Framed by the Columbia River Gorge, snowcapped Mount Hood, and rolling orchard country, Hood River is one of the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoor adventure towns, with wind sports, waterfall hikes, scenic train rides, and fruit-filled farm stops all within easy reach. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hood River, Oregon, the adventure extends far beyond the waterfront to Mount Hood National Forest, Lost Lake, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and the wider Columbia River Gorge. Just across the river near White Salmon, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge offers an elevated basecamp for exploring it all, with safari-inspired tents, mountain views, onsite dining, and easy access to some of the region’s best outdoor experiences.
Here’s your guide to the best things to do near Hood River for outdoor adventures.
Wind and Water Sports in Hood River
Hood River is legendary for wind and water sports, thanks to the powerful breezes that move through the Columbia River Gorge. On a windy day, the river that flows from Mount Hood comes alive with windsurfers, kiteboarders, and wing foilers cruising across the water against a backdrop of basalt cliffs and forested hillsides. Local outfitters offer lessons and rentals, making it easy to get out on the water.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding the Columbia River
For a slower way to experience the Columbia River, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding offer a more relaxed connection to the water. Hood River SUP & Kayak offers rentals, lessons, and tours from The Hook in Hood River. You can also book guided group kayaking and paddleboarding, making it easy to get out on the river, explore the shoreline, and take in views of Wells Island and the Gorge.
Canyoneering in the Columbia River Gorge
Discover the hidden beauty of the Fiji Pools or Green Gates Canyon on a guided canyoneering tour featuring thrilling rappels, crystal-clear swims, and rugged terrain in remote slot canyons. It’s a memorable outdoor adventure for both beginners and those looking to build their canyoneering skills while in the Gorge.
Whitewater Rafting on the White Salmon River
Choose from a half-day or full-day whitewater rafting trip on the White Salmon River for one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rafting experiences. Just a few miles from Hood River, this adventure combines the exciting rapids of the Upper White Salmon with the breathtaking beauty of the Lower White Salmon for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Fly Fishing in the Columbia River Gorge
Set out on a half-day fly fishing adventure along the Gorge, starting from Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge in White Salmon. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to fishing, our expert guide will tailor the experience to suit your skill level. You’ll have the chance to fish for local species, including steelhead and salmon, while soaking in stunning views.
Biking the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
For cyclists, one of the most rewarding nearby rides is along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. The paved route offers a scenic blend of river views, cliffside terrain, and access to one of the region’s most historic transportation corridors. This is the kind of ride that feels both adventurous and accessible. You can take it at a relaxed pace, stop for photos, and enjoy some of the best sights in the Columbia River Gorge on two wheels.
Check out our guide to the best Columbia River Gorge bike paths for route details.
Hiking to Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
Waterfall hiking is one of the signature outdoor adventures of the Columbia River Gorge, with 90+ cascades tucked into mossy canyons, forested trails, and dramatic cliffsides. Head to the Waterfall Corridor, a 12-mile stretch along the Historic Columbia River Highway, for roadside viewpoints and trailheads that lead to some of the Gorge’s most iconic scenery.
See our guide to Columbia River Gorge waterfalls for the top waterfalls to visit, from famous Multnomah Falls to quieter trails tucked into the forest.
Sailing Tours in Hood River
For a relaxed view of the Gorge, take a scenic sailing tour from Hood River. Gorge Sail Ventures operates private two-hour sailing tours aboard S/V Northern Exposure, a 34-foot yacht departing from Hood River Marina seasonally. Help hoist the sails, steer the boat, or simply sit back and watch kiteboarders, barges, and Gorge scenery move by.
Visiting Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Nearby Mount St. Helens remains a remarkable day trip for geology lovers, hikers, and anyone drawn to landscapes shaped by fire, ash, and resilience. About 1.5 hours from Hood River, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument tells the story of the 1980 eruption through crater views, blast-zone scenery, visitor centers, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Each year, thousands of mountain climbers make their way to the crater rim (permits required above 4,800 feet).
Mountaineering in Mount Hood National Forest
Mount Hood National Forest is one of the region’s best outdoor escapes, extending from the Columbia River Gorge into a landscape of forests, lakes, streams, and mountains. From Hood River, head south into the forest for 1,200 miles of trails for hiking and biking, scenic drives, lakeside picnics, and seasonal adventures. It’s also a world-class destination for mountaineering, with Mount Hood (11,250 feet) being a bucket-list climb for serious climbers.
Exploring Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Across the river in Washington, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest reveals a different side of the Gorge. Multiple trails near Mount Adams provide views of glaciers, mountain streams, meadows, alpine forests, and lava flows. It’s the perfect place to enjoy catch-and-release fishing in pristine lakes, explore lava tubes, or hike sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Riding the Mount Hood Railroad
Ride the Mount Hood Railroad through the Hood River Valley by railbike or scenic train. The century-old short line offers excursions with views of orchards, vineyards, forests, and snowcapped Mount Hood. Railbiking is a unique experience where you’ll pedal a motor-assisted, two-person car along the railroad tracks for an immersive view of the valley. If you prefer to sit back and take in the scenery, the summer train ride along the Fruit Loop can include a wine-tasting experience featuring Columbia River Gorge wines.
Shopping Local on the Hood River Fruit Loop
The Hood River Fruit Loop is one of the most flavorful ways to explore the valley. This rural farm route includes fruit stands, wineries, breweries, cideries, and flower fields, all set against the backdrop of Mount Hood and the surrounding orchards. Depending on the season, you might find blossoms, berries, lavender, cherries, apples, pears, pumpkins, or fresh cider. It’s one of the best things to do in Hood River when you want a gentle outdoor adventure.
Guided Adventures in the Columbia River Gorge
The Under Canvas Adventure Concierge is here to help guests plan the best of the region, from guided outings to self-guided bike rentals and local experiences. Whether you want to explore the river, ride through the Gorge, discover nearby trails, or plan a day trip into the surrounding forests, having help with the details means you can spend more time enjoying the adventure.
Glamping Near Hood River at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge
Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge puts you close to the best things to do in Hood River, Oregon. Surrounded by forested hillsides, Mount Hood views, and the beauty of the Gorge, this camp offers easy access to Hood River, White Salmon, Mount Hood, Lost Lake, and many of the region’s best outdoor adventures. After a day outside, return to upscale, safari-inspired tents with plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, and private decks, plus onsite dining, inviting lounge spaces, starry skies, nightly s’mores, and connection to the great outdoors.