The Columbia River waterfront in Hood River is used for both active and passive recreation. There are also trails along Indian Creek, art offerings in town and experiences in the Hood River Valley. When planning, it’s worth distinguishing between these different highlights: some lead to the water, while others take you to galleries or along a route through the valley.
Waterfront and water sports
The waterfront area includes nearly two miles of walking paths, with some gaps along the shore. The paved Hood River Waterfront Trail is 2.8 miles long and connects The Hook to the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, as well as to numerous parks and recreation sites. These two figures describe different aspects of the waterfront paths: the walking paths along the waterfront area and the named trail with its endpoints.
At The Hook, a sheltered cove provides a setting for beginner windsurfing lessons. The Event Site offers water access for windsurfing, limited access for kitesurfing and space for events. Nichols Basin differs in that it has a sheltered cove, a beach and a launch site for small non-motorized watercraft. Comparing these waterfront locations reveals a range of uses rather than one uniform offering.
Indian Creek trails and green space downtown
The Indian Creek Trail is a multi-use trail with three sections. It runs from Hazel at 2nd Street in the Heights to Hood River Valley High School. The Indian Creek Trail System extends through the lower Hood River Valley, from Hazle Avenue on the east side of Hood River to Barrett Park in the rural west. Much of the system runs through woodland along Indian Creek and offers access to nature.
Georgiana Smith Park offers a different, quieter view of town. The park surrounds the Hood River County Library in downtown Hood River and is part of the county park system. The library was built in 1913–1914 in the Jacobethan style and was the first building in Hood River County designed specifically for library use. The park’s northern lawns along Oak Street offer views of the Columbia River. Accessible terrace areas provide places to sit, eat lunch or attend small music events; the event schedule may vary.
Art and culture in town
In its sixth exhibition, the Columbia River Gorge BIG ART Outdoor Gallery features 18 sculptures on loan from artists and nine permanent sculptures in downtown Hood River. The loaned works are part of a temporary exhibition. For those who prefer to experience art on a walk, the Hood River BIG ART Walking Tour is 4.5 miles long and includes a map and audio tour. The sculptures on view may change over time.
The Columbia Center for the Arts brings together a fine art and craft gallery, a theater or auditorium, and multipurpose rooms for cultural education programs. Facilities include a 1,700-square-foot gallery, a black-box theater with 136 fixed seats, and a 700-square-foot multipurpose studio or classroom. The same cultural center thus combines exhibition space, a room with a fixed seating capacity and a studio for various uses.
Experiences and regional products
The Hood River Railbikes travel along the Hood River toward Mount Hood. The route passes through pine forest, by a small waterfall and a rare switchback, and into orchard and wine-growing areas. The ride includes a stop at The Fruit Company’s factory and historic museum. The Fruit Company’s tractor tour is a different kind of experience: a tractor-pulled tram travels through an orchard, and the tour also includes a behind-the-scenes look at how fruit gift baskets are made. Seasonal availability may change, so it’s a good idea to check dates before planning.
The Hood River Fruit Loop is a 35-mile, self-guided route through the Hood River Valley. It includes 32 farm stands, wineries, breweries, cideries and flower fields. Participating businesses and seasonal availability may vary. The Fruit Loop offers a different kind of planning experience from the railbike ride: a route to explore independently rather than a described ride with set stops.
The Hood River Farmers Market also follows a seasonal schedule. From May through November, it takes place every Saturday; from December through April, on the first and third Saturdays. The market features local food, as well as work and products by local artists and craftspeople. The program includes live music, activities for children and hot food vendors; the vendors and program may vary from one market day to the next. Check dates and locations before you go.
Special visits and seasonal offerings
On the second Saturday of each month, WAAAM uses volunteers to bring historic aircraft and automobiles into operation and invites visitors to these special museum days. Joy’s Art Studio in Hood River offers paint parties with drinks for adults; booking details may change. Downtown, the Crater Lake Spirits Tasting Room offers spirit tastings and mini cocktails. As opening hours and offerings may change, it’s a good idea to check before visiting.
Plan your Hood River visit around your interests: waterfront trails and water access, trails along the creek, art downtown or seasonal offerings in the valley each provide a different focus.
Explore more destinations: Parkdale, Cascade Locks.
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