Hood River

August 2009

HOODRIVEROREGON

Lovers of wind, water, and spectacular scenery come to Hood River from around the world.

What everyone should know about hood river Why Hood River?

We first came to Hood River in 2005 when we went on a road trip “out west” from Chicago. We only spent a few days in the Hood River Valley but we instantly fell in love with it. Since moving to Portland in 2007, we’ve spent many weekends in Hood River, hiking, snowshoeing, visiting the many orchards, and meeting new friends. In February, 2008 we got engaged in Hood River after a beautiful day snowshoeing on the mountain. We’re extremely excited to share this beautiful and fun place with our friends and family. We hope you enjoy Hood River just as much as we do. Please feel free to contact us if

1

you have any questions or need additional suggestions!

industry, this community has recently become a busy recreational hot spot, with lots of Hood River Area shops catering to the thousands of The farther east you go in the windsurfers who flock here to Columbia River Gorge from enjoy the clean water, outstanding Portland, the drier the climate scenery, and reliable winds. becomes. Although the elevation Hikers come here too, and not just for the better weather, but remains virtually unchanged, the also for the scenic trails that go surrounding Cascade Mountains sap most of the moisture out of through open forests and the clouds. Taking advantage of expansive meadows alive with a this rain shadow effect are the mix of mountain, desert, and lucky residents of Hood River. forest wildflowers. This slice of paradise has an We have put together a list of almost perfect climate that is fun things to do in the Hood rarely too wet, too hot, or too River area. See the map on the cold. Once a quiet farming town last page for downtown Hood River information. catering to the fruit-growing

August 2009

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Dog Mountain

The Columbia River Gorge is a canyon of the Columbia River that stretches for over 80 miles as the river winds westward through the Cascade Range forming the boundary between Washington to the north and Oregon to the south. The Gorge is one of Oregon’s great treasures for hiking, biking, windsurfing, amazing scenery and a gentle drive. Hiking

Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s most popular trail. It climbs to viewpoints at Multnomah Falls, a 542foot, two-tiered plume that plummets into a misty, mossy forest grotto. You can do a moderate, 2.2-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain to the top of Multnomah Falls, or a difficult 5.4-mile loop to Wahkeena Falls with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. To get there, take I-84 west from Hood River to Multnomah Falls exit 31, park, and walk under the overpass. Horsetail Falls is a fairly easy hike with lush forests, fern-lined grottos, deep slot canyons, excellent viewpoints, and, of course, lots of impressive waterfalls. The trail is 4.5 miles with a 700 foot elevation gain. To get there, take I-84 west from Hood River to Bridal Veil exit 28. At the end of the 0.4-mile exit road, turn east on the Old Columbia River Highway. After 5.6 miles, turn left into the large

2

parking lot on the north side of the highway, directly across from Horsetail Falls. The well-signed trailhead is just a few yards east of 176-foot Horsetail Falls. Eagle Creek trail heads up Eagle Creek Canyon and is filled with spectacular scenery and waterfalls. You’ll begin at almost creek level but soon the trail begins climbing high above the creek and promises gorgeous scenery. The trail is 6 miles out and back (with longer options) and has an elevation gain of 485 feet. To get there, take I-84 west from Hood River to Bonneville exit 40. Get back on I-84 heading east. Take exit 41 for Eagle Creek Recreation Area. At the stop sign, turn right and stay to the right toward the picnic area and trailhead. Drive about 0.5 mile to a paved parking area at the road’s end. Dog Mountain Loop starts as a pretty strenuous hike as you gain most of the 2,900 foot elevation in a very short distance, cutting back and forth through the lower forest region. About halfway up the mountain you break out of the forest and emerge into huge, open fields with stunning panoramic views of the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens. The trail is 7.2 miles and will take 3-5 hours. To get there, cross the Columbia River toward White Salmon and drive west on State Highway 14 for 11.5 miles to the huge lot on your right.

Biking

Historic Columbia River Highway from Hood River to Mosier is an easy, paved route winding along the edge of the Columbia River Gorge for 9 miles on an out-and-back route. Along the way you’ll be able to stop at many spectacular viewpoints and pass through the historic Mosier Twin Tunnels. When you get to Mosier stop at the Good River Restaurant for a bite to eat and The Thirsty Woman for a good beer before heading back. Rent Bicycles at Discover Bicycles, 116 Oak Street, 541.386.4820 or Mountain View Cycles, 205 Oak Street, 541.386.2453 in downtown Hood River. Windsurfing

Between the gorge wind and the river currents, Hood River is heaven for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Fans come from around the world to partake in the perfect conditions, or to watch the action. From downtown Hood River, walk toward the water on 2nd Street until you reach the river. Hang out on the grassy beach and watch beginners and experts. If you’re interested in taking lessons, contact Big Winds at 541.386.6086, Hood River Water Play at 541.386.9463, or Brian’s Windsurfing at 541.386.1423.

