Hood River County by Season From snowpacked Mt. Hood to kitesurfing summer winds on the Columbia, from photographing thunderous waterfalls in spring to picking your own apples in fall, Hood River County is truly a four-season destination. SPRING Spring is a true delight in Hood River, with plenty of low-elevation hikes, waterfalls at full volume due to the rain that nourishes local forests this time of year, and flowers galore, from wildflowers to orchard trees. Enjoy family-friendly events, wine and beer tasting, and craft shows amid fluttery white and pink petals of orchards in full blossom throughout the Fruit Loop. Wildflowers on the Mosier Plateau Trail or along the car-free Historic Columbia River Highway Trail turn the emerging green hills a rainbow of pretty colors. Thundering spring runoff makes every waterfall in the Columbia Gorge even more photo-worthy. Or do it all — have fun in the snow at Mt. Hood Meadows, stop for a hike and get out on the water. SUMMER Picking strawberries, blueberries and cherries at farms along the Fruit Loop. Riding the wind on the river or booking a ride on a historic sternwheeler or sailboat. Fishing in the river or just sipping locally made adult beverages on an outdoor patio of one of Hood River County’s many wineries, cideries and breweries. Live music and events everywhere you look. Hiking on an extensive network of trails, many with the cooling mist of waterfalls. Hood River boasts a large trail system for mountain biking all over Hood River County. Windsurfers and kiteboarders congregate on the water, dancing and swooping with their colorful sails on summer’s consistent winds. New to waters ports? Several shops in town and on-site kiosks can provide you with gear, lessons and local knowledge. If you’d rather be a beach bum, sandy stretches of the riverbank in Hood River and Cascade Locks are dedicated to family- friendly splashing and lounging. FALL The hills come alive with autumn colors of brilliant oranges and yellows, and harvest season bursts with U-pick apples, pears and pumpkins. Fall trails along the Historic Columbia River Highway award hikers with dazzlingly colorful leaves, year-round waterfalls and wildlife. Wine tasting in the rolling countryside south of Hood River is particularly lovely in fall, with fewer visitors and cooler weather. Drive the entire Fruit Loop to experience orchards, stopping by one of Hood River Valley’s best farms or markets, heaped with jewel-tone produce. Don’t forget to take home some wine, jams or pie fillings for gifts. Wander the streets of quaint downtown Hood River, stopping in to browse at bookstores, boutiques, gift and specialty shops, or outdoor outfitters. WINTER With Mt. Hood towering well over 11,200 feet, Hood River is a great base camp for any number of snow sports. Get started with excellent coffee brewed locally at a cafe or stand, or sit down for a hearty breakfast to fuel up your day. Mt. Hood Meadows has ski runs for all abilities, and five sno-parks provide miles and miles of cross-country and snowshoeing trails. There’s also sledding and tubing for kids of all ages. Après snow fun, relax with pints at our award-winning brewpubs or a meal at one of the many pizzerias or welcoming Mexican restaurants on your return from the mountain to Hood River. Enjoy a quieter day around town, visiting galleries, the museum, tasting rooms and shops. For more information about Hood River County’s seasons go to visithoodriver.com or go the the Visitor Center. FROM LEFT: PICKLES PHOTOGRAPHY; VISIT HOOD RIVER (2); RICHARD HALLMAN 8 Visit Hood River Travel Guide
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