Welcome to Hood River, where outdoor adventure meets small-town charm in a picturesque corner of the Pacific Northwest.

In Part One of our two-part series, we uncovered Newberg’s serene take on 2025’s hottest travel trends. Now, it’s time to shift gears to Hood River. Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, this wind-powered playground hits just as many trend checkboxes: think detour destination, JOMO travel, and phenomenon chasing. Whether you’re watching kite surfers carve the river, sipping award-winning beers at a local brewery, or waterfall-hopping via trolley, Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge proves that off-the-beaten-path can create an unforgettable experience.

We found the Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel to be a most delightful place to stay with a view of the Columbia River. Their slogan says: easy to get to, hard to leave and impossible to forget. We had a simple hotel room with a bathroom, but the hero of the house were the French doors that opened to a very small patio overlooking the mighty Columbia River. That location offered a real feeling of sitting within the Columbia River Gorge. Nearby, on the edge of the property, is a 208-foot waterfall. The hotel combines an old world charm with comfortable furnishings.

Ducks at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa. Video Marika Flatt

All Good in the Hood 

A visit to Hood Crest Winery and Distillery blends music, award-winning wines and unique pizza creations. Open Wednesday through Sunday, this gem offers a cozy, music-filled atmosphere with live performances by its internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter owner every weekend, including a lively Friday night set from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The winery’s award-winning 2020 Chardonnay, aged briefly in French oak for added crispness and acidity, is a standout earning a gold medal at the San Francisco Wine Competition. Their spirits program is equally impressive, producing cherry-based vodka and small-batch bourbons, whiskey, and scotch that hold their own “against the big guys.” Pair your drink with seasonal comfort food like their wood-fired pizzas, such as Cordon Bleu or cashew chicken (pizza). And if you’re not drinking, their five handcrafted mocktails are just as popular.

One of the most interesting and enjoyable activities I have ever done on a press trip was the waterfall trolley hop on hop off that runs along the gorge. You can get off at any of 10 stops along the historic Columbia River Highway that is a gorgeous fern-lined two lane road. On much of it, you can see the huge Columbia River, (which is 1,200 miles long). There are 800 flowers that grow in this gorge area. Probably the most popular waterfall on that route is Multnomah Falls, where the lodge is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Make sure you bring a small backpack with water and don’t forget to wear really good tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Because it is a narrated tour, you’ll learn all kinds of fun facts, including that Portland, Oregon, was named because of a coin toss.

When you park at the starting point in Corbett, you will get a brochure outlining all of the waterfall stops, a schedule for the eastbound and westbound pick up times and even a suggested plan for the day. For instance, I boarded the trolley in Corbett, hopped off at Horsetail Falls, hiked up to Ponytail Falls, and all the way around the loop to re-board at the Triple Falls stop. I hopped off at Multnomah Falls for one hour of hiking and viewing, re-boarded and then hopped off again at Bridal Veil Falls for the one hour timeframe to hike the overlook loop and also a trail that goes down to the falls and back up to the parking lot. My waterfall adventure lasted approximately 7 hours.

Mount Hood Railroad is not only a traditional vintage train ride, 45 minutes out, 45 minutes at the farm stand and winery and then 45 minutes back, but they also offer rail bikes and other specialty tours. We enjoyed reading our books while sipping a local beer on the train. 

The Hood River Fruit loop is a road where farmers have market stands out where tourists can drive by and purchase their produce. The soil and climate in Hood River is ideal for growing fruit. You will encounter nearly 30 farm fruit stands, wineries, breweries and fields of flowers. Wander down the 35 miles of scenic country roads on a self-guided tour and gather up fresh produce while you immerse yourself in this agricultural environment.

From Bass to Behemoth

Fishing with Drew from Hood River Adventures turned out to be one of the most surprising and unforgettable highlights of our Oregon getaway. In just one day on the Columbia River Gorge, I landed smallmouth bass, shad, and even a prehistoric-looking sturgeon — all thanks to Drew’s expert guiding and easygoing attitude. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with dramatic cliffs, rolling landscapes, and bald eagles overhead. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just tagging along for the views, this is Pacific Northwest adventure at its finest.

Dining in the Hood

Celilo Restaurant and Bar sits at a lively corner along the town’s central avenue. We found this restaurant to be very casual, as people were in jeans and shorts, but featuring an upscale menu. Definitely start with the empanadas (gold potato, bacon, and cheese with a crumb fraiche). The butter lettuce salad was light and flavorful with a red wine vinaigrette and herb breadcrumbs. The fettuccine foriana was creamy and delicious featuring toasted walnuts and pistachios, mixed in a creamy blend. The pan seared Pacific coho salmon is served with spiced carrot and spinach under a miso carrot vinaigrette. I love that they feature the farms and purveyors on the back of their menu, located throughout Oregon, Washington, and fish hailing from Sitka, Alaska.

The outdoor patio right on the Columbia River at Riverside. Video Marika Flatt

Riverside is an extremely un-assuming restaurant connected to a Best Western hotel but it has the most fabulous view of the river out back. Definitely sit on the patio. Enjoy a very unusual Burrata that includes crispy prosciutto and a green apple caponata. If you’re in the mood for some fresh seafood, go for the Pan Roasted Wild Salmon; but if you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta, you cannot go wrong with the Mushroom Agli e Olio – featuring local organic oyster, mushrooms, garlic, and spinach mixed into fresh linguine, topped with grilled chicken.

Pfriem Brewing — Overlooking the park where the wind surfers are out in the water in full force, you’d think this brewery belongs in Pflugerville, Texas, with this name. Their draft list is impressive, featuring three types of pilsners, and just about any other beer you can think of. The menu features apps, such as their delicious sausage sampler, salads, and seasonal dishes, such as a farro bowl, and classics like their pimento cheese cheeseburger.

Solstice Wood Fire Pizza – Cafe & Bar — Also located across from the waterfront park, you’ll find Italian technique and Columbia River Gorge flavor meet at this pizza spot with a view of the water. Local ingredients and seasonal availability are the bedrock for their inventive house pies. 

Ferment Brewing – just down the block from Solstice- is the spot to go if you’re hanging out and looking for something light; we highly recommend their hummus with a pilsner. Their outdoor patio also overlooks the river. 

Full Sail Brewing Company was the first independent brewery to successfully set up shop in Hood River. With plenty of good tunes to be heard overhead, enjoy a fun flight of beers on the outside patio. A full menu of items are ideal for lunch or happy hour.  

Egg River Café — I love that this diner opens early (6 am) for breakfast (many others in town open at 8am). They really specialize in tasty Spanish dishes. I found their chilaquiles and breakfast burrito to be excellent choices, not to mention their house-made salsa on the side!  A family-friendly establishment known for dishes like Fried Chicken and Waffles, Ranchero Steak and Eggs, and the Mt. Adams Burger, you’ll find this casual spot on the main drag in Hood River, not far at all from the Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel.  

Bette’s Place is a classic diner known for generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. We dined next to a large table full of hard-working firefighters (they were battling a blaze a few towns over). Locals’ favorites include their cinnamon rolls. I found the egg and sausage omelet, with a housemade biscuit on the side, to be a hearty and delicious start to the day. You’ll find this restaurant on the town’s very walkable main street, where you’ll pay for parking (but it’s only around $1.50 for over an hour!).

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Cover photo Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid.