Celebrate your Anniversary at the best place to stay in Hood River the Irish Inn! The natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge is abundant during a trip around the Fruit Loop. The views from The Irish Inn are one of our most appreciated surprises when guests check in. “The best place to stay in Hood River” Is a comment we get repeatedly. Why? Because of our location, our rooms all have an uninterrupted view of Mt. Adams and the Columbia River. Enjoy easy access to the Hood River Fruit Loop, an amazing summer scenic drive around the Hood River Valley fruit farms and orchards.
Feast on the locally grown produce which has been grown in the Valley for hundreds of years. Fruit trees were first planted in the Hood River Valley in the Mid-1800 which now amounts to more than 14,500 acres of different orchards. The self-guided tour takes you all around the valley with amazing views and lets you explore our local culture and cuisine.
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located about 60Miles east of Portland. We are situated on the main street (Oak St) of Hood River which brings you to the beginning of the loop on HWY 35. Grab an early bite to eat downtown at “Freshies Bagels” then head to the upper valley to explore the magnificent views and mountain vistas.
Drive the Fruit Loop Road and you won’t be disappointed, 35 miles of farms and orchards to visit. Indulge in homemade pies, cookies, jellies, and jams. The Fruit Loop can take an enjoyable 2-3 hours to complete with almost 30 different Farm Stands selling and growing many different fruits, vegetables flowers and delicious apple cider, a local favorite.
Stock up on Local produce from apples, blueberry’s, strawberry’s, pears, cherry’s, lavender, honey and flowers at the U-Pick farms. The Fruit Loop consists of not only farms stands but wineries and breweries. Most of the farm stands close at 5 or 6pm and some of them are only open certain days. Cherry picking happens between July and August and apple picking Mid Sept through Oct.
The seasons of the Fruit Loop
Spring – This is the time of year to enjoy the world class show of thousands of pear and apple trees explode into pink and white blossom all at the same time. The valley is alive with bees and blossoms and is the ideal time to visit the area before the summer rush. The first blossoms appear in late March, and there are a lot of local Easter events on like Easter egg hunts for kids and spectacular spring wildflower hikes and bird watching.
Summer – The Fruit Loop is not only a mix of farm stands but also includes many fine wineries. World class wine tasting, Oregon is becoming more and more popular around the world known for producing rich flavorful Pinot Noirs. The rich volcanic soil and ideal climate lends itself to creating a mix of elegant fine wines, ciders and liquors. Enjoy the hot summer days in the shade sampling these wines and delicious homemade cheese boards and locally sourced foods. With hot summer days and cool summer evening to enjoy you simply can’t go wrong.
Fall – Is harvest time on the Fruit Loop the ideal time to fill your pantry and get stocked up with all the seasons bounties. Enjoy the cooler days; bring your kids to pick out their Halloween pumpkins. This is the peak time for the Fruit Stands; they are loaded up with all their produce from the hot summer. An ideal time to get your fresh garlic and tomato’s the culinary delights will make your mouth water! Fresh wild picked huckleberry milkshakes, blackberry pie and ice cream cold fresh pressed apple cider you won’t be disappointed. The local lavender farms are ready to harvest their lavender and you are welcome to help pick a bunch to take home.
Hood River Lavendar – have and an array of lavender products you can get as gifts or enjoy at home! Fall is also the ideal time to bring your kids to stay in Hood River for the Harvest Festival and the stands which offer plenty of activities form mazes, haystack slides, corn kernel sand pit and pumpkin painting, bouncy castles and so much more.
Winter – With the summer crowds gone and the cooler days upon us you can still take time to stock up on homemade pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Enjoy the scenic drives and enjoy the less crowded wineries for lunch. Proceed up to Mount Hood and visit Timberline Lodge which was constructed in 1937 and sits on the south slope of Mt. Hood at an elevation of 6000ft and also where “The Shining” was filmed. Enjoy a drink from this magnificent sky lodge and mountain retreat while enjoying the stunning multi mountain view of Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Jefferson. Timberline Lodge also has hikes, snow cat rides, a beautiful gift shop and pool.
The Best Stops on the Fruit Loop
Stave and Stone Winery – situated with a stunning view of Mt Adams and right next to a small Lavendar farm you can enjoy a fabulous cheese board for lunch. Then wander over to the lavender farm and stock up on lavender soaps, oils and lotions for friends and family.
Mt. View Orchards and Brewery – this farm has seen three generations of the same family, with the most beautiful Views of Mt. Hood through the hundreds of different verities of Apple Trees. Wonder through the orchard and pick the big juicy apples of you choosing. They have a tasting room with Wine and craft beers which you can enjoy with a Freshley made pizza. (reservations are recommended at the Grateful Vineyard also in the same location as the farm).
Wy,East Vinyards – Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay are the main attraction here, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in shaded trees. Play a game of bocce ball or visit with the alpacas.
Draper Girls – Enjoy fresh pressed cold refreshing apple cider while picking your own fruits on the property. Cherries and apples along with a great selection of vegetables and kids play areas! Pick your own beautiful enormous dahlias from the flower fields.
The Gorge White house – Enjoy some fresh homemade foods at a picnic table of your choosing and sit back and enjoy the views.
Mount Hood Winery – Fine wines and local berry liquors are our favorite things at this winery along with the views and snacks.
The Fruit Company – Also another great resource for you to ship fresh Hood River pears and apples all around the country for Christmas or Thanksgiving. Choose from an Amazing selection of gift baskets certified to ship almost anywhere!
Pearls Place Fruit Stand – Fresh organic you pick strawberries and apples are available and actually taste amazingly sweet local honey and jams made by this long-standing family farm. Their store has lots to offer at different times of year especially pumpkins and squash for Halloween! This is a great place to pick up peaches.
Packers Orchards and Bakery – Pies, ice-cream Jelly’s and humongous cookies are what you will find here. Watch the bakers at work baking daily the delicious delights that you won’t be able to resist. Take home some freshly baked pies for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Enjoy an ice cream smoothie and try some jellies and jams. They also have a little gift shop that has some useful kitchen items and gifts made locally.
Marchesi Vinyard & Winery – Along with its wonderful selection of amazing rich wines, this winery has special wine makers dinners available for your perfect Anniversary get away!
Apple Valley Country Store – Fresh Huckelberry Milkshakes are our favorite thing at this place along with the handmade handbags and quilt table runners. They have an amazing selection of Jams, pepper jelly’s and Pies. Situated by the fork of the Hood River this is a great place to stop and pick up gifts for family and friends.