Celebrating Latino Culture and Heritage in Hood River County

Hood River County is a place defined by its landscapes — rolling orchards, mighty rivers, and iconic mountain views. But its spirit is undeniably shaped by its people. Among the vibrant communities that make this region so special, Latino heritage plays a vital and enduring role. With Latino residents comprising more than 30% of the population, their contributions are woven into nearly every aspect of local life, enriching Hood River with deep cultural roots, generational traditions, and an incredible sense of community.

A Legacy of Resilience and Contribution

The Latino community’s presence in Hood River County dates back nearly a century, when families arrived to work in the region’s fertile fields and orchards. Today, those same families — and new generations — continue to play a key role in agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, and civic life. What began as seasonal work has blossomed into a thriving, multi-generational community that continues to shape the cultural and economic fabric of the Gorge.

Community Celebration

Throughout the year, Hood River honors and celebrates Latino culture through festivals and events that welcome all. Held every August, the joyful Latino Festival in the Park brings the community together with music, folkloric dance, local vendors, and traditional foods. It’s a chance for visitors and residents to celebrate the richness of Latino heritage in the Gorge. In September, the Latino Celebration’s First Friday art walk in downtown Hood River showcases Latino artists, musicians, and chefs, transforming the downtown area into a celebration of Latin American creativity and culture.

A Taste of Culture

Latino culture is also shared through food, one of the most delicious ways to experience a place. In Hood River, you’ll find an abundance of locally owned eateries offering everything from handcrafted tamales to fresh tacos, pozole, and pan dulce. Whether you’re visiting a longtime neighborhood restaurant or a new food truck on the rise, each meal tells a story of heritage, migration, and homegrown talent. Here are some must-visit establishments:​

Restaurants:

• Hood River Taqueria – A family-owned restaurant offering a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of dishes, including torta Cubana and chile relleno. ​

• Lake Taco – Known for traditional Mexican cuisine, Lake Taco is a local favorite praised for its authentic flavors. ​

• El Cuate Mexican Restaurant – Offers handmade tortillas, grilled carne asada, and a unique blend of Mexican and American flavors, including chipotle mayo burgers. ​

•  Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant – A family-friendly spot offering a wide range of Mexican dishes, including a taco bar and catering services. ​

• El Puerto De Angeles III – Offers generous portions and a variety of Mexican dishes in a casual setting. ​

• Michoacán Sports Bar & Grill (Odell) – Family-owned with a reputation for delicious carnitas and menudo. ​

Food Trucks & Carts

•  Paco’s Tacos – A popular food cart known for its birria stew, hearty burritos, and crispy mulitas. Located at 416 Cascade Ave, Hood River, and also operates in Parkdale.

• Taqueria Los Hermanos – Renowned for their authentic tortas, especially the chicken torta with pickled chilies and avocado. Located at 1120 Tucker Rd, Hood River.

• Taqueria Ayala – Offers breakfast burritos and a special menudo on Saturdays. Located at 1109 13th St, Hood River.

• Taco Poncitlán Food Truck – A local food truck near Apple Valley Body Shop, known for its authentic Mexican fare.

Organizations Making a Difference

Several grassroots organizations in the Gorge are led by and serve the Latino community with heart and purpose:

• Hood River Latino Network: A community-building nonprofit that champions equity, empowerment, and access for Latino families. In 2024, the network opened the Immigrant Help Center in downtown Hood River—a welcoming space offering legal aid, job support, and community programming.
• Comunidades: A Latino-led nonprofit advocating for environmental justice and community well-being. Through education, activism, and outreach, they ensure that Latino voices are part of the conversation shaping the future of the Gorge.
• The Next Door Inc.’s Nuestra Comunidad Sana program serves Hood River’s Latino and historically underserved communities by providing culturally tailored health services, advocacy, outreach, and education. Key initiatives include Valle Verde, which promotes mental health awareness among Spanish-speaking residents; Hombres Autoresponsables para Parar el Abuso (HAPA), an intervention program addressing domestic violence; and the Odell Hispanic Coalition, focused on preventing youth substance abuse.

Experience the Culture, Feel the Connection

From murals and music to dance performances, farmers markets, and local businesses, the Latino culture in Hood River is powerful and ever-present. It’s not just something to observe, but to engage with, learn from, and celebrate.

A visit to Hood River is an invitation to experience a community enriched by diversity and united by pride. The contributions of Latino residents continue to inspire and uplift, creating a destination that is as welcoming as it is unforgettable.