The ultimate guide to 24 hours in Hood River, Oregon for the foodie and adventure seeker.
Last month I had the opportunity to return to Portland, Oregon to attend Indulge, a food blogging conference. In addition to attending the one-day conference, my photographer Raul and I headed to town a day early so that we could attend a food photography workshop led by Matt Armendariz and his hilarious and equally talented food stylist husband, Adam.
It’s amazing how much more you learn in an intimate, hands-on session than a large traditional conference workshop.
Our time with Matt and Adam was not only invaluable but they are both just a complete blast to hang out with on a personal level! If you love oysters as much as I do, be sure to add Olympia Oysters to your PDX restaurant bucket list.
During our stay in Portland, we stayed at the modern and newly renovated Marriott Waterfront right on the river. The views are breathtaking and we loved starting our day with a walk along the river path.
The best part? My babe of a roommate, Lauren. When it comes to blogging friends, they don’t get any more genuine, hilarious or down to earth than this girl.
We also had the opportunity to experience the newly remodeled and expanded M Club Lounge. Offering 24 hour access, a complimentary hot breakfast, unlimited Starbucks coffee and many other amenities, I can’t recommend this amenity enough the next time you’re visiting Portland.
After spending just 24 hours in PDX during last year’s visit, I was determined to make the trip out to Hood River this time around so that we could visit my cousin Nate and his wife Katie. If you’re not familiar, Hood River is located just 45 minutes east of Portland.
Not only are they highly active in the local community but they also opened one of the very first coffee shops located in downtown Hood River: Dog River Coffee.
Brewing Stumptown coffee, you won’t want to miss Dog River Coffee during your next visit to Hood River, Oregon. Be sure to tell owners Nate and Katie that Liz sent you!
After fueling up on caffeine, we decided to hike Oneonta Gorge & Waterfall. While it’s not the longest hike (just 2.7 miles), it is by far one of the most breathtaking locations on this earth and much less busy than neighboring Multnomah Falls.
The coolest part was hiking through water that was literally up to our waists at some points.
No literally, it was the coolest. I was freezing. Hey, it was April. But I manned up.
And I’m so glad I did because it was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life.
It’s not every day you get to experience natural beauty this close up and personal. A huge thank you to Nate and Katie for taking us!
If you’re looking for great food and beer in Hood River, I must also recommend Full Sail Brewing Company. With beautiful views of Washington State just past the Columbia River, you should definitely check it out.
Is wine more your style? Then be sure to head across the river to Washington to check out Syncline Wine. Nate and Katie are friends with the owners who treated us to an al fresco tasting.
Raul captured this photo of me calling home to say goodnight to the boys who were three hours ahead in eastern time. The hammock in the background pretty much says it all.
Have you ever visited Hood River before? What spots did I miss? What do I need to check out next time? I’d love to hear from you.
Before you go, take a look at some of these other sites that talk about Hood River and Oneonta Gorge:
- 36 Hours in Hood River, Ore.
- Plan a Perfect Trip to the Columbia River Gorge
- Hood River Hiking
- Why Hood River might be one of the best adventures
Disclosure: The Portland Marriott Waterfront hosted me during my stay. Travel Oregon also hosted our overnight stay in Hood River.
More Wanderlust Travel awaits!
Nice write up! Looks like you have the beverage selections down, BUT DID YOU NOT EAT THAT DAY? lol
Any recommendations for food in the Gorge?
That’s too funny Drew! We ate lunch at the Full Sails brewery and then had dinner in downtown Hood River at Celilo. :)
We totally published sister posts this week! :) The Hood River area is definitely on my list for the next time that I visit Portland. I did Willamette Valley during last year’s Indulge Conference & was blown away by all the natural beauty there. But it looks like Hood River is just as breathtaking.
I have heard so many great things about Willamette Valley!!! I need to get there one day soon!! Thank you for your nice words!!
I’ve only been to Oregon once and it obviously wasn’t long enough of a trip! We need to go back to visit the Hood River area for sure. :)
Umm obviously! You better go back!!
I can’t wait to get to Portland! Just for the coffee and hiking alone. Looks like you had a fabulous time. :)
Seriously – the coffee and hiking ALONE!!
I have visited this area and its beautiful! I have had the luck of visiting Portland many times and other spots in the state, but I am about to spend 6 weeks there, 2.5 in central Oregon and the rest on the coast with a day or two in Portland. I cannot wait – its an amazing region with great food, wine, beer and people with nature everywhere!
Oh wow I’m so jealous you get to spend 6 weeks there! Have SO much fun!!
What an awesome hike and such a great post!! Would love to take a photography workshop like that. How fun!!
It was such a great experience! I hope you get out there one day!
I love Double Mountain Brewery (for their beer AND pizza) and Pfriem, both in Hood River!
Oh wow that sounds amazing right about now!!
Next time I get to Portland, I’m definitely heading out of town to explore more!
Oh Kristen you must!! Believe me, I LOVE Portland but Hood River pretty much stole the show. It is so incredibly breathtaking – feels like you’re walking through a movie scene. xoxo
TAKE ME BACK!!! Seriously, that was one of the best weekends! Raul and you are truly amazing! xoxo
We need to have another trip together ASAP!!!