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Oregon is full of incredible views and scenic drives including the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop. We have created a Google Map for you with some of our favorite stops along the way.
Because of the 2017 Eagle Creek fire, the historic highway is currently closed for repairs but driving I-84 is also a great way to experience the magnificent Columbia River Gorge.
About an hour into your drive, you could stop at Multnomah Falls. Most of the trail is closed but you can walk up to Benson Bridge and get some great photos. Prepare to get a little wet during your photo op from the spray of the water!
Mike’s Ice Cream
Coffee and Bagels: Hop in your car and drive for another half hour to get to Downtown Hood River. If you are hungry, stop at Doppio. They serve delicious sandwiches, salads, bagels, coffee and more. If it’s nice outside, you can sit on their outdoor patio.
Brunch: Another option is to stop at Broder Ost for brunch or lunch depending on what time of day you get there. Broder is a swedish-inspired eatery that serves breakfast and lunch from 7am-3pm.
Shopping: Downtown Hood River is full of great shops and restaurants and it’s very walkable. Visit Twiggs for unique home goods and jewelry, grab ice cream at Mike’s (cash or check only), or look for a new outfit at The Ruddy Duck.
Waterfront: Just beyond downtown there’s a waterfront with a playground for kids and a great view of Watersport adrenaline junkies in the river.
Hood River’s summer winds attract windsurfers, kiteboarders, stand-up paddle boarders and more. Check out Big Winds if you are interested in taking a lesson.
Stop at Hood River Lavender Farms from May-October for organic, U-pick lavender, a gift shop filled with lavender-infused gifts and a photo opportunity. During the first weekend of July, the farm hosts their annual FREE Lavender DAZE festival with live music, face painting, arts and crafts and much more.
After visiting the Lavender Farm, head to Mt. View Orchards, a 50-acre apple and pear orchard. Their fruit stand is open from July through Halloween every harvest season. They sell 70+ fruits and vegetables, fresh cider, sauces, different kinds of butter, and local honey. Visit the u-pick section of their farm and don’t forget to visit the animals!
Mt. View recently started selling their own cider called “Golden Row” and are planning to open a tasting room in 2019. If you are 21+ they will give you a sample of some of the best cider we have ever tasted.
If you like antiques and sweets, stop at The Old Trunk, treats & tiques near the end of your drive through the loop. Grab a soda made with local fruit-based syrups, an espresso drink, fresh soft-serve ice cream, or pick out some old records to take home with you.
unsplash-logoGorge in the Gorge
For dinner, drive back into Hood River to the Double Mountain Brewery Taproom. After a long day of adventuring, try their meatball sub, tuna melt or share a pizza with your family.
Double Mountain has an extensive beer list including a cider or two for the gluten-free folks like myself. They are known for their well-rounded, hoppy beers
After dinner, hop in the car and head back to Welches. If you don’t know where you are staying yet, we suggest Whispering Woods Resort for easy access to mountain activities and anywhere else you may want to check out in the greater Portland area.
Have any suggestions of places to visit on the Scenic Loop? Let us know in the comments below!
