Last week, Jack and I headed to Hood River for the first time. With fall colors awash throughout the area, it seemed the perfect time to sneak away for a few days and check out the area’s famous Fruit Loop.
Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the Hood River Valley is the nation’s largest pear-growing region. It’s also known for its numerous vineyards and wineries, and is a great place to stock up on (depending on the season) fresh apples, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and such.
We had no real plan other than to meet up with Jack’s sister and her husband and explore the region as time and the weather allowed. Our rendezvous spot was the quaint Hood River Hotel, which proved to be the ideal home base for prowling around downtown Hood River (thanks, Jimmy) and the scenic environs beyond.
Here, in pictures, are a few highlights of our trip:
An unexpected treat, a glimpse of a local bald eagle perched atop a nearby tree limb.
A burst of color, viewed from the train.
More fall color, viewed from the platform of the caboose.
Exploring the many fascinating vintage vehicles at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.
On the way home, a quick stop at the scenic Rowena Crest Viewpoint.
About the Author
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE, is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Bend and Redmond.