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On my first road trip to the Columbia River Canyon in Oregon, I followed the crowd to the famous Multnomah Falls without realizing that I was just scratching the surface of the area. While the waterfall is amazing, there is still a lot to do!
Disclosure: The itinerary is part of a partnership with Hood-Gorge.com. #hoodgorge
Fortunately for me, I finally returned and explored for 4 days in the Columbia River Canyon and Mount Hood area. This means supporting local communities and off-the-scenes experiences. I’m happy to share my favorite things with this in the Greater Columbia River Canyon area A 4-day Hood-Gorge itineraryWoolen cloth
Knowledge about Mount Hood + Columbia River Canyon
First, here are some quick background information about the area before 4 days of living in the Columbia River Canyon and Mount Hood.
The Columbia River Canyon is a river canyon outside Portland, Oregon, 80 miles long! The area along the river is Columbia River Canyon National Scenic Areayou can access it by driving the historic Columbia River Expressway.
This is a great United States Road Tripand the West Coast favorite Summer travel and Autumn leavesPeople most often visit the area for hiking, waterfall and river adventures in the warmer months, but many also come to participate in winter mountain sports (skiing, snow running, snowmobile), which is ideal for Hood Trorition.
Mount Hood is part of the Greater Columbia River Canyon area and part of the Cascade Mountains. To make the most of the visit to the area, it is a good idea to explore destinations along the river and On the mountain. What I like 4-day itinerary Below, it combines everything!
How to get to Mount Hood + Columbia River Canyon
The best way to get to the Hood Gorge area.
drive: If you are from a foreign land, the best way to get to the Columbia River Canyon is fly Enter Portland (PDX) and Car Rental. There is also option for licensed driver services (more expensive), shuttle/bus transport or ride sharing.
- warn: If you rent a car, rent a 4×4 vehicle and get the chain during the snow and moon. Even in spring (April), we encountered a snowy road through the valleys of the Mount Hood region.
Bus and shuttles: If you choose a shuttle/bus, you can shuttle from Portland Hills through the Sandy Transit Center on Hood Express, but you will be limited to the popular ski village routes. Also, check flixbus and Canyon transit For available bus routes: like Hood River and Dallas.
Car sharing: For Ride Share, Oregon also has a unique ride-sharing system called “Arrive in Oregon“You can coordinate travel or rideshare to the area here.
Things to do in Mount Hood + Columbia River Canyon (journey)
The four-day itinerary will begin with exploring the Hood Mt. Trone and end up along the Columbia River Canyon National Scenic Area.
Day 1: Welcome to Hood-Gorge!
On the 1st day of your 4-day trip in Mount Hood and Columbia River Canyon, you will fly to Portland Airport (PDX) and rent a car. I like Hertz car rental Because I have a golden state through the Amex Platinum, the airport offers many car rental options.
On the way, drive into the Mount Hood area and stop in Sandy, Oregon. This is a place you can visit Jonsrud View Point Original view of the landscape. If it’s a clear day, you might even see the peaks on the snow of Hood Mt. Hood!
There, I suggest you stop Tollgate Inn Bakery Have lunch with the restaurant. They are also known for fresh pies, so I got the classic apple pie. Afterwards, we drove to one of a village called Welch Hill Hood Mountain Lodge Village.
Day 2: Explore the villages of Mount Hood on Mount Hood
On the next day we started a happy guided hike in the morning Old Salmon River Trail and Lady of the Peak. The hike was a local favorite but it was still quite quiet and I found it to be beginner friendly.
On the old Salmon River Trail, you can walk through the mossy forest and find meditation moments on the hasty salmon river. The hike is slightly above 3 miles and has the smallest altitude.
For food, I like Hood Brewing Company Lunch and weird Koya Kitchen Pan-Asian cuisine for dinner (mealed on the renovated school bus).
Day 3: Kayaking in Estacada and road trips in Dufur
On the third day, we Check out from our little house Drive into the eastern region. But first, we explored more of the Mount Hood region. Drive to McVei State Park in Estacada Go to the kayak and No restrictions on adventure.
After a few hours on Estacada Lake we drove to Zoborist St. 20 minutes away; one of them replenished our fuel Food Truck. We chose Pepe’s tacos, but it wasn’t disappointing.
In the area, leave those tacos and explore local street art Self-guided mural hike. There are 20 murals throughout the town, all walking distances you can find them Map from Artback Collective.
