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umbrellafallsWaterfalls are a plenty in The Columbia River Gorge. There are over 20! One of the first things we always tell our guests is be sure to stop at all the waterfalls on your trip from the PDX airport. It’s a straight shot once you get onto I-84 from the Portland Airport to Hood River with SO many waterfalls in just a 45 minute drive. If you are  feeling lazy or if it is raining cats and dogs you can just do the drive by route on Highway 30. If you have time or want to get in the true Pacific Northwest spirit and hike some trails these are the ones worth the trek! If you only have time to make it to just one on your drive from the airport, may we suggest the largest of the bunch – Multnomah Falls the typically the main attraction and tallest coming in at a 600 foot fall Standing at the bottom of this guy is sure to knock your socks off when you first land in Oregon! You can take an easy walking path up for a closer view and even get a little spritzer from Oregon’s finest Mt. Hood watershed. Once you arrive in Hood River I have a personal favorite for you to check out – this one does involve hiking, so strap on your boots and find a hiking stick! Drive South on Hwy 35 heading towards Government Camp and Mount Hood approximately 25 – 30 miles from Hood River. Close to 4 miles round trip and well worth it the hike – you can even climb up to the falls and stand under them should you be feeling very adventurous! For a complete list of all of the waterfalls in the area check out Columbia River Gorge Info. They have done an excellent job of compiling all the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls in the area! Happy travels! photo credit to Lewis Taylor

Hood River Oregon is a wonderland for bigs and littles alike! Take a peak at our top 10 things to do in Hood River with kids and start planning your vacation today!

Handpicked Things to Do in Hood River with Kids That Locals Love

  1. Waterfront Park – bang the drums, climb the walls, spin till your sick!
  2. Hiking – there are some excellent hikes for little ones a few of our favorites would be Tamawanas Fall Trail, Lost Lake Loop Trail, and Umbrella Falls Trail are just a few of our favorites.
  3. G. Willikers – just try and get your kids out of here in a hurry! It will not happen so much to see so much to play with so much to do!
  4. Cicci’s Gelato – mmmm.. such a refreshing way to end the day at the waterfront park. If you’re looking for things to do in Hood River with kids that include a treat, this is your safest bet!
  5. Biking the Mosier Twin Tunnels – This is excellent bike as little or as long as you would like, if you are feeling up for it you can actually bike the whole way to the next town over – Mosier! There have been known sightings of bobcats and eagles:)
  6. Mike’s Ice Cream– Always a hit located right downtown in the heart of all the action complete with a fort!
  7. Mount Hood Railroad – There are a few train rides that have proven again and again to be a big hit with the kiddos – Western Robbery Train Ride, Thomas the Train Ride and of course The Polar Express.
  8. Sandbar – This would be my daughter’s favorite – just a day of sand and water play left to your own imagination of whatever you make of it – also within walking of Cicci’s Gelato, Solstice (super kid friendly restaurant) and The Local Grind.
  9. Stand up paddling – Kids can totally do this on a non windy day at The Columbia River or you can head up to Lost Lake – which is just beautiful crystal clear water. You can rent paddle boards at either place.
  10. Movies – Okay so this is not my first choice for Spring, Summer or Fall but sometimes those Winter months a movie could be just the ticket for happiness, we have 2 theaters in little old Hood River… Hood River Cinemas and Andrew’s Skylight Theater and Pub.

Ready to Pack Your Bags?

These things to do in Hood River with kids will keep the whole family entertained! Enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Hood River when you stay in one of our beautiful vacation rentals.