The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic canyon that stretches for over 80 miles along the border between Oregon and Washington. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the Gorge features towering cliffs, lush forests, waterfalls, and expansive views of the Columbia River. There are lots of hiking trails to explore and waterfalls to visit, like Multnomah Falls.
Wy'East Vineyards is one of the many vineyards near Hood River, and it may be the closest to downtown. This family-owned winery is renowned for its sustainable farming practices and produces a variety of award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Be sure to explore other nearby vineyards and make a day of it—there are tours available, or you can visit at your own pace. Additionally, several tasting rooms can be found in downtown Hood River.
Timberline Lodge, perched on the slopes of Mount Hood, is an iconic and historic alpine retreat, renowned for its striking 1930s architecture and breathtaking mountain views. Mount Hood's ski slopes brought Michael to Oregon, where he worked at Timberline Lodge in 2019. Timberline Lodge famously served as the exterior location for the fictional Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film The Shining. Around Mount Hood, you'll find a variety of hiking trails and notable destinations to explore, including Trillium Lake.
For a relaxing experience, The Society Hotel offers a beautiful spa and bathhouse with saltwater hydrotherapy pools, available to non-overnight guests for $35 per hour. Be sure to make a reservation to guarantee your spot, and you can also add treatments for an extended spa experience.
The Hood River Valley Harvest Fest is a three-day festival that celebrates fall with local produce, arts, crafts, and live music. It is one of the biggest fall events in the Columbia River Gorge, which is why Hood River accommodations are going to get booked up quickly. Tickets are required.