The Fruit Loop is a great Spring destination in Oregon’s Hood River area. Get away from the city for food, wine, and views.
Once spring has sprung, The Fruit Loop makes for a great destination in the Hood River area of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. You’ll enjoy the area—not only for the food and wine—but for the views and relaxation of a drive in the country. So get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and head for The Fruit Loop in Hood River, Oregon.
Relaxing and enjoying the scenery at Hood River Winery. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
What to Expect in the Hood River Valley
When you head for the Hood River Valley, you’ll enjoy a day or two of mountain views, colorful orchards, and welcoming wineries. Many farms and wineries are family run. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with farmers and winemakers to learn about growing and producing the area’s agricultural products. And when your tour is done, you can bring fruit, produce, wine, and gifts home to enjoy.
Where vineyards meet the mighty Columbia. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
The 35-mile Fruit Loop in the Hood River Valley is a collection of farms, orchards, vineyards, wineries, and interesting agricultural businesses. They are tied together by a common desire to open their tasting rooms, orchards, and farms to visitors who want to taste the grape, pick a pear, or shop for jams. Expect stunning scenery. The Columbia River and majestic Mount Hood border the area.
Tips for Experiencing The Fruit Loop
Before you go, download a Fruit Loop map from the website. You’ll be able to map out your drive, find out which farms offer U-Pick, and learn where to go for wine tastings.
The Hood River Valley is unique at different times of the year. It is beautiful to visit during the beautiful blossom season. Blossoms begin near the end of March and continue throughout May. The fruit tree blossoms are at their peak in mid-April. Another exciting time to go is at harvest time. Fall foliage begins turning in September and continues through November.
The Gorge White House is a popular stop on the Fruit Loop. Enjoy cider and wine tasting. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Keep in mind that certain weekends will be busier than others. There are special events scheduled throughout the season:
- Hood River Cherry Days in July
- Gravenstein Apple Days in August
- Hood River Pear Celebration in September
- Heirloom Apple Days in October
You can enjoy The Fruit Loop on a day trip, but a more extended stay gives you time to enjoy hiking trails, explore the town of Hood River and dine at some of the fabulous farm-to-table restaurants in the area.
Bring the kids. There is plenty of fun for them, too. I’ve encountered alpaca in a field across the road from a winery and petted goats at a fruit stand. City kids will discover where their food comes from and, perhaps, pick some apples to take home and make an apple pie.
Many orchards offer U Pick opportunities. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Dining on The Fruit Loop
Dining is fabulous during your visit to the Hood River Valley because you can enjoy the local food and wine. I recommend dining at Celilo Restaurant and Bar on Oak Street in Hood River. They feature upscale Pacific Northwest cuisine and have a great local wine list.
Celilo offers local meats prepared with seasonal vegetables. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
If you want something more casual, head down to the riverfront area to Solstice Wood Fire Cafe and Bar on Portway Avenue. Solstice is a locavore hangout known for its creative wood-fired pizza. Try the award-winning (Food Network) Country Girl cherry, chorizo, and goat cheese pizza. They offer local microbrews and a full bar with specialty cocktails.
The famous Country Girl pizza. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Fruit Loop for the Wine Enthusiast
If you want to focus on wine along Oregon’s Fruit Loop, the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers offer seasonal itineraries that will make sure you visit a variety of local wineries to taste fine wine as well as enjoy the scenery along the way.
Mt. Hood Winery is just one stop on The Fruit Loop. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
I’ve followed two of these seasonal itineraries and highly recommend them. The fall itinerary was different from the spring itinerary I experienced. Last spring it was cherry harvest time and the wineries on the list were in the east end of the gorge, including women-owned Aniche Cellars across the bridge in Washington. The spring itinerary took us in a completely different direction, to different wineries and to a beautiful place on Mt. Hood for a waterfall hike.
The views along The Fruit Loop are stunning. This is Mt. Adams. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
When You Visit Oregon’s Fruit Loop
If you were unable to print out a map from the website, know that printed copies of the Hood River County Fruit Loop Map listing Fruit Loop farms, attractions, and individual operating hours are available at the Hood River Visitor’s Center off Exit 63 on I-84 and at Fruit Loop locations.
Maps are also available at the Mt. Hood Country Store on Highway 35 at the south end of the Hood River Valley. Some lodging and restaurants also have printed maps.
The Hood River County Fruit Loop is just an hour away from Oregon’s largest city, Portland. A drive to Hood River via I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful way to enjoy the trip.
Really nice photos. I love the apple!
I loved the photo of the apple!
The Oregon Fruit Loop sounds like an wonderful excursion. I will remember this for next time I get to Oregon.
What a great name for this spectacular drive! I’ve never driven The Fruit Loop, but now it is on my to-do list.
Oregon has to be one of my favorite states to visit with beautiful scenery and friendly people. I loved all of your photos which show what makes Oregon special, especially the apple and the vineyard with the Columbia in the background. This makes me think that we need to re-visit Oregon one of these days!
What more could you ask for? Food, wine, family fun and scenic beauty!! I really enjoyed reading about Oregon’s Fruit Loop and looking at your wonderful photos especially the one with the barn!!