What is Hood River Oregon Known For?

Windsurfing

Watersports Hood River
A kiteboarder on the Columbia Gorge River

Great question!  What exactly is Hood River Oregon know for?  Well, the quick answer that most locals would give is windsurfing.  Hood River is known as the “Windsurfing Capital Of The World”, and Hood River boasts many windsurfing shops such as Big Winds, Windance, and others.

Our windy river, The Columbia River Gorge, is windy all year round.  Side note, along the Columbia River Highway or Highway 84 it is known to be quite windy and sometimes these gusts of winds have been known to slightly push cars driving alongside the highway so when driving as a safety note please keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times these gusts of winds can pop up unexpectedly.

Along the Riverfront Waterpark you can find all sorts of waterspouts all year round.  Windsurfing, wingfoiling, kayaking, and other sports along the river.  The waterfront park has a great walking path and restaurants nearby so you don’t even have to leave the area you can play, windsurf, and enjoy everything and head over to restaurants such as Ferment, Solstice, and Pfriem to satisfy the hunger.

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So, I would say the answer you would get most often and from visitors and locals alike is that what really put Hood River on the map of most tourists is windsurfing.  The windsurfing scene here began mostly in the 80’s and has grown to become the windsurfing capital of the world.  However, don’t let that title fool you, there is a lot more to this town.

Mount Hood

Mt Hood
Mount Hood at Dusk or Dawn

In the backdrop of Hood River is Mount Hood.  Mount Hood is a majestic view along most points in Hood River and makes for beautiful photos and is about 45 minutes away from Hood River.  On Mount Hood you will find snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports that last much longer at Mount Hood than in other parts of the United States.

Not to be outdone by Mount Hood, we also have a nice view of Mt Adams as well. Interesting is that you can see Mt Adams from the waterfront park I mentioned previously.

If you do go to see Mount Hood, you will no doubt drive partially along what we call the Fruit Loop here in Hood River.  The Fruit Loop is a scenic tour along either Highway 35 or Dee Highway that allows for majestic views of Mount Hood.  Going either way along the Hood River Fruit Loop will give you just stunning views of Mount Hood.

 

Natural And Scenic Beauty of the Columbia River Gorge

The natural and scenic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge is one of the best road trips to take in the United States.  The natural wonders here are many, to include Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood, Mt Adams, and the natural beauty of the Columbia River.  One of the largest rivers in the United States if not the entire world!

Once in Hood River, you will find that not far away is the natural beauty of forests and trees which make for awesome mountain biking, trail running or walking and other outdoor adventures you may seek to try out.  The natural landscape is what most people crave, forest like surroundings that give a feeling of being surrounded by wildlife and trees and what better way to experience this than with our fast growing mountain biking scene?

My previous article was just that, an article showcasing some of our natural mountain biking trails here in Hood River.

See: https://www.discoverhoodriver.com/mountain-biking-in-hood-river/

 

See Also: https://www.discoverhoodriver.com/road-trip-to-oregon-january-8-2022/

See Also: https://www.discoverhoodriver.com/multnomah-falls-in-oregon-july-2021/

 

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