Between Mt. Hood and Hood River, this 35-mile scenic loop winds past fruit orchards, wildflower fields, and historic farmsteads. Out of 32 official stops, here are my top highlights for an unforgettable day in the valley.
Getting There
From Portland, OR
Distance: ~60 miles
Drive Time: 60-75 minutes
Direct Route (I-84 East): Take I-84 East through the Columbia River Gorge and exit in Hood River. From town, head south on Highway 35, that puts you right on the Fruit Loop.
From Bend, OR
Distance: ~135 miles
Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Route (US-97 N to US-26 W to Hwy 35 N): Head north on US-97 through Madras, take US-26 West toward Mount Hood, and jump on Highway 35 North. That lands you right in the upper valley near Parkdale before you hit Hood River.
Here are the stops you absolutely shouldn’t miss on your next Hood River Fruit Loop trip:
1. Stave & Stone Winery
Start (or end) your loop with a glass of Pinot Noir and good vibes. Stave & Stone offers a covered patio and a lawn that looks straight out at Mt. Adams. Enjoy the views while grabbing a wine flight and cheese board.
2. Hood River Lavender Farms
Located right across from Stave and Stone, take a stroll through the fields of Hood River Lavender Farms and make your own bouquet to take home. While you’re there, pick up small-batch lavender soaps, essential oils, or local honey at the gift shop.
3. Pearl’s Place
No Fruit Loop trip is complete without a farm stand stop. Pearl’s Place is so quintessentially cute! You’ll find wooden crates stacked high with heirloom apples, sweet pears, and juicy peaches. I might be biased but I highly recommend grabbing a cider slushie before you leave because they are unbelievable!!
4. The Gorge White House
Housed in a Colonial home, The Gorge White House is my favorite stop on the Fruit Loop. It combines everything that’s great about the loop: picking your own dahlias and berries, sipping on house-made hard ciders or wines, or ordering fresh bites from their onsite food cart. When I stopped by on a random summer Saturday, the wait for food was an hour and a half, so you might not want to eat there unless the line looks reasonable!
Other Highlights of the Hood River Fruit Loop
- Draper Girls’ Country Farm: Famous for their fresh apple cider, friendly farm animals, and a picturesque u-pick orchard where you can swing under apple trees. I love a good swing and this spot is a great place to show off that you’re in the PNW to all of your insta followers.
- Apple Valley Country Store: The ultimate stop for huckleberry milkshakes, fresh-baked fruit pies, and small-batch jams to take home.
- Mt. View Orchards: Home to Grateful Vineyard, where you can sip wine, beer or cider while gazing directly at Mount Hood’s peak over rows of fruit trees. I enjoyed the food here more than the wine. It has been a while since my visit, but I would suggest opting for one of their in-house brewed ciders or beers instead.
Tips for the Loop
- Check seasonal availability: Late summer through early fall brings peak fruit harvesting and U-pick fun. Make sure to check out the stops’ website for their availability.
- Bring a cooler: You will buy more fresh fruit, cider, pie, and baked goods than you originally planned!
- Take it slow: The loop is short in mileage, but with so many scenic pull-offs and tasting rooms, giving yourself 4 to 6 hours lets you wander without rushing.
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