Making Hood River Home

Relocating to Hood River

Hood River County offers a high quality of life: economic opportunity, friendly people, clean air and streets, quality health and social services, and good schools—all in the safety and health of a small town. Its mild climate, family recreational activities, and welcoming community make this one of the most livable places in the Pacific Northwest.

Demographics

 

Racial Composition

• White Alone; not Hispanic or Latino: 63%
• Hispanic or Latino: 31.9%
• Other race: 2.63%
• Black or African American: 1.25%
• Asian: 1.11%

Sources: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/hoodrivercountyoregon, https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/hood-river-or-population

Major Services

Hood River has a renowned hospital and wide variety of general practitioners and specialists in medicine, dentistry, and vision. In addition, it is only an hour by freeway to Portland, Oregon with additional hospitals and the Oregon Health Sciences University. 

 

High-Quality Education

Hood River County has one school district with five elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one K-8 school (as of the 2023-2024 school year). Columbia Gorge Community College serves local older teens and adults in both a variety of associates-degree programs and not on-degree adult education programs. View more information on Hood River County’s education.

 

Neighborhoods

Downtown (0 minutes from Hood River)

This is the cultural and commercial capital of the Columbia River Gorge. The charming, historic buildings are, in many cases, the same ones that housed the first settlers and shop keepers of Hood River. 

Head downtown for a gallery opening, to sip wine with a friend, and shop. Don’t forget to take a few extra minutes to read the historic placards on display outside of the town’s first buildings.

 

The Waterfront (5 minutes from Hood River)

This is perhaps the most transformed region in the county. For decades the Port was home to industrial companies, boat builders, and thousands of windseekers. Today, find yourself within walking distance of a family park, a fully paved riverfront walking path, newly constructed kiteboarding and windsurfing launches, one of Oregon’s best new breweries, a brand new hotel, and enough positive energy and stoke to make anyone happy.

 

The Heights (5 minutes from Hood River)

This family-friendly neighborhood has beautiful Mt. Hood views to the south and Mt. Adams views to the north. Indian Creek and the Hood River helped carve this livable community between Downtown and the Hood River Valley. Shops, services, and small businesses line 12th and 13th Streets, and Providence Hospital anchors The Heights next to historic May Street Middle School and the outdoor community hub, Jackson Park.

The Heights is a charming, eclectic mix of historic Hood River homes and landmarks with beautiful, newly built homes worked elegantly into the neighborhood.

 

The West Side (10 minutes West of Hood River)

This is the gateway to the western Hood River wineries and the home of many Hood River service companies, office headquarters, corporate spaces, hotels, restaurants, and stores.

On the north side of I-84, along the shore of the Columbia River, find several river’s edge lodging options including the Historic Columbia Gorge Hotel. Plus, a skate park and Frisbee-golf course add to the family fun of West Cascade. This part of Hood River has seen many changes in recent years as Hood River’s population has expanded to the west. 

 

Cascade Locks (20 minutes West of Hood River)

Located about 40 miles from Portland and about 20 miles from downtown Hood River just off I-84, Cascade Locks is an energetic town known for its access to lush hiking trails, excellent wind, and beautiful marine park. Stop by Cascade Locks during a world-class sailing regatta, or take a trip on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler to immerse yourself in local history.

 

Mosier (5 minutes East of Hood River)

Just 5 miles east of Hood River off of I-84, Mosier is known for its abundant cherry orchards, over 200 days of sunshine per year, Mosier Community School, and a sprinkling of quality shops and restaurants that are worthy of a stop. Linked to Hood River via a walking/biking trail converted from the Historic Columbia River Highway, Mosier is an easy day trip for birding, hiking, or swimming.

 

Odell (15 minutes South of Hood River)

Located in the heart of the Hood River County Fruit Loop just off of Hwy 35 and home to the Hood River County Fair, Odell is adorned in fruit and vegetable stands and lovely lavender farms.

 

Parkdale (24 minutes South of Hood River)

Mount Hood provides a dramatic backdrop for the residents of Parkdale, an agricultural community located about 16
 miles south of Hood River just off of Hwy 35 that is a favorite stopping point along the Hood River County Fruit Loop. Enjoy a meal or local brew in Parkdale after a day exploring the wilds of the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest.

 

White Salmon/Bingen (15 minutes North of Hood River)

If you stand on the banks of the Columbia River in Hood River and look toward Washington, you’ll spot the communities of White Salmon and Bingen. Easily accessible from Hood River by bridge (car or transit) and from Vancouver by Amtrak or Hwy 14, Bingen is a jumping-off point for the array of sports and recreational activities in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. White Salmon is the laid-back gateway to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Adams, and the Wild and Scenic White Salmon River. Its historic downtown is small but dense with delicious eateries and boutiques and nature-loving locals. From up on the hill you’ll get jaw-dropping views of Mount Hood.

 

Additional Resources

Education & Hospitals

• Hood River County School District
• Horizon Christian School
• Mosier Community School
• Columbia Gorge Community College
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital

 

Economic Development Resources

• Mid-Columbia Economic Development District
• Oregon Economic and Community Development Board
• Worksource Oregon

 

Business and Employment Resources

• Business Utility Zone Gateway
• Oregon Business Guide
• Oregon Employment Department
• Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
• Small Business Administration

 

Business Associations

• Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers Association
• Columbia Gorge Wine Growers Association
• Gorge Owned, GO!
• Rotary Club of Hood River

 

Geography and Climate

Hood River County (population 22,000) is situated midway between the verdant rainforest climate of Cascade Locks and the arid desert air of The Dalles. The Columbia River Gorge has federally protected status as a National Scenic Area. Its steep walls, coupled with quick-changing temperatures force strong winds to blow year-round through Hood River and give it its legitimate claim as the windsurfing capital of the world.

 

Elevations

• Columbia River – 100 feet above sea level
• Hood River City – 500 feet above sea level
• Parkdale – 740 feet above sea level
• Top of Mt. Hood – 11,235 feet above sea level

 

Annual Snowfall