Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
West Fork, the ride calms down through the bucolic Hood River Valley for some beautiful views. Lunch is held near Punchbowl Falls and the ride
floats its way all the way back right into town.
Accommodations
You can't beat the convenient location of
Hood River Hotel
(102 Oak St., 541/386-1900 or 800/386-1859,
www.hoodriverhotel.com
,
$89 and
up), an old brick hotel set downtown right in the mix of Oak Street's shops and restaurants. Rooms are a bit cramped, but the property features
cheap parking ($5), a fitness center with sauna and whirlpool tub, free wireless and accepts pets in some rooms. Snag a suite for more space to
spread out and a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette.
Fans of historic hotels will probably enjoy
Columbia Gorge Hotel
(4000 Westcliff Dr., 541/386-5566 or 800/345-1921,
www.columbiagorgehotel.com
,
$159 and up) better. First gaining prominence in the era of the Historic Columbia River Highway's heyday, this
stately lodge overlooks an impressive rocky Gorge vista from its bluffside position. Furnishings, wallpaper, and art all hearken back to a rose-
colored time when the establishment played host to bigwigs like Presidents Roosevelt and Coolidge, Rudolph Valentino, and Jane Powell. In the
lobby an elevator operator runs a turn of the century lift and you'll spot floral patterns and intricate moldings galore. Of course, like many historic
accommodations, this one comes with the floorboard creaks and temperamental plumbing as part of the package. But the views and ambiance
contribute to a fun experience. The hotel exterior and grounds are accented by a barrel-tiled roof and mason work done by the same Italian crafts-
men who worked on the highway bridges and the Vista House on Crown Point. These features are complemented by carefully tended and colorful
gardens and there are ample viewpoints on the grounds to watch the river take its course. There's even a gushing 200-foot waterfall on the prop-
erty. It's worth a visit even if you don't intend to stay there.
If you like the waterfall and grounds but prefer a newer establishment, the adjacent
Columbia Cliff Villas
(3880 Westcliff Dr., 541/436-2660
or 866/912-8366, $169 and up) should be a good fit. Featuring the same dramatic Gorge views and sharing the grounds and spa amenities with
the Columbia Gorge Hotel, the sparkling new condo buildings of the Villas all come with flat screen TVs, coffee makers, and plush beds. Many
rooms have gas fireplaces and spacious river-view patios. There are also many multibedroom suite options with full kitchens, making this a pleas-
ing place to set up larger families. Decor is casual elegance, with granite and marble accents in the kitchens and bathrooms, and fine linens and
furnishing throughout. The property offers free Wi-Fi, nanny services, room service, and in-room spa treatments to round out the amenities.
The meals are deliciously filling and the conversation convivial around the breakfast table at
Seven Oaks Bed and Breakfast
(1373 Barker
Rd., 541/386-7622,
www.sevenoaksbb.com
,
$160 d). Owned by an energetic couple who raised their kids in Hood River and have an intimate
familiarity with the area, the inn is run out of a pretty Craftsman home with a porch and swing facing a lush lawn and nicely tended garden. A few
minutes away from Hood River's central district, Seven Oaks strikes a delicate balance of convenience and country ambiance. The grounds here
sport a great big barn with a chicken coop, awesome views of Mounts Hood and Adams and a sun deck with a whirlpool tub. Not a stitch of lace
or froufrou floral patterns will clutter up your rooms here. Just crisp, white linens, an incredibly soft mattress, and early American furnishings to
add a little flavor to the tasteful decor.
Just one block off of downtown's Oak Street and within walking distance to some of the area's best pubs, the porch wrapping around the
Victorian-style house at
Gorge View
(1009 Columbia St., 541/386-5770,
http://gorgeview.com
, $85-95) bed-and-breakfast overlooks the mighty
Columbia and Mount Adams. Catering to the outdoor enthusiast crowd, Gorge View offers plenty of storage space to hold your sporting gear and
serves a hearty morning breakfast in its country-style dining room.
Catch a quiet night's rest at Seven Oaks Bed and Breakfast.
Resting in a vibrant Hood River Valley farm and orchard with a breathtaking view of Mount Hood,
Sakura Ridge
(5601 York Hill Dr., 877/
472-5872,
http://sakuraridge.com
) is tucked between rows of fruit trees and gentle pastures dotted with sheep and lamb. Bedecked in natural wood
siding, the Sakura lodge hosts large rooms with private baths, most featuring private decks that face the mountain. Breakfast highlights the fruit
of the farm's harvest, featuring fresh herbs and produce and eggs straight from the property's chicken coop.
CAMPING
Open mid-March through October,
Viento State Park
runs a first-come, first-serve campsight featuring 56 RV sites with electric and water hook-
ups and an additional 18 sites just for tenters. The RV loop offers great access to the river, but its proximity to the busy railroad tracks that run
through the park may disturb light sleepers, especially from sites A1 through A31.
Tenters looking for a quieter spot closer to town may prefer
Tucker Park
(five mi. south of Hood River on Hwy. 281, 541/386-4477), situated
right along the waters of Hood River. You'll find 94 tent sites ($18 normal, $22 riverside) and a handful of RV sites with water hookups ($19).
Again, this spot doesn't accept reservations.
