This Is The Friendliest Small Town In The Pacific Northwest
Hood River’s reputation as the friendliest small town in the Pacific Northwest is certainly well-deserved. Located on the Columbia River across from Washington State, this Oregon community of around 8,000 residents has been rolling out the red carpet for visitors from Portland and beyond for over 150 years. Hospitality is woven into every aspect of this friendly, tight-knit community. From local farmers welcoming big city visitors to their blossoming orchards each spring (and again at harvest time) to brewers eager to share a pint with newbies, a visit to Hood River is guaranteed to restore your faith in humanity.
A History Of Kindness And Reconciliation
Founded in 1895 after Mary and Nathaniel Coe renamed “Dog River” after the glacial stream that spills off nearby Mount Hood, the settlement quickly became an important supply hub for riverboat captains and loggers. Its small-town sense of community deepened after the Second World War, when residents ultimately reversed the shameful removal of the names of Japanese American soldiers from county honor rolls.
This kind act was to set a precedent for post-war reconciliation across Oregon as well as the neighboring Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Idaho. It's a lesson in decency and neighborliness that continues to endure. In fact, since 1977, Hood River has maintained a thriving sister-city program with Tsuruta in Japan, complete with student exchanges and joint cherry-tree planting rituals.
Today, the town’s welcome mat is as broad as the Columbia Gorge itself. Hood River Waterfront Park, a six-acre green space boasting what is undoubtedly the best playground view in Oregon, draws picnickers and beginner windsurfers from Portland and beyond. A mile to the west, the 4-star Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa still welcomes guests with a jar of house-made cherry jam, just as it did when it welcomed motorists on the new Scenic Highway over a century ago.
Festivals, Fun, and Friendship
There’s no better time to sample local hospitality than during one of Hood River’s many community events. One of the best, the Hood River Valley Blossom Festival, takes place in spring when 15,000 acres of pear, cherry, and apple orchards burst into life. It’s a colorful display of blossoms that encourages slow scenic drives, with plenty of opportunities to stop and sample local produce at the farm stands that pop up along the 35-mile (and wonderfully named) Fruit Loop tour.
Come September, the Hood River Hops Fest is the star of the community calendar. During this much-anticipated event, more than 40 fresh-hop brews are poured for eager craft beer fans strolling Portway Avenue. Two weeks later, and it’s the turn of the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest. This family-friendly occasion sees the town’s waterfront fill with 120 craft vendors and farmers participating in the 1,000-pound pumpkin weigh-off.
There’s always something going on in Jackson Park, too. This 2.5-acre green space is the scene of a free Concerts in the Park program every Wednesday in July and features an eclectic mix of music styles from local Taiko drummers to folk trios and all stops in between. Indoor entertainment can be had at the Columbia Center for the Arts, a great facility that stages local plays and monthly open-mic poetry and storytelling slams.
Mount Hood’s Friendliest Attractions
The Mount Hood Railroad, laid in 1906 to haul timber, now runs a 22-mile scenic excursion to Parkdale. In addition to its superb scenic rail trips, helpful railroad staff can also set you up with e-bike rentals and fun two-person railbikes for a pedal along this historic route. Just a short walk from the station, the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge (aka, The Hood River Bridge) was built in 1924 and is a popular spot to grab some photos at sunrise.
If you enjoy an early morning stroll, you can take in the bridge by following the Hood River Waterfront Trail from Waterfront Park. This nearly three mile long paved trail links the bridge to The Hook, a protected cove where you can participate in activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The History Museum of Hood River County is also worth a visit, its friendly volunteers quick to assist with anything you might want to know about the town and its surrounds (they also offer guided tours). In addition to displays of old photos and paintings by area artists, visiting exhibits are also regularly held, and the group frequently leads walking tours of Hood River’s historic downtown.
Local Businesses Offer A Warm Welcome
Stopping at a Hood River brewery is an excellent way to break the ice and get to know the locals. Favorites include Full Sail Brewing, a brew pub established in 1987 in the early days of the USA’s craft beer revival. Time your visit right and you might be lucky enough to nab a just-ready new brew to go with that tasty pub grub. pFriem Family Brewers is another good bet for a warm welcome and a cold brew. Founded in 2012, it features a tasting room where you can learn more about their beers before pairing them with some wholesome food from their kitchen.
The Waucoma Bookstore is another welcoming business in town. Selling books since 1976, you’ll want to check out the staff’s local recommendations. And don’t be shy to ask for more info about their favorite reads - they’re well known for their knowledge and friendly rapport. Regular book signings and author readings are great times to visit. Nearby Mike’s Ice Cream is a quirky spot for a tasty treat, with popular scoops including Hood River cherry sorbet, a signature since this family business opened in 1986.
If you can make an overnight stay of your visit, the town’s lodging scene definitely mirrors its community-minded ethos. The Hood River Hotel is a great option and features vintage-style rooms right on Oak Street in the heart of the downtown action. The cliff-top Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa is another superb option and has been offering exceptional hospitality since 1921. With just 40 guest rooms set on a sprawling 25 acres of landscaped grounds, it’s not only welcoming but also very relaxing.
The Bottom Line
It’s one thing to take our word for just how friendly a place Hood River is. But when you find out that the townsfolk have nurtured strong friendships with communities across the globe and also have a long-established precedent for empathy and understanding for others, well, that speaks volumes. In short, the residents of Hood River deserve their title of the friendliest small town in the Pacific Northwest because hospitality and a warm welcome come naturally to the townsfolk here.
