Curator’s statement
Growing up in Oregon gave me access to so many adventurous activities and one of my most beloved traditions was driving the scenic, affectionately-named "fruit loop" outside of Hood River. Stopping at various farm stands along the road to savor the taste of fresh fruit, pick flowers, sip on juices and interact with friendly goats made a summer or fall day feel like a scene straight out of a movie. After exploring the loop, you can choose to continue your journey to Mount Hood or head back up the Columbia River Gorge towards Portland.
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Stops on the Fruit Loop in Hood River, Oregon
Pearl’s Place: Peaches, cherries, and apples are some of the items you'll find at this first or last stop on the Fruit Loop. Pearl's Place usually has at least one U-Pick option and is a family favorite. I especially love their selection of local, flavored honey.
The Gorge White House: A beautiful historic farm and winery that is a favorite for multiple generations of Oregonians. Pick berries, fruit and flowers (depending on the time of year) under a magnificent view of the mountain. Well known for their cider flights, heritage pear wines and food cart. I consider this a must-visit on the loop!
Smiley’s Red Barn: Smiley's Red Barn has a good variety of fruit products centered on their apple orchard. The employees are friendly and you can wander from the barn into the fields to enjoy a view of Mt Hood.
Fox Tail Cider and Distillery: Right next door to Smiley's is Fox Tail Cidery, the perfect location to sip a cider flight and fill your growler. If not incredibly busy (as it often is on the weekends), the owners are happy to chat about their cider-making process and the awards their flavors have won.
Packer Orchards and Bakery: Jam galore at Packer! Bring your tongue ready to taste some amazing jam's, jellies and honey on their famous outdoor tasting table. My favorites include the raspberry jalapeno and the marionberry rhubarb. They feature a corn maze and corn pit during the fall, as well as other family-friendly activities,
Hood River Lavender Farms: Take a lavender break slightly off the main loop and enjoy free admission to wander through the lavender fields. The smells will entice you, the lavender lemonade slushy will quench your thirst and the view of Mt. Rainier will make you stay a little longer.
Draper Girls Country Farm: A busy stand all year and likely the closest you'll get to Mt Hood, I especially love the u-pick cherries in July and flowers all summer long. Their farm cats and staff are friendly. This is a good place to sample cider and fill a growler in the more modern barn/shop.
Mt View Orchards: "Apples and pears are the specialty in this locally-owned orchard, complemented by flowers and livestock. Their cows will greet you as you wander the rows with a view of Mt. Hood and a cider in hand. Generally slightly more inexpensive as it is off the beaten path.
Places to eat & drink in Hood River, Oregon
Full Sail Brewing Company - If you tire of wine and fruit, enjoy the view of the Columbia River, sip locally-brewed beer and eat pub classics at this famous spot.
Love & Hominy - Hip, fast-paced spot for cocktails and tacos in the heart of downtown Hood River.
Double Mountain Brewery - Another favorite for locals, this brewery has regular live music and delicious brick-fired pizza.
Lake Taco - An authentic Mexican spot in downtown featuring homemade chips, tacos and burritos.
Sushi Okalani - Taste the flavors of local seafood from the Columbia and Oregon Coast at this quaint sushi restaurant.
Remedy Cafe - Fresh juices, salads and vegan food await you at this cute cafe, lovingly cared for by uplifting local owners.
El Cuate Mexican Restaurant - This Mexican spot is further up the Gorge and gets rave reviews by locals and tourists alike. The menu features fresh tacos and tortas.
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Lena Wright
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Tammy Bux’s guide, Oregon’s Best-Kept Secret: Columbia River Gorge.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Oregon.