Hood River and the Fruit Loop
The town, not the mountain
The names cause confusion. Mount Hood is the 11,240-foot volcano (USGS). Hood River is both a river and a town: the town stands where the Hood River meets the Columbia River, and Travel Oregon describes it as a windsurfing and outdoor hub. The summit of the mountain lies on the line between Clackamas and Hood River counties, per the USGS, and the Mt. Hood National Forest spans several counties. A tour that stops “in Hood River” is in the town on the Columbia, not on the mountain. The Mount Hood guide covers the mountain itself.
The Fruit Loop
Travel Oregon describes the Hood River Fruit Loop as a “35-mile scenic drive” through orchards, vineyards, lavender farms and farm stands in the Hood River Valley. It is most active from April to October. Two harvest windows mark the season:
- Cherries: mid-June to July.
- Apples: late August to October.
Opening days and hours at individual farms are set by each farm.
By car
Hood River lies east of Portland on I-84, through the Columbia River Gorge. From there OR-35 runs south around the east side of Mount Hood to join US-26, and together the two highways form the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, about 100 miles per Travel Oregon. Tamanawas Falls is on Highway 35 about 30 miles south of Hood River (USFS). Wildfires closed a number of trails on the east side of the mountain in late summer 2026; check the Mt. Hood National Forest alerts page before setting out. The getting there page covers the route and the winter chain law.
Which tours stop here
Each listing sets its own stops in the area:
- Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour: Hood River for 1 hour (lunch, free time, wine tasting or shopping; the description mentions watching windsurfers and kiteboarders), Rowena Crest Viewpoint for 20 minutes and Packer Orchards for 30 minutes. The listing includes a 1-hour lunch break in Hood River.
- From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour: a 1-hour lunch break in Hood River, marked “additional fee” in the itinerary, and 15 minutes in Parkdale.
- From Portland: Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Day Tour: Hood River for 1 hour of lunch and free time, then 1 hour at a winery.
- From Portland: Full Day Gorge Waterfalls & Mt. Hood Tour: “the fruit loop” with local produce samples, with a naturalist guide; the listing mentions snacks and beverages. Its stop times were not captured.
All four continue to Timberline Lodge after the valley. The wine and Fruit Loop page sets the relevant tours side by side.
Wine tasting on the tours
The From Portland: Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Day Tour listing states that wine tasting fees are not included, and asks guests to bring a passport or ID card for the tasting. Amy, from the United States, mentioned the many stops, the views of Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, and the wine. On the Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour, wine tasting is one of the options during the free hour in Hood River, per its listing.
Rowena Crest
Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a 20-minute stop on the Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour, according to its itinerary. It is the only product on this site that lists it. Jill, from Canada, mentioned that the small group made extra photo stops on that tour.
A visit in mid-June to July falls in the cherry window, and late August to October in the apple window, per Travel Oregon; the Fruit Loop tour’s produce samples depend on the season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hood River the same as Mount Hood?
No. Hood River is a town on the Columbia River; Mount Hood is the 11,240-foot volcano to the south. See the Mount Hood guide.
When is the Fruit Loop season?
Most active April to October, with cherries mid-June to July and apples late August to October (Travel Oregon).
Which tour visits the Fruit Loop?
The Full Day Gorge Waterfalls & Mt. Hood Tour lists “the fruit loop” with produce samples. See the Fruit Loop tour close-up.
Are wine tasting fees included on the wine tour?
No, per its listing. See the wine tour close-up.