EXPLORE LOCAL: HOOD RIVER TRAVEL GUIDE

HI THERE + WELCOME TO MY FIRST EXPLORE LOCAL TRAVEL GUIDE!

I’m a Portland native who’s been traveling around Oregon for as long as I can remember and I still can’t get enough of this beautiful state! I wanted to start an explore local series because if you do live around the Portland area or nearby cities, there are so many great places to travel to that are not too far from home.

There’s a lot of quaint and wonderful cities around Oregon that I believe deserve a lot more recognition for what they have to offer and the first city I wanted to showcase in this series is Hood River. Just outside of the Columbia River Gorge and within the Cascade Range lies Hood River, a perfect spot for outdoor + food enthusiasts alike. It’s a city full of scenic hiking trails, craft breweries, wineries and a farm-to-table food experience.

Read along to see some of my personal favorite spots around Hood River from a craft brewery, an authentic Swedish restaurant, a local coffee shop, a vineyard + a classic lake in Oregon. Hope you enjoy this Travel Guide!

Place to Grab a Drink

FERMENT BREWING COMPANY

Located on Hood River’s waterfront with handcrafted beer, delicious food + it’s exquisite wooded architecture, lies Ferment Brewing Company (FBC) - a perfect place to gather with friends on a sunny afternoon. FBC creates an experience for both the consumer + the creator by having a welcoming space and offering an array of unique beer and kombucha flavors that showcase their appreciation for the art of fermentation.

I had the pleasure of trying a couple of their tasting flights with their hand-crafted beers, ciders and their homemade kombucha. I was a huge fan of their signature White River Saison Ale with a refreshing and unique flavor, along with their Sencha kombucha that had subtle hints of banana and a touch of peach!

If you’re a fan of Swedish eats and a delightful culinary experience, then Broder Øst is a must if you’re looking for a place to eat around Hood River. Located in the heart of the Historic Downtown, Broder Øst is one of four different locations of this Swedish food chain. The original three Broder Cafes are located in Portland, but the Head Chef/owner, a Gorge native, decided to bring a piece of the Broder Cafe culture into the Hood River area.

As a vegan/plant-based eater, it was a little tough picking out a food dish, but between the cozy, sweet decor and their friendly accommodations, I was more than happy to give this place a try! And I’m glad I did, the food was so authentic + delicious. We got to try their signature Danish Pancakes with Lingonberry Jam + house made lemon curd, a fish cake burger and I had their Swedish hash with assorted vegetables and walnut toast!

PLACE TO GRAB COFFEE

STOKED ROASTERS + COFFEEHOUSE

STOKED Roasters + Coffeehouse takes their mantra beyond their coffee shop. They revolve their premium coffee around outdoor enthusiasts + people who are ready to start their day with a cup of their favorite coffee and adventure. Their coffee roasting hub was the best fit for Hood River, filled with a variety of outdoor lovers alike who enjoy hiking, running, mountain climbing, wind surfing and so much more. I admire their light, airy space and their passion to fuel the adventurous soul with STOKED coffee.

PLACE TO WANDER

GRATEFUL VINEYARDS + MT. VIEW ORCHARDS

When you visit this property in Mount Hood, Oregon, you get a variety of wonderful experiences from tasting decadent wines at Grateful Vineyards, picking fresh fruit on a 50-acre apple + pear farm, to wandering through a gorgeous wedding venue at Mt. View Orchards. I immediately fell in love with this place and everything these family-owned businesses had to offer.

My friend and I did a little wine tasting and from a sweet Rosé to a Pinot Gris, it felt magical trying out these wines with a gorgeous view of Mt. Hood just right outside!

About 45 mins outside of Hood River is Lost Lake Resort - a summertime oasis filled with camping, hiking, sunny afternoons by the lake and gorgeous views of Mt. Hood. After a lovely day spent around Hood River, we headed up to the mountains to kayak around the lake and watch the sunset as the sky faded from day to night. It was a peaceful evening and the perfect way to end a fun-filled day.