KTVZ Road Trip Destination: Hood River
A little under three hours to the north of Bend, up Highway 97, left on Highway 26, and a right at Highway 35 will lead you to the quaint city of Hood River. The town lies in the Columbia River Gorge, where the Columbia River meets the Hood River. Signs which line the streets of downtown read: “Stay, Play, Sip.”
Let’s begin with “Stay”: Cooper Spur Mountain Resort.
The amenities on the north face of Mt. Hood include lodging, dining, and outdoor fun. The resort has one of the oldest buildings on the Hood River side of Mt. Hood on site. Just up the hill sits Cooper Spur Ski Area boasting a single chairlift with 50 acres to explore.
Now it’s time to “Play”: Big Winds.
Back on the Columbia River Stand Up Paddle boarders, wind surfers, and kite boarders are busy riding the “Windsurfing Capital of the World.” Big Winds has been offering lessons since 1987. A shuttle from downtown Hood River to Viento State Park drops customers off for an 8-mile ride down river on a SUP.
Time to top it all off with “Sip”:
The Gorge White House on Highway 35 near Odell is the perfect place to toast to the end of a day outside. The century-old farm offers house-made wines, award-winning ciders, fresh fruit growing in the family-owned orchards, and garden fresh foods.
To see what we saw, check our video. To see more, read our digital companion Michaela Beechem’s story linked to this one and check out her slide show.