After exploring Estacada, we embarked on our journey to the Columbia River Canyon area. The second half of this trip will be Living in the historic Balch Hotel in Dufur.
- Driving tips from Estacada to Dufur: It takes about 1H to Dufur 45 million minutes. We followed GPs to cut down the valley in mid-April, which was a mistake. Once we connected to US-26 with OR-211N, we realized that the snow was not flat, cold, and unsafe…especially because we didn’t rent a rent! Instead, we quickly decided to turn around and choose an alternative route to GPS, which will take you along the historic River Highway/I-84; breathtaking scenery, a better decision!
When you finally arrive at Dufur The best dinner in town This is the booking at Balch Hotel when you check in. it’s known Bistro 1907.
Day 4: Hiking and tasting East Canyon
Dufur is the base for visiting the River Canyon while staying at the historic Balchi Hotel. More details about the hotel we booked below. Thanks to Dufur’s location, we have to explore like Dallas While enjoying the taste with Mosier East Canyon Food Trail. All my food suggestions on day 4 are part of this food path. ((This is a map)
For brunch, I recommend Riv Cafe In the renovated church and ultra-modern dalles; serves meals like chicken, waffles and eggs. After brunch, you can use this time Explore townswhether walking along the river, reading the shop carefully or visiting Columbia Canyon Discovery Center.
- notes: Even on warm days it will wind up on the river, so bring your jacket and hold your hat!
Next to Dallas is one of my favorite destinations: MosierIt’s the wine country of the canyon and the highlight of my 4 days in Mount Hood and Columbia River Canyon, thanks to the beauty and endless views. Here you can have a Picnic wine tasting lunch exist Anal winery.
Their 20-mile picnic specializes in sourced local ingredients from within 20 miles of the vineyard: paired with 100% made wines from Columbia Canyon fruit. Co-owner Kris guided the property and paired it with a personalized style. Of course, we also bought some wines to take home (Mumbai wine is a favorite).
Let your body move when in Mosier Scenic hiking. There is 3.5 miles of RT near quarantine Mosier Plateau Trailpanoramic background along the river and rolling hills provide colorful wild flowers. This hike has more altitude growth, so take in water and ensure sun coverage. I absolutely have to take a break!
For dinner, you can stay in town or go back to Dufur, the 1907 bistro, for dinner. Alternatively, you can check if there are specialty dishes to host dinners at Balch Hotel.
During my trip they had a unique Guatemala winemaker’s dinner Hosted by their in-house chef and co-owner Tierra de Lobos Brewery (both brothers). They curated a beautiful authentic Guatemalan menu pairing with their mother. Rosé wine from Tierra de Lobos is my favorite wine, so we certainly bought some.
Where to live in the Columbia River Canyon and Mount Hood area
As mentioned, we lived in two different towns in 4 days in Mount Hood and Columbia River Canyon. One is a unique flash experience, the other is in a historic hotel. Here are the details you visited:
Hood Hill Lodge Village in Welchs, Oregon: This fun and fanatical experience on Mt. Hood territory keeps you disgraceful in nature and offers an opportunity to try out a small house life. Equipped with a kitchen, a small refrigerator and a full working bathroom, it’s a fun stay for adventure travelers. This property is close to Mount Hood and Old Salmon River Trail Hiking.
Dufur’s Historic Balchi Hotel, Oregon: Arrive in the East Canyon area near Dales, you can stay in the famous historic Balchi Hotel and experience its antique touch and simple design. While Dufur town itself is very quiet, it is only a short drive from Dalles, which is perfect for the foodies on the East Gorge Food Trail.
- Pay attention to low impact travelers or accessible needs: Both of these options above require some form of climbing. This small house has a ladder with a top bed and a narrow entrance to the bed on the ground floor. At the Balchi Hotel, there is no elevator and a staircase is needed to enter the room. If you have accessibility requirements, continue reading alternative suggestions.
The Columbia River Hotel in Dalles, or: This is a lovely hotel located in a scenic area of the Columbia River Canyon country, and also wheelchairs are available (i.e. no stairs or climbs). this Columbia River Hotel (Asclimbing Collection) in dalles so you can explore the area and Easily jump to Mosier’s wine country.
Hope you find this guide and itinerary helpful! Enjoy 4 days in Mount Hood and Columbia River Canyon.
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