 When to Visit Hood River’s Fruit Loop!
Hood River is a darling little town set alongside the Columbia River, known for wind-surfing, wine tasting, & in the summertime, it’s beautiful “Fruit Loop!” This loop is a self-guided tour you can take of the countryside around town, with over 25 farm stands, wineries, breweries, cideries (I love that word!), & photogenic fields filled with lavender & wild flowers. This loop is an Instagrammer’s dream. And depending when you visit, you can also pick your own fruit at one of the route’s many “U-Pick” farms. Find out “When to Visit Hood River’s Fruit Loop” & exactly what’s in season month-by-month below…
Draper Girls Farm may be a little further out than other stops, but its Mt. Hood views & flower fields make it a must-stop.
 Map of Hood River “Fruit Loop”
If you’re planning a visit to the “Fruit Loop,” I’d either visit a group of stands that are close together ~ such as 1,2, 3, & 4 on the map below (Pearl’s Place, The Gorge White House, & Mt. Hood Winery), or 10,11,12, 13, which are also grouped closely together. This means less driving, which is ideal if you’re drinking.Â
Or if you have specific destinations that are further apart ~ such as Draper Girls Farm & Cathedral Ridge Winery, which are on opposite sides of town: simply start with the U-Pick spot, & end with your preferred winery so you can Uber home if necessary!
Image courtesy of the Hood River Country Fruit Loop.
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Great Stops on the “Fruit Loop”
Popular pit stops along Hood River’s “Fruit Loop” include Draper Girls’ Country Farm (cute “U-Pick” farm with cider, fruits, meats, & other foods), Lavender Valley Farms (the lavender starts blooming in June & reaches its height in August), & my personal favorite: the incredibly photogenic Gorge White House, which offers hard cider, wine, farm-fresh food, a food cart with burgers & sandwiches, fruit, & fresh flowers.
Great wineries to stop at include Mt. Hood Winery, Stave & Stone, Wy’East Vineyards, Marchesi, & Phelps Creek.
You can’t go wrong with a beautiful drive on the “Hood River Fruit Loop.” Stop at some of the area’s most beautiful farms & pick your own fruit…then end at one of the region’s many wineries!
Month-by-Month on the “Fruit Loop”
If You’re Visiting the Fruit Loop in June: STRAWBERRIES are the name of the game ALL June!! Later in the month, you’ll also start to find cherries & raspberries.
If You’re Visiting the Fruit Loop in July: July is all about BERRIES!! You’ll find cherries & raspberries ALL month, & blueberries typically start harvesting mid-July thru mid-August. Also, APRICOTS are in season all month as well!
If You’re Visiting the Fruit Loop in August: August is bountiful in Hood River ~ you’ll still find blueberries & apricots in early August, then Red Haven & Elberta peaches come into season, as well as Bartlett pears, corn, & apples are in season all month. August is also the month to find lavender & herbs, as well as tomatoes! You can’t go wrong in August.
Stopping at one of the Loop’s lavender farms is an August MUST. Hood River Lavender Farms is pictured.
Fruits in Season on the “Fruit Loop” in September: You’ll still find most of the August bounty in September (like tomatoes, peaches & apples), but come September, the region’s famous Anjou & Bosc pears start harvesting, as do Autumn & specialty apples.Â
Fruits in Season on the “Fruit Loop” in October: There are still pears & apples in October, along with festive fall bounty such as pumpkins, gourds chestnuts, & fall decorations.
Image courtesy of the Hood River Fruit Loop.
Hood River in the summer is too lovely to miss…
 Where to Stay in Hood River
It’s hard to visit the “Fruit Loop” & not stay at least one night in Hood River, especially if you’re visiting the area’s wineries. Here’s a quick run-down of my favorite hotels here…
- Most Romantic Places to Stay in Hood River: Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa ($188+) & Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel ($199+) ~ both have stunning cliffside locations with jaw-dropping views. The grounds of Columbia Gorge are so lovely, they often host weddings here in the summer.
But if you’re looking for views: head to the Columbia Cliff Villas…
- Best Places to Stay for Families in Hood River: Not quite so romantic, the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn ($219+) does have a fantastic waterfront location & is pet-friendly. Rooms are large, with sitting rooms & kitchens, making it a great choice for bigger groups or families. And, they’ve got an outdoor pool & hot tub.Â
For a great “In-Town” choice, check out the historic Hood River Hotel ($196+) with its hip & recently-renovated new lobby ~ very PNW-chic. And in the “Cozy B&B” category, you can’t go wrong at the Inn at the Gorge ($208+). With just five rooms, porches & gardens: this is a great place to relax after spending the day on the “Fruit Loop.”
Or, if being in town is most important to you: check into the historic Hood River Hotel.
 Goodbye, Hood River….
There’s SO much to do in this part of the world…from stunning hikes in the Columbia Gorge, to more hiking adventures by Mt. Hood, to the outdoorsy town of Bend ~ leave extra time in your schedule to explore this beautiful part of Oregon.
xoxo NoeliaÂ
Read Next: The Perfect Long Weekend in Hood River
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