Major city · United States
Hood River
Spend one full day in Hood River: windsurf or kiteboard, walk the Twin Tunnels trail, and try a brewpub. Add a night only if you want to drive the Fruit Loop or ski Mt. Hood the next morning.
Hood River is a small Oregon town on the Columbia River, famed for windsurfing, kiteboarding and the Fruit Loop. It’s easy to explore on foot, but a car helps reach nearby orchards and Mt. Hood. One full day covers the main attractions; add a night for a slower pace or to catch a sunrise over the gorge.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (wind, festivals, fruit season)
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, limited water‑sport options)
- Airport
- PDX
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hood River911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hood River, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; watch river currents, respect wind‑sport zones, and keep an eye on winter road closures.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPDX Portland International Airport (About 100 km (60 mi) east of Portland; 1‑h drive east on I‑84 to Hood River).PDX Portland International Airport (About 60 mi (100 km) east of Portland; 1‑h drive east on I‑84 to Hood River).
- Getting aroundWalk downtown; rent a car for the Fruit Loop and Mt.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–$5
- BeerBeer (brewpub)$5–$7
- Metro or bus rideCAT bus fare$1
- Budget bedHostel bunk, a night, per personUS$60
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel room, a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$150 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PDX Portland International Airport (About 100 km (60 mi) east of Portland; 1‑h drive east on I‑84 to Hood River)PDX Portland International Airport (About 60 mi (100 km) east of Portland; 1‑h drive east on I‑84 to Hood River)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hood River: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk downtown; rent a car for the Fruit Loop and Mt. Hood. Local CAT bus runs city loop and Upper Valley route ($1 fare). Seasonal bus to Mt. Hood Meadows.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fruit Loop (Parkdale, Bingen)
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h round trip
Drive OR‑35/OR‑281; the loop is about 56 km (35 mi) and takes 1.5–2 h without stopsDrive OR‑35/OR‑281; the loop is about 35 mi (56 km) and takes 1.5–2 h without stops
Self‑drive, stop at orchards, honey and lavender stands.
Mt. Hood Meadows (ski)
goDoor to door: 1.5 h total
Drive OR‑35 south 40–60 min; seasonal CAT bus available
Check bus schedule or road conditions in winter.
Columbia River Gorge State Trail (Twin Tunnels)
goDoor to door: About 2 mi one way
Bike or walk from downtown via State St, about 3.2 km (2 mi) eastBike or walk from downtown via State St, about 2 mi (3.2 km) east
Parking $5 cash at trailhead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Hood River
Walkable to restaurants, shops and the waterfront; includes Hood River Hotel (bunk $60, rooms $100‑150, suites $200+).
West of downtown (Columbia Gorge Hotel)
Historic hotel with gardens and spa, about 3 km (1.9 mi) west of the centre; rates check.Historic hotel with gardens and spa, about 1.9 mi (3 km) west of the centre; rates check.
Bingen, WA (across the river)
The Society Hotel offers bunk $35, shared bath $80, cabin $200; a $2 toll bridge connects to Hood River.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$180 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel room1 × 1 night × US$180 | US$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| CAT city bus fare2 × US$1 · check | US$2 |
| Car rental (compact, 1 day)2 × US$45 · check | US$90 |
| Wind‑sport lesson2 × US$120 · check | US$240 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$81 |
| Trip total≈ US$447 per person per day, bed included | US$893 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rentals excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–$5 |
| Beer (brewpub) | $5–$7 |
| Mt. Hood Railroad ticket | $40 adult, $35 child |
| Fruit Loop map | $2 |
| CAT bus fare | $1 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bridge toll $2 each crossing to Washington side.
- Winter snow can close mountain roads; check road conditions.
- Wind‑sport launch etiquette: read local guidelines before heading to the sandbar.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Hood RiverHood River
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Portland → Hood River (CAR): about $45 for a compact rental (check), 1‑h drive
- CAT city bus: $1 per ride
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry (excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (where is the restroom?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hood River. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (wind, festivals, fruit season) · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, limited water‑sport options) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a rental car for Fruit Loop and Mt. Hood access.
- Use CAT bus for budget local travel.
- Consider a night in Hood River for sunrise over the gorge.
Sources
Ask about Hood River
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