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Food – Drinks – Fruit Stands – My Favorite stops – FAQs
Located just outside of Hood River (about an hour East of Portland via i-84) sits a beautiful drive, jam packed with local farms, wineries, fruit stands, bakeries, and views of Mt. Hood. It’s an amazing day trip (I’m talkin’ allll day) or a perfect way to spend a weekend doing something a little out of the ordinary that also happens to get you close to nature and fills your belly with goodness. (Does it even get much better than that?!)
The Hood River Fruit Loop started out as a way to promote sustainable agriculture in the area and has only grown in size and impact. The Fruit Loop continues to acheive its goal of educating people on the importance of growing organically, eating naturally, and supporting local farmers and businesses.
Whether you’re in it for the views, the drinks, the fruit or the experience, you will not be disappointed. The Fruit Loop boasts dozens of wineries, ciderys, flower fields, mountain views, veggie stands, orchards and more! I’ve compiled some of my favorite stops to help you along your way.
Best food stops:
Phelps Creek has a fantastic charcuterie board. But be aware that on the map, it looks like this stop might have a river view. It doesn’t and it’s right off of the road, so not as peaceful as some of the other stops.
Hood Crest has woodfired pizza made with local ingredients.
Mt. View Cider has delicious pizza, but the only way to order is size large and in a meal package including two drinks. It will cost you $40, is kind of a lot if you are solo, but is great for a couple or family. Even if you’re not hungry, this is worth a stop to check out the small produce stand and enjoy the view!
Best stops for drinks:
Grateful Vinyards and Mt. View Cider are the same stop and they offer a wide range of wines and ciders.
Fox Tail Cider (the same stop as Smiley’s Red Barn) offers both ciders and cocktails.
Stave & Stone Winery has affordable wine flights and a great appitizer options.
Stops with fruit stands:
Most of the stops along the loop have some sort of fruit stand filled with fruit picked from their own orchards. Smiley’s Red Barn has a huge selection and Packer’s offers fruits, veggies and seasonal activities for the whole family.
PRO TIP: Keep your eye out for small, handmade signs of farms and vinyards that may not be on the map, like Hilda’s U-Pick and Poodle Family Farm.
My favorite stops:
Draper Girls. This was my favorite stop along the way because it was a little less crowded, has cider samples, a handmade swing with a view of the mountain, goats, a massive orchard to roam and lots of homemade jams and goodies inside their small shop.
Stave & Stone Winery. Beautiful outdoor seating area with an amazing view and delicious charceutterie board. You absolutely can’t go wrong stopping here!
FAQs:
How long does it take? -This is an all day trip. I was on the loop for about 6 hours & didn’t hit every stop before they closed. You can also make a weekend out of it by camping or staying in Hood River overnight.
What time does it close? -Each stop has it’s own hours, but most of them are open from 11am to around 5 or 6pm.
What do I need to bring? Make sure you: ✔️have gas in your tank,
✔️Water bottles and snacks (other than fruit-you will have ample access to that along the way, but may get hungry before you find a food stop),
✔️A camera to capture your experience and the views,
✔️Sunglasses and a smile!
When is the best time to go: You can drive the loop prettymuch year round and will come across amazing sights no matter the month. However, Spring and Summer offer the best opportunity for picking & sampling fruit and clear days provide the best views.
Can I bring my dog? -Each of the stops have their own rules regaurding pets, so it’s best to check directly with them. But most do not allow dogs as they are working farms and often have their own animals roaming the property. I suggest leaving fido home for this one so he’s not stuck in the car.
