The Fruit Loop: Eating & Drinking Through the Orchards of Hood River, Oregon

The Fruit Loop: Eating & Drinking Through the Orchards of Hood River, Oregon

Lena
Growing up in Oregon gave me access to a myriad of adventure activities, and one of my most beloved traditions was driving the scenic, affectionately-named "fruit loop". Stopping at various stands along the road to savor the taste of fresh fruit, pick flowers, sip on juices, and interact with friendly goats made a summer or fall day feel like a scene straight out of a movie. After exploring the loop, you can choose to continue your journey to Mount Hood or head back up the Columbia Gorge towards Portland. This guide is the result my love of planning, research, and exploring the region on multiple trips. It lays out instructions to help you plan your perfect trip to this area (including tasting rooms, photo spots, farms, orchards and u-pick flowers!), accommodation suggestions, direct links to every resource you could need, behind the scenes exclusive photos and videos from me, and so much more! I can guarantee a few things with the guide you are purchasing: -All opinions are my own unless explicitly a recommendation from another source. I am never compensated for my words or stay (I tend to prioritize budget options for this reason) -This is a living document that will be updated as I find more gems on the fruit loop This guide boasts an array of exciting features, such as an interactive map, precise directions that can be directly linked to your Google or Apple Maps app, and the exact coordinates to some of the most cutest hidden gems and tasting rooms that I have discovered. To make things even more convenient, the guide is mobile-friendly when you download the free Thatch App, allowing you to access all of the information right from your phone with ease. I would really appreciate your feedback! Please don't hesitate to send me a direct message. And if you'd like to showcase the beautiful photos you will inevitably take, feel free to tag me in them!
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The Fruit Loop

Pearls Place
@lenaw
Peaches, cherries, and apples are some of the items you'll find at this first or last stop on the Fruit Loop. Pearl's Place usually has at least one U-Pick option, and is a family favorite. I especially love their selection of local, flavored honey,
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The Gorge White House
@lenaw
A beautiful historic farm & winery that is a favorite for multiple generations of Oregonians. Pick berries, fruit and flowers (depending on the time of year) under a magnificent view of the mountain. Well known for their cider flights, heritage pear wines and food cart. I consider this a must-visit on the loop!
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Smiley's Red Barn
@lenaw
Smiley's Red Barn has a good variety of fruit products centered on their apple orchard. The employees are friendly, and you can wander from the barn into the fields to enjoy a view of Mt Hood
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Fox Tail Cider & Distillery
@lenaw
Right next door to Smiley's is Fox Tail Cidery, the perfect location to sip a cider flight and fill your growler. If not incredibly busy (as it often is on the weekends), the owners are happy to chat about their cider-making process and the awards their flavors have won.
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Packer Orchards & Bakery
@lenaw
Jam galore at Packer! Bring your tongue ready to taste some amazing jam's, jellies and honey on their famous outdoor tasting table. My favorites include the raspberry jalapeno and the marionberry rhubarb. They feature a corn maze and corn pit during the fall, as well as other family-friendly activities,
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Hood River Lavender Farms
@lenaw
Take a lavender break slightly off the main loop and enjoy free admission to wander through the lavender fields. The smells will entice you, the lavender lemonade slushy will quench your thirst, and the view of Mt. Rainier will make you stay a little longer.
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Draper Girls Country Farm
@lenaw
A busy stand all year and the closest you'll likely get to Mt Hood, I especially love the u-pick cherries in July and flowers all summer long. Their farm cats & staff are friendly. This is a good place to sample cider and fill a growler in the more modern barn/shop.
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Mt View Orchards
@lenaw
Apples and pears are the specialty in this locally-owned orchard, complimented by flowers and livestock. Their cows will greet you as you wander the rows with a view of Mt. Hood and a cider in hand. Generally slightly more inexpensive as it is off the beaten path.
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Places to Stay

Hood River Hotel
@lenaw
Charming, historic 3-star hotel located in the center of Hood River. I recommend this spot to guests looking to experience a step backward to turn-of-the-century Oregon. Most rooms overlook the gorge or Main Street.
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Inn at the Gorge
@lenaw
Guests love the hot tub, gardens & charming feel of this historic Inn. Roomy bedrooms and shared spaces.
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Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa
@lenaw
Highly-rated hotel and spa overlooking the Columbia River. What this hotel lacks in location re: being in town, it makes up for in charm & quiet luxury.
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Riverview Lodge, Hood River
@lenaw
This is a guesthouse style hotel that gets good ratings for the pool and home-like feel of the space.
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Oak Street Hotel
@lenaw
A traditional bed & breakfast with smaller, cozy rooms located in a historic home.
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The Irish Inn Hood River
@lenaw
Irish-themed bed and breakfast - guests describe it as quiet and romantic.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lena
I believe that travel is about more than just seeing the sights. It's about experiencing new aspects of culture, meeting new people, and learning about the world around you. It can be memorable, meaningful and affordable. Growing up, I travelled frequently from the Pacific Northwest, and now have a home base in Austin, Texas. I become an expert through exploring in every place I visit. I specialize in vegan dining (but not exclusively), outdoor adventures, boutique hotels, local art, and experiential art & culture. I don't believe the "perfect" itinerary exists - but I do believe that the perfect itinerary for you does! You can find my agency info, and more info about booking with me, here: https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/willene-lena-wright
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