FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2026
Contact:
Ashley Huckaby, DVA Advertising & PR, 503-819-4532, ashley@dvaadv.com
Katie Kadlub, Visit Hood River, 208-867-0498, katie@visithoodriver.com
TRAVEL + LEISURE NAMES HOOD RIVER AMERICA’S BEST SMALL MOUNTAIN TOWN
One hour east of Portland, the Columbia Gorge destination is recognized for its year-round recreation, vibrant arts scene, local flavors, and distinctive lodging
(HOOD RIVER, Ore.) — Travel + Leisure has named Hood River the Best Small Mountain Town in America for 2026, recognizing the Columbia River Gorge destination for its year-round outdoor recreation, emerging arts scene, celebrated food and beverage scene, and growing collection of distinctive places to stay.
Located just one hour east of Portland, Hood River is internationally known for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and wing foiling on the Columbia River, as well as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and nearby waterfall trails. The town also offers a thriving creative community, family-run farms and orchards, acclaimed restaurants, breweries, cideries, and wineries, and lodging that ranges from historic hotels and waterfront properties to boutique accommodations, vacation rentals, and adventure-focused stays.
“This recognition celebrates the full Hood River experience and the people and places that make it so special,” said Katie Kadlub, CEO of Visit Hood River. “Visitors may first discover Hood River for the mountains, the river, or the recreation, but they also find an incredible arts community, locally grown food and wine, welcoming small businesses, and lodging partners offering something for nearly every type of traveler. We’re honored to see the diversity and spirit of our community recognized on a national stage.”
In a companion travel guide, Travel + Leisure highlighted Hood River’s windsports, waterfall hikes, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, live music, local artists, restaurants, shops, and accommodations, including the newly opened Lightwell Hotel and Spa.
Read Travel + Leisure’s America’s Best Small Towns of 2026 announcement and its complete guide to Hood River. For trip inspiration and lodging information, visitVisitHoodRiver.com.
Editor’s Note: Interviews available with destination representatives, business owners, and artists regarding the recognition, what distinguishes Hood River from other mountain destinations, and year-round travel opportunities for Pacific Northwest visitors. Destination imagery and video footage are available upon request.
About Visit Hood River:
Located at the crossroads of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the magnificent Cascade Range and just an hour from Portland, Hood River offers outdoor recreation, dramatic vistas, historic landmarks, bountiful fruit, and fantastic food, wine, beer, and cider. With accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to historic B&Bs, Hood River is a four-season destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, weddings, corporate events, and more. It was named America’s Best Small Mountain Town for Travel + Leisure’s America’s Best Small Towns Of 2026, the Best Adventure and Exploration Town by the 2023 Sunset Travel Awards and Nature Lovers Destination in the 2022 Sunset Travel Awards, a Top 10 Wine Destination for 2017 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and 2015 Best Adventure Town in the West by Sunset magazine. Visit Hood River supports economic development, community development, and destination marketing for Hood River, Cascade Locks, Mosier, Odell, Parkdale, Pine Grove, and Mount Hood. For more information, call 800-366-3530 or visit www.visithoodriver.com.
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