothy and Trillium Lakes are nice, and the Salmon River hike is an easy walk through lush landscapes. You might do some research ahead to see which hikes require day passes, available at markets, ranger stations, etc.