An Amazing Weekend in Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

It took me considerable time away from Oregon to truly appreciate the beauty of living here. As someone born and raised in Portland, I’ve spent much of my life within a half-hour drive of the Columbia River Gorge, a breathtaking landscape filled with ancient trees, stunning waterfalls, and picturesque trails that might just make you question reality.

Towering just beyond the Gorge is Mount Hood, with its iconic snow-capped summit visible from Portland, serving as a constant reminder of nature's proximity. This area is close enough to Portland for an easy weekend getaway filled with outdoor activities, sightseeing, and perhaps a little wine tasting. Here’s how to make the most of it.

• Best time to visit: Arrive on a Thursday evening or Friday morning to avoid the weekend rush.
• Airport transportation: The ideal choice is to rent a car at Portland International Airport (PDX) for convenience. Alternatively, take the Red Line of the MAX Light Rail to Gateway Transit Center in northeast Portland and switch to the Columbia Gorge Express bus to Hood River.
• Getting around: Driving yourself is recommended, as the region is expansive and packed with things to see. Alternatively, the Gorge Mountain Express can take you from Hood River to Mount Hood in about an hour.
• Accommodation: For the ultimate Mt. Hood experience, stay at Timberline Lodge (famous as the Overlook Lodge from the film The Shining). For a luxurious woodland retreat in the Gorge, book a family treehouse at Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River. In Hood River, the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa offers charming midrange rooms, some with views of the Columbia River.
• What to bring: Pack clothes that can handle a bit of rain and mud, like a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and casual layers to keep warm on chilly, wet days. There's no need to pack dressier attire for wine tasting if you prefer casual wear—Oregon embraces a relaxed style.

Friday

Morning: Enjoy a quick breakfast in Portland before heading east on I-85, which parallels the Columbia River, to reach the Vista House at Crown Point, an art-nouveau visitor center offering stunning vistas. After soaking in the views, drive for 15 minutes to Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall, visible right from the highway. Stop by the Multnomah Falls Lodge for a sandwich or a hearty bread bowl of soup.

How to spend the day: Once you’ve finished your meal, continue along I-84 for about nine miles to the Wahclella Falls Trail for a post-lunch hike. This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail will lead you into the Mark O. Hatfield wilderness, alongside streams and through wooded paths until you arrive at Wahclella Falls, a beautiful two-tiered horsetail waterfall cascading into a pool below. After your hike, head to Hood River for the night.

Dinner: Check into your hotel and freshen up before dining at pFriem Family Brewers’ downtown tasting room and brewpub. While pFriem is well-known for its extensive range of beers, the food is just as delightful—be prepared for crowds (and request a seat upstairs for a more serene experience). Local favorites include the Pacific Northwest albacore and the vegan mac and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and pickled peppers.

After dark: Post-dinner, make your way to The Ruins, an indoor-outdoor venue that occupies the remains of an old fruit cannery. While they frequently host live music on Friday nights, it also serves as a wedding venue. To avoid interrupting a couple's special occasion, be sure to check the calendar before heading over.

Saturday

Morning: Check out of your hotel and head to Broder Øst for a Scandinavian-inspired breakfast featuring lefse (potato crepes filled with chevre) or pancakes topped with lingonberry jam. After that, embark on the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic route that winds past lavender fields, fruit stands, and historic orchards dating back to the 19th century. U-Pick options are available from June to October—visit in late summer or early fall to enjoy the famous apples and pears of Hood River Valley.

How to spend the day: In the afternoon, head south towards Mount Hood, pausing at a few local wineries along the route. Indulge in a five-course lunch at Hiyu Wine Farm (reservations needed), where you’ll be delighted by exquisite wines paired with freshly prepared dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. After your meal, stop by Wy’East Vineyards’ indoor-outdoor tasting room to sample some estate Pinot and Chardonnay before continuing to Mount Hood.

Dinner: Even if you’re not overnighting at Timberline Lodge, dining at the cozy Cascade Dining Room is a must. The menu features classic options like steaks, salads, pasta, and hearty soups. Cap off your evening with a nightcap or a warm cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream and toffee bits at the Ram’s Head Bar before settling in for the night.

Sunday

Morning: Start your final day with a satisfying breakfast at Baseline Biscuits, where Southern breakfast favorites like cheesy grits and biscuits blend seamlessly with classic Northwest ingredients such as marionberry jam and hazelnuts (referred to as filberts by locals).

How to spend the day: Dedicate the remainder of your day to outdoor fun. If you’re visiting from late fall to early spring, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or inner tubing. In the summer, hike, relax in the shallow, family-friendly waters of Frog Lake, or zoom down the Alpine Slide. Keep in mind that this region of Oregon changes dramatically with the seasons, so be sure to return in the opposite season for the complete Mount Hood experience.