August 2009

Columbia River Gorge Hood River Area Just to the west of the city limits, two adjacent state parks protect the scenic forests and high points at the eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge. Vinzenz Lausmann and Wygant state parks both feature quiet trials generally overlooked by out-of-towners. Even less well known is Hood River Mountain, at the north end of a long, north-south ridge that separates the fertile Hood River Valley from the desert country to the east. The spacious wildflower meadows atop this ridge provide some of the most outstanding vistas in our region. Hiking

Wygant Trail Loop offers hikers a lot of variety in a relatively small package. The 8.5 mile hike starts by following a short section of the historic old Columbia River Highway, then visits a quiet creek canyon and a string of spectacular viewpoints that provide unusual perspectives of the eastern Columbia River Gorge. Before setting out on this adventure, however, be warned that poison oak is extremely abundant in this area. Hikers should watch their step, wear long pants, and wash all of their clothes immediately upon their return. To get there, take I-84 west from Hood River to Mitchell

Point Overlook exit 58 and take the short exit road to a parking lot. The signed Wygant Trail follows a closed road that goes west from the lower end of the parking lot. Walk about 250 yards, then as the road turns left, take a signed footpath that veers right, into the trees. Mitchell Point is a quiet and unmarked 2.4 mile, 1,200 foot hike with terrific views. Very few people even know that it is possible to hike to the summit which makes it very secluded compared to some of the more popular gorge hikes. To get there, take I-84 west from Hood River to Mitchell Point Overlook exit 58 and take the short exit road to a parking lot. The unsigned Mitchell Point Trail leaves from the upper corner of the parking lot. The route follows a paved path heading toward the restroom building, but after about 75 feet you bear left onto an obvious, but unsigned, old gravel road. The gravel route loops to the right for about 100 yards, then you veer left on an obvious foot trail into the trees. Hood River Mountain is another unmarked, and, therefore, secluded little hike. The hike can be 1.8 to 2.9 miles and has a stunning view from the trail end that extends from a flower-covered hillside, down to the orchards of the Hood River Valley, and up to the hornshaped spire of Mt. Hood. Few trails provide so much reward for so little

effort. To get there, Take State Highway 35 south for 0.4 mile. Turn left on East Side Road and follow it 1.5 miles to the turnoff for Panorama Point County Park. Keep straight on East Side Road and, just 0.4 mile after the park turnoff, turn left on Old Dalles Road. Drive east on this initially paved, then bumpy gravel route for 2.1 miles to a saddle beneath a set of powerlines. Park on the side of the road, but be sure not to block access to the gated road going north from the pass. Biking

Post Canyon Trail has something for every mountain biker. There are 12 miles of trail that are littered with jumps, bridges, and teeter-totters at varying degrees of difficulty. The trail running in Post Canyon is also amazing, so watch out bikers and share the trails! To get there, go west on Oak Street from downtown Hood River until it merges with W. Cascade and continues to Country Club Road. Turn left at Country Club Road and take it for about 1.5 miles. Take a right at Post Canyon Road and follow it until the road becomes gravel and park. Rent Bicycles at Discover Bicycles, 116 Oak Street, 541.386.4820 or Mountain View Cycles, 205 Oak Street, 541.386.2453 in downtown Hood River.

