Rows of lavender leading toward Mount Hood in the Hood River Valley, Oregon

Hood River, Oregon

A few of our
favorite places

The valley we’d actually point you toward — the places we go, and keep going back to.

Start the conversation  →
Worth the detour

A living list. We add to it as the seasons turn.

None of this is on the way to anything. That’s rather the point — Hood River rewards the people who slow down and wander a little.

Lavender · The Fruit Loop

Hood River Lavender Farms

Acres of it, in long organic rows above Odell, with Mount Hood to the south and Mount Adams to the north. The fields open in summer, and a wine garden looks straight out over the purple. Come for the color. Stay because no one there is in a hurry.

Odell · at its fullest in July

Wine, cider & a slow afternoon

Grateful Vineyard

A third-generation orchard turned winery, cidery, and brewery on one farm, with Mount Hood filling the view and wood-fired pizza to go with the flight. Bring the people you came with. There’s room to sit a long while, and no reason to rush off.

On the Fruit Loop · food, flights, and space for family

The perfect waterfall hike

Wahclella Falls Trail

Short enough for an afternoon, beautiful enough that you’ll talk about it after. Two and a half miles round trip up a slot canyon along Tanner Creek, past a footbridge where Munra Falls comes down close enough to touch, to a two-tiered fall dropping into a turquoise pool. West of town, right off I-84. Start early on weekends, and keep dogs leashed.

~2.4 mi round trip · ~320 ft climb · Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead

The Gorge from an old rail line

Mount Hood Railroad Railbikes

Pedal a converted rail car down a historic line through the orchards, with the valley opening up on either side. Gentle, a little strange, and unlike anything you’ve done — the kind of afternoon that stays with you.

Seasonal · book ahead in summer

A rainy afternoon, or a curious one

WAAAM Air & Auto Museum

The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum holds one of the country’s largest collections of still-flying antique planes and running antique cars. Far more absorbing than it sounds, and a good place to be when the weather turns.

Open year-round · indoors

A long soak

Carson Hot Springs

Natural hot-spring water, a soak, and a wrap or a massage if you want one — about twenty minutes west, across the river. An easy way to let a day settle into your body rather than your head.

~20 min west · reservations recommended

The morning after · downtown

Lightwell Hotel & Spa

A small boutique hotel right downtown, with a spa tucked downstairs — a warm soaking pool, a sauna, and massage by appointment. Some of our clients book a massage here the day after their session, a gentle way to let things settle before the drive home. Quiet, unhurried, and a short walk from the waterfront and dinner.

Downtown · 201 Cascade Ave · book the spa ahead

U-pick fruit · The Fruit Loop

The Gorge White House

A working fruit farm turned market and beer garden, with orchard rows you can walk right into. Pick your own berries, peaches, or apples depending on the month, then stay for the legendary food truck and a picnic table with Mount Hood over your shoulder.

On the Fruit Loop · u-pick summer through fall

This is the short version, and it grows. Ask your facilitator what’s good right now — the answer changes with the month. Planning the days around a session? Start the conversation, or see where to stay and the drive from Portland.