Hood River County is centrally located at the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It extends from the majestic Mt. Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak, in the south to the mighty Columbia River in the north. The Columbia is the only river in North America that flows through a major mountain range (the Cascades) at near sea level. The County is rich in natural resources with agriculture, lumber and recreation as sources of revenue and industry. Fruit grown in the fertile valley is of such exceptional quality that the County leads the world in Anjou pear production. More than 16,000 acres of commercial orchards growing pears, apples, cherries and peaches provide miles of peaceful scenic beauty. Vineyards have become abundant in recent years, showcasing award-winning wines from the Columbia Gorge AVA.

Livability and quality of life are priorities in Hood River County. Within an hour’s drive of Hood River you can find the metropolitan city of Portland, world famous year-round skiing on Mt. Hood, fishing and camping in central and eastern Oregon, and miles of hiking trails and whitewater rafting in the Columbia River Gorge. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound in Hood River County, including scenic parks, mountain bike trails, windsurfing and kite boarding on the Columbia River, historic tours, festivals, museums and art and civic organizations.

The climate is mild year-round and the normal annual precipitation is 30 inches. Hood River County has the attractions of fresh air, low crime, good schools and friendly communities.

Hood River was named as one of the Best Places to Live in America by The Progressive Farmer magazine in 2006, and featured one of our founders, Addison Webster, on the cover with his wife and son.

Of Hood River, the magazine said, “It's almost unfair (to those of us who don't live there) that one place could be so beautiful. Those lucky souls who live in Hood River County, Ore., awake each morning to vistas of snow-capped Mount Hood to the south, stately Mount Adams to the north and the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge between. Through this beauty flows the Hood River valley with its cliffs and crags and improbably round hills formed by volcanic bubbles.”

In regards to the Websters and The Fruit Company®: “Three generations of the Webster family have planted fruit trees in the valley. Brothers Scott and Addison are in charge now and have diversified the orchards and fresh fruit business to include fruit baskets and gourmet gifts with "The Fruit Company" brand name. Addison's wife, Necole, loves her adopted orchardist lifestyle. ‘On days when there is going to be a frost, the whole neighborhood is energized to protect the trees. It's such a close community,’ she says.”

Hood River has been in many top lists as of late, some of which include:

Men’s Journal Magazine, April 2006, “Best Places to Live: The 50 Healthiest, Sexiest, Most Adventurous Towns." Hood River is named at the top of their list for the "Most Active Towns - Multisport hubs with something for everyone.”

Outside Magazine, 2005. “Top 20 Dream Towns”

Outside Magazine, 2006. “100 Adrenaline Hot Spots” Hood River is listed as an "Adventure Mecca - Ultimate Cascades" in the listing, citing the easy access to whitewater, windsurfing and kiteboarding, summer skiing, and mountain and road cycling.

BudgetTravelOnline.com, 2006. "The Coolest Small Towns in the U.S.A."

Skiing, 2004. "Top Ten Ski Towns." Hood River placed #5, following Jackson, WY, Steamboat Springs, CO, Vail, CO and Bozeman, MT.

Wind surfing capital of the world is Hood River's latest distinction. Previously renown for growing luscious apples, pears, cherries, peaches and other fruits, and for the stunning panoramas of Mt. Hood, Hood River has become the destination of choice for wind surfers and kite surfers from around the world. The winds from the Columbia River Gorge, best during the middle of the day, create ideal conditions for riding the waves. To enjoy the view of "boardheads" at play, drive to the Columbia Gorge Sailpark or follow Second Street to the waterfront.

The Mt. Hood Scenic Railroad offers trips through the beautiful apple and pear orchards in the area. The circa 1910 railcars are pulled by a diesel locomotive along the route of an old fruit train line through the scenic valley between Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. The seasonal opening of the train is during the Hood River Blossom Festival, towards the end of April.

There are many orchards and vineyards in Hood River. People from all over Oregon make an annual trek in the fall to the many farm stands to stock up on fresh apples and pears. Other produce is available, and varies by season.

Come to windsurf. Come to taste the juicy fruit. Or, just come to experience the splendor of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. For all these reasons and more, come visit Hood River.

For more information on Hood River, Hood River County, and the Columbia River Gorge, please refer to the following websites:

Hood River County Chamber of Commerce

Hood River Fruit Loop

Hood River County, Oregon: Official County Government Website

Welcome to Hood River, Oregon