The ultimate weekend in Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

20.08.2024 - 14:45 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 20, 2024 • 5 min read

It took me a lot of time outside of Oregon to appreciate how amazing it is to live here. As a born-and-mostly-raised Portlander, I’ve spent much of my life within just a half-hour drive of the Columbia River Gorge, a Tolkienesque land of ancient conifers, gushing waterfalls, wilderness trails, and views so scenic that you may be compelled to pinch yourself.

Just beyond the Gorge stands Mount Hood, with its perpetually snowcapped peak – visible from Portland – that serves as a geological reminder that nature is never far away. In fact, all of this is close enough to Portland to make for an easy weekend adventure full of outdoor adventure, sightseeing and maybe a bit of wine tasting. Here’s how to do it.

Morning: Grab a quick breakfast in Portland and head east along I-85, which runs parallel to the Columbia River, to the Vista House at Crown Point, an art-nouveau visitors center with fantastic views. From here, drive 15 minutes to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall, which is visible right from the road. Pop into the Multnomah Falls Lodge for a sandwich or a bread bowl full of soup.

How to spend the day: After your meal, continue along I-84 for about nine miles to the Wahclella Falls Trail for a post-lunch hike. This 2.4-mile out-and-back route will take you to into the Mark O. Hatfield wilderness, past streams and along wooded trails until you reach Wahclella Falls, a two-tiered horsetail waterfall that tumbles into a pool below. After your hike, drive to Hood River for the night.

Dinner: Check into your hotel and freshen up for dinner at pFriem Family Brewers’s downtown tasting room/brewpub. Although the folks at pFriem are best known for their huge range of brews, the food is equally tasty – expect crowds (and ask to sit upstairs for a quieter experience). Local favorites include the Pacific Northwest albacore and vegan mac and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and pickled peppers.

After dark: After dinner, head to The Ruins, an indoor-outdoor event space occupying what remains of an old fruit cannery. Although they often have live music here on Friday nights, it’s also a wedding venue. Avoid crashing someone’s special day by checking the calendar before you head over.

Morning: Check out of your hotel and make your way to Broder Øst for a Scandinavian-inspired breakfast of lefse (potato crepes stuffed with chevre) or pancakes with lingonberry jam. Then head out to drive the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic drive that passes by lavender fields, fruit stands and orchards, some with plantings that date back to the 19th century. U-Pick is available between June and October – come in late summer or early fall to take your pick (literally) of the Hood River Valley’s famous