Portland & Hood River Recommendations
We are so excited to have you joining us in Oregon! We put together a list of recommendations in case you haven't been through Portland or Hood River before — hope you have a good time!
Weather
Late June in Oregon is gorgeous — long daylight (sunset around 9 PM), dry, and warm. Portland often hits 80°F while the Gorge can be cooler with strong winds. Pack a light jacket just in case!
Portland
See & Do
International Rose Test Garden
Free entry, and late June is peak bloom for the "City of Roses." Over 10,000 roses with Mt. Hood views on clear days. Per Ashley's mom: "This rose garden is the best I've seen so far — better than Butchart Garden in Victoria!"
Portland Japanese Garden
Right next door to the Rose Garden, and considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan.
Forest Park
One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., with miles of mossy trails minutes from downtown. Wildwood Trail is the classic.
Powell's City of Books
The world's largest independent bookstore, taking up a full city block.
Food
Memoire Cà Phê
Vietnamese breakfast / Cafe
Persian Kebab
A food cart pod near Portland State University. Great portions, very tasty, the owner is a super friendly dude
Blue Star Donuts
Also think this one is pretty solid - you can try it in the airport! Gourmet donuts made with brioche dough and unique glazes (Passionfruit Cocoa Nib, Blueberry Bourbon Basil). We love the O.G. (Orxata Glaze)!
Salt & Straw
Still think this place is worth the hype even though they are such a big chain now (Will's favorite: Pot of Gold. Ashley's Favorite: Pear & Blue Cheese)
Groomsman Benneth's Food Recs (he used to live in the area)
GrindWitTryz
Hawaiian/Filipino fusion, huge portions. My fav spot ever; they closed and reopened, so hopefully still the same!
Lechon
Spanish tapas
HK Cafe
Dim sum
Pho Oregon
Vietnamese
Sizzle Pie
Pizza, a Portland classic
Grassa
Italian (haven't been, but heard it's good)
Screen Door
Brunch
Mother's Bistro
Brunch
StormBreaker Brewing
Has a bomb smash burger, and it's on Mississippi Ave, which has tons of bars/restaurants/breweries (fun street!)
The Drive: Portland to Hood River
Hood River is about 60 miles east of Portland on I-84 — a one-hour drive without stops. However, if you want to take the scenic route, skip GPS routing on I-84 for the entire trip and take Exit 22 (Corbett) instead which will bring you onto the Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30). This adds about 45 minutes but takes you past Vista House and six waterfalls before rejoining I-84.
Important: Multnomah Falls Permit
Multnomah Falls is probably your biggest stopping point with good reason! It's THE iconic Oregon waterfall — 620 ft, two-tiered, viewable from I-84. Walk to Benson Bridge (5 min) or hike to the top (about an hour round-trip). From late May through early September, a $2 timed-use permit is required to visit Multnomah Falls between 9 AM and 6 PM. Reserve at recreation.gov 2 weeks in advance (June 10th if you are arriving on 6/24), or arrive before 9 AM or after 6 PM (no permit needed outside those hours). It's only $2!
Other Stops Along the Long Way (west to east)
Vista House at Crown Point
Take Exit 22 (Corbett) off I-84. This 1918 stone rotunda sits 733 ft above the river with sweeping 180° gorge views. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Latourell Falls
249-ft waterfall plunging over basalt columns covered in bright yellow lichen. Five-minute walk from the parking lot to the base.
Bridal Veil Falls
Short, easy hike to a two-tiered cascade — quieter than the bigger-name falls.
Horsetail Falls
Right off the road, no hiking required. Continue 0.4 mi up the trail to Ponytail Falls where you can walk BEHIND the waterfall.
Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks)
A $3 toll lets you drive across this steel cantilever bridge to Washington. Grab lunch at Thunder Island Brewing nearby — it sits right under the bridge.
Note: The Historic Highway rejoins I-84 near Ainsworth (Exit 35). From there, it is about 30 more minutes to Hood River.
Hood River
A small, charming town that's famous for kiteboarding, craft beer, fruit orchards, and Mt. Hood views. They have a walkable downtown (Oak St / Cascade Ave) and beautiful waterfront which are the main hubs.
Things to Do
Hood River Waterfront Park
There are a number of breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops walkable from the waterfront. From the waterfront, you can also watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers! Late June is peak season for the gorge's famous winds.
The Fruit Loop
A 35-mile scenic drive through orchards with Mt. Hood as the backdrop. June is cherry season and many farms offer U-pick. Take Hwy 35 south from town.
Wineries
Tons of wineries in the area!
Golf
There are a number of courses around and the main one is Indian Creek.
Wineries (Mt. Hood views, casual vibes)
Marchesi Vineyards
Italian-style with private vine-row cabanas — feels like Tuscany with Mt. Hood views. Try the Barbera.
Stave & Stone
Stunning Mt. Hood views from the lawn, next to a lavender farm. Charcuterie and lavender ice cream are highlights.
Wy'East Vineyards
Laid-back and unpretentious with bocce, gardens, and resident alpacas. Beautiful Pinot Gris.
Phelps Creek
Cozy tasting room with thoughtful pours — one of their wines is on the menu at The French Laundry.
The Gorge White House
Iconic 1908 farmhouse with U-pick fruit, flower fields, wine and cider flights, plus food carts. The most photogenic Fruit Loop stop.
Food & Breweries (all clustered on the waterfront)
We haven't been to all of these spots, but these were recommended by our venue and coordinator!
Breweries
pFriem Family Brewers
Hood River's most acclaimed brewery — Belgian-inspired beers, riverside patio, excellent food.
Ferment Brewing Company
Right next to pFriem — Czech pilsners, fro-yo cookie sandwiches, big fire-pit patio.
Full Sail Brewing
Hood River's original craft brewery. Great river views from the deck and classic pub fare.
Restaurants
Broder Øst
Best brunch in town — Scandinavian breakfast inside the historic Hood River Hotel. Order the æbleskivers. Expect a wait on weekends.
Celilo Restaurant & Bar
The top farm-to-table dinner in town — locally sourced and beautifully done. Closed Mon/Tue/Sun, so book ahead for Wed–Sat.
Solstice Wood Fire Pizza
Wood-fired pizza on the waterfront — try the seasonal Country Girl Cherry pizza. Family-friendly and great for groups.
Sixth Street Bistro & Pub
Cozy bistro with a lovely patio and locally sourced menu — good for casual group dinners.
Piadina
Hidden-gem Italian sandwich shop — locals call these the best sandwiches in town. Perfect quick lunch.
Riverside
Right on the river with sweeping views and great for a relaxed lunch or dinner with the group. It's inside of a Best Western, but don't let that throw you off – it's actually quite good and the room is beautiful!
Coffee
Doppio Coffee
local favorite, great pastries
Stoked Roasters
house-roasted beans in a relaxed waterfront setting
We cannot wait to celebrate with you!
♦ ♦ ♦