Just north of downtown Sandy, the Jonsrud Viewpoint looks out across the expansive Sandy River Valley. Mountain bikers now gather here too, thanks to a growing network of trails on federal lands at Sandy Ridge Trail System, about 11 miles/17.7 kilometers east of town. If you prefer casting to watching, several fishing guides operate out of nearby Sandy. The Cascade Streamwatch window built into the bank gives a glimpse at the underwater life thriving in a tributary of this designated Wild and Scenic River. Past Welches, the Wildwood Recreation Site is a great place to learn about Oregon’s environment, with interpretive trails along a wetland boardwalk and the lovely Salmon River. Now it’s a pleasant drive, with resorts, restaurants, hiking trails and other services welcoming visitors to the villages of Rhododendron, Zigzag, Welches and Brightwood. The steep descent was miserable for Oregon Trail travelers, who had to winch their wagons down a chute on the old Barlow Road at Laurel Hill, just past mile marker 51. Zigzag to Sandyįrom Government Camp, it’s downhill all the way to Wood Village. Hood’s summit you can get without crampons and mountaineering skills. Perched at 6,000 feet/1,828 meters, Timberline Lodge and Ski Area offers dining, lodging, easy access to alpine hikes, North America’s longest ski season, and the best view of Mt. From “Govie,” a twisting 6-mile/9.6- kilometer road leads steeply uphill to the majestic Timberline Lodge, a triumph of wood and stone craftsmanship built by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park entertains in the summer with alpine slides, Indy race karts and many other activities. When OR-35 merges with US-26, the byway continues west on US-26 to Government Camp, a busy recreational and cultural hub in the summer and winter, depicted at the Mt. A 1-mile/ 1.6-kilometer path from the nearby Barlow Pass Sno Park traces the wagonwheel ruts. Barlow Pass (elevation 4,155 feet/ 1,266 meters) marks the spot where the Oregon Trail crested the Cascade Mountains in the mid-1800s. Crossing the White River bridge, you’ll get an impressive view of the summit and the desolate, ashen river basin. The byway bends west around the mountain and past the Mt.

Forest Service office on OR-35 can supply trail maps and a permit if you want to explore its array of mountain creeks, alpine lakes and lush wildflower meadows. Hood, the agrarian valley segues into the Mt. Adams - provides a stunning backdrop.Īs the byway climbs toward Mt. No matter what the season, the magnificent valley - bookended by postcard views of Mt. Farm stands and tasting rooms entice you with the region’s bounty of wine, hard cider and just-picked produce.

The Mount Hood Railroad chugs along an old fruit-packing freight line on scenic trips between Hood River and Parkdale.īlooming fruit trees blanket the valley in drifts of pink and white in spring. Pear, cherry and apple trees - and, increasingly, vineyards - checkerboard the valley, along with berry farms, alpaca ranches and hilltop fields of lavender. Fertile volcanic soils, glacial water and a temperate climate have made the valley one of the most prolific fruit-growing regions in the world. Hood River Valleyįrom Hood River, the byway leads south on OR-35 through the broad Hood River Valley along part of the Hood River County Fruit Loop.

A waterfront path links popular launch sites in the port area. Windsurfers and kiteboarders in particular come from all over the world to skim across the Columbia, fueled by the natural wind tunnel formed by the Columbia River Gorge. With plenty of public access to mountains, woods and water, this lively town draws hikers, kayakers, cyclists, paddle-boarders and other outdoor enthusiasts. Long known as a fruit-processing center for the valley’s orchards, today Hood River is equally renowned for recreation. Hood’s glaciers, meets the Columbia River. An hour east of Portland, Hood River enjoys an enviable location where the Hood River, flowing down from Mt.

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