Welcome to the Hood River Fruit Loop, a scenic 35-mile drive that winds through the enchanting Hood River Valley. Imagine a landscape framed by the majestic snow-capped peaks of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, where orchards, forests, and farmlands stretch as far as the eye can see. This is where nature’s beauty and the Hood River Valley’s bounty converge, offering an experience far from typical.
Farmstands & Farm Experiences
Since the first fruit trees were planted in 1854, the valley has flourished into more than 16,000 acres of pears, apples, cherries, and more. The Hood River Fruit Loop celebrates this cultivation, where generations of farmers have tirelessly tended the land, driven by a deep love for their home and the fertile valley’s bounty. You can learn more about one orchardist family’s multi-generational history in the Hood River Valley HERE.
As you meander along the Hood River Fruit Loop, you’ll encounter nearly 30 stops, from farmstands, bakeries, and purveyors’ markets, to fields of u-pick flowers, lavender, and fruit, to wineries, breweries, cideries, and more. Visitors can harvest directly from branches and stems, and find a connection to the land that has inspired generations of farmers.
PRO TIP: The orchards and farmlands along the Fruit Loop are active, working farms. While a pull-off or dirt road might seem like the perfect spot for a selfie, it can be disruptive and potentially dangerous for both the farmers and yourself. Please respect private property and all posted signs, and save your selfies for the open farmstands (which have incredible views) and county-designated overlooks, like Panorama Point.
Visit the official Hood River Fruit Loop website for the latest information on U-pick options and the offerings of each stop along the way. During the spring and summer months, keep an eye on the Hood River Blossom Watch for the latest updates on what’s blooming and where.
Sipping Along the Fruit Loop
The Hood River Fruit Loop will delight your palate with 12 places to sip at wineries, cideries, and breweries along the way, each offering a taste of local terroir. Boasting breathtaking views of Mt. Hood or Mt. Adams or serene country settings, flavors mirror the varied and vibrant scenery, creating a tasting experience true to its surroundings.
Visiting the cideries along the Fruit Loop, you’ll discover that each sip tells a story of adaptation and innovation. The farmers here have honed their craft, blending their deep agricultural roots with contemporary techniques to produce ciders as complex and delightful as the wines the valley is known for. From non-alcoholic to hard, pear, apple, cherry, and more, cider sipping along the Hood River Fruit Loop is a quintessential Hood River adventure.
Located within the Columbia Gorge AVA (est. 2004), the wineries along the Fruit Loop offer a refined yet rugged experience, showcasing as much diversity in reds and whites as the landscape around them. Each winery provides a unique experience, from sipping in a lavender field to enjoying fondue with mountain views. There’s something special at each stop.
True to its Oregon roots, breweries also dot the trail along the Fruit Loop, showcasing a craft that helped put Hood River on the map. Some of the region’s best breweries reside in the valley, offering a variety of styles, flavors, and even seasonal brews that incorporate fresh local fruit for beer lovers.
LIKE A LOCAL: Join a local tour guide and let them take care of the transportation and tastings for you! Sol Rides, Martin’s Gorge Tours, First Nature Tours, and others offer day trips along the Fruit Loop and the surrounding region, providing local insider information on wineries, cideries, breweries, and more. Check out a list of local tours and guides here and enjoy a safe, seamless, and informative adventure.
Fruit Loop Sub-Loops
There’s much to explore just beyond the main path of the Fruit Loop. Discover nearby parks, perfect picnic spots, and scenic hiking trails that beckon you to delve deeper into the area’s natural splendor. Take a pedal-assisted rail bike tour from the Mt. Hood Railroad depot to The Fruit Company, where you can explore the history of farming in the valley at their museum and stock up on local goodies to take home in the gift shop. Or pack a picnic and find a serene riverside spot at a perfectly manicured county park, a panoramic viewpoint, or set off on a hike to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes of the valley.
The Hood River Fruit Loop is much more than a drive. It’s a journey through a vibrant community with a rich farming tradition. Whether you’re here for the fresh produce, the delightful wines, or the breathtaking scenery, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Gather your family and friends, plan your adventure right here at visithoodriver.com, be sure to follow @hoodriveroregon on Instagram for inspiration, and get ready to create lasting memories in the beautiful Hood River Valley.
For the most current information on farmstands, wineries, and seasonal activities, be sure to visit the official Hood River Fruit Loop website. Happy exploring!