Hood River Mountain

3

August 2009 4

has an elevation gain of 2,700 feet and doesn’t disappoint. The number and variety of wildflowers here rival or surpass any other hike in the area, and Hood River is the gateway to the Hood the peak times to hike the trail are late River Valley and the 1.2-million-acre July to mid-August! To get there, take Mount Hood National Forest. This U.S. Highway 35 south to the junction amazing national forest has four with U.S. 26 (about 38 miles). Take U.S. designated wilderness areas and boasts 26 west 14 miles and turn north on E. more than 1,200 miles of fabulous trails Lolo Pass Road. Climb this good paved to explore. The star attraction of the road for 10.6 miles to Lolo Pass, where Mount Hood National Forest is 11,239pavement ends and the Pacific Crest foot Mt. Hood - Oregon’s tallest peak. Trail crosses the road. Take the second Hiking right turn, onto gravel Forest Road 1810, and drive 1.5 miles, then turn sharply Ramona Falls Loop has long been right at a small brown sign for the the most popular day hike on the west McGee Creek Trail. In just 0.2 mile, this side of Mt. Hood. The 6.9 mile hike narrow gravel road comes to the features a 120-foot fall cascading trailhead, at a pullout on the right. beautifully over a moss-covered basalt cliff in a perfect fan shape. In addition to Biking & Hiking the falls, the hike allows you to enjoy Lost Lake Loop is a 3-mile, some decent views of Mt. Hood, as well smooth sailing trail around picturesque as a gorgeous walk along a quiet creek in Lost Lake. Perks include stellar views of a cool forest. To get there, take U.S. Mount Hood, old-growth forest, and Highway 35 south to the junction with opportunities for swimming on a hot U.S. 26 (about 38 miles). Take U.S. 26 summer’s day. To get there, take 13th west 14 miles and turn north on E. Lolo Pass Road. After 4.3 miles, turn right onto paved Forest Road 1825, which you follow for 1.2 miles, over a bridge, then go left at a fork, staying on Road 1825. About 1.5 miles later, you bear left at a junction and quickly arrive at the large parking area for the Ramona Falls Trail. Timberline Lodge to Paradise Park is the shortest, easiest, and most scenic approach to the Paradise Park area. This 10.1 mile hike follows a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail from the historic Timberline Lodge. The landscape here is entirely the product of recent volcanism. The ground itself is a debris fan from a large, Mt. St. Helensstyle blast two thousand years ago. To get there, take U.S. Highway 35 south to the junction with U.S. 26 (about 38 miles).Take U.S. 26 west for 1 mile and turn right onto the Timberline Lodge Road. Climb this winding paved road 5.5 miles to the historic lodge with its acres of parking. From the back side of the lodge pick up a paved footpath marked with a small sign saying Timberline Trail. McNeil Point via McGee Creek is a great scenic hike near timberline on Mt. Hood. This wonderful 8.9 mile hike

Mount Hood National Forest

Street in Hood River south for 3.5 miles to Odell. Cross a bridge and turn right after Tucker Park and travel 6.3 miles. Stay to the right toward Dee. From the small town of Dee, travel 14 miles, following signs to Lost Lake. After the pay booth at the lake, stay to the right as the road parallels the lake. Continue past the general store to the road’s end at a day-use picnic area. Mirror Lake Loop has everything you ever wanted: a smooth trail, bubbling creek and a scenic alpine lake, killer view of Mount Hood, wildflowers, and cool, shady forest. You’ll love this 3.2 mile loop with a high-alpine lake that offers prime swimming opportunities in midsummer. To get there, take Highway 35 south to the junction with U.S. Highway 26 (about 38 miles). Turn right on U.S. 26 and travel west to Government Camp. From Government Camp continue 2 miles west on U.S. 26 to an unmarked trailhead on the left side of the highway between mileposts 51 and 52. Head across a footbridge across bubbling Camp Creek and hook up with the smooth and wide Mirror Lake Trail.

Ramona Falls

August 2009

and turn right onto the Timberline Lodge Road. Climb this winding paved Timberline Lodge began as a road 5.5 miles to the historic lodge with Depression-era make-work program, but its acres of parking. by the time President Roosevelt dedicated Fruit Loop is a 35-mile scenic drive this elegantly rustic hotel in 1937 it had through the fruit orchards, small towns, become a grand expression of Northwest and back roads of the Hood River Valley. art. The workers used large timbers and The area is Oregon’s largest fruit growing local stone, and placed intricately carved region. Over thirty percent of the decorative elements throughout the nations winter pears are harvested here, bulding. You may recognize the exterior along with a variety of apples, berries, of the Lodge from the 1980 Stanley peaches, and cherries. In the summer, as Kubric film, The Shining. Visit their the fruits begin to ripen, local stands offer website to learn more about the Lodge. berries, cherries, peaches, and fresh To get there, take U.S. Highway 35 baked goods for sale. There are several south to the junction with U.S. 26 (about vineyards and wineries located on the 38 miles). Take U.S. 26 west for 1 mile loop. Hood River Vineyards, Phelps Attractions

Creek Vineyards, Mt. Hood Winery, and Cathedral Ridge Winery are all open for wine tastings. Visit the Fruit Loop website for a map and additional information. Mt. Hood Railroad is a relaxing way to appreciate the seasonal splendors of the region. The 2.5-hour trip begins at the historic depot in Hood River, and winds through forests and orchards up the valley to Odell. A longer 4-hour trip goes all the way to Parkdale. They also operate brunch and dinner excursions, special seasonal excursions, as well as Murder Mystery rides. Visit their website or call them at 1-800-872-4661 to make a reservation.

Views south from the Timberline lodge stretch clear to Mt. Jefferson, broken top, and the three sisters mountains beyond

5