It would be difficult to find a more beautiful drive in almost any season than the bucolic Fruit Loop, a 35-mile, north-south elliptical route that begins and ends in Hood River, Oregon. Besides the scenic, agricultural countryside, travelers can buy freshly picked or you-pick produce and flowers from family farms and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Hood.
On a day in late September, we hit it big.
About a third of the way through The Loop, we rounded a corner and there it was: 11,249 feet of spectacular dormant volcano, still snow-frosted enough for brag-worthy photos. The view of Mount Hood only improved at the Mt. View Orchards & Grateful Vineyard. While a local musician paid tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson, we attacked an artful charcuterie plate, watched families romp against a backdrop of sunflowers, and absorbed the rays of the late afternoon sun.
Because we were flying home, we were limited to what we could eat. Not so for Danielle and Janna McKay and sons Ty and Max, who could carry home bucketsful of apples to their Portland home, 60 miles west. The Fruit Loop is a twice-a-year destination.
“We love the beautiful scenery, the family time we get together and the fresh fruit to take back home with us,” said Danielle, who grew up in Poway. “It’s turned into something we always look forward to.”

The Fruit Loop claims about 30 farms on 14,500 acres that do a brisk business on late summer and autumn weekends, but oddly (and happily), Highway 35 and Route 281 are uncrowded.
Our weekend headquarters was the family-owned Best Western Plus Hood River Inn (lots of amenities; affordably priced), which sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Hood rivers. The inn offers expansive views of the Hood River Bridge (cross it and you are in Washington), and an easy route along the meandering Shoreline Path to Hood River’s picturesque downtown.
Take the 15- to 20-minute walk and chances are you’ll see kiteboarders, kitesurfers, windsurfers and crazy people who fly what looks like motorized paragliders. Air pressure differences and the collision of hot and cool air on this the stretch of the Columbia River make conditions ideal for these daredevil pursuits, and hotel guests get front-row seats.
Also along the Shoreline Path: The History Museum of Hood River County, small but densely packed with artifacts, photos and exhibits that tell stories of the area’s diverse inhabitants and industries. Look for the giant, exterior paddlewheel.
Ten minutes from downtown: The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum and its 400-plus collection of still-operating cars, airplanes, gliders, tractors and motorcycles dating from the early 20th century and cultural artifacts from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.

The day we visited, the sound of Model T engines reverberated across the expansive lawn as guests got driving lessons in Model T’s. And a friendly docent allowed me to take a behind-the-ropes photo with an AT-6, the single-engine aircraft that my mother, as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), trained on during World War II.
Though Hood River’s population barely tops 8,400, the fare at numerous eateries and wineries is varied and creatively delicious. All offer gluten-free and vegetarian options:
- Love & Hominy — Tacos unlike anything you know feature the exotic flavors of Vietnam, Hawaii, Thailand and Korea. Tex-Mex, too, and poke bowls.
- Evoke Winery — Take a break in the downtown tasting room with the charcuterie plate and flights that rotate seasonally. Plenty of people-watching from the dog-friendly patio.
- Celilo — Muted-elegance setting in the heart of downtown where smoked salmon ravioli reigns supreme. Menus vary with the season and availability of local produce, meat and fish.
- Broder Øst — The traditional Scandinavian breakfast will keep you fueled all day. Musts: Danish pancakes (aebleskivers) and seasonal fritters.
- Riverside at Best Western Plus Hood River Inn – Stunning view of Columbia Gorge with food to match. Chef Mark DeRosa works magic with braised short loin and vongole pasta with clams and white wine sauce.
- Wy’East Vineyards — Named for the indigenous name for Mount Hood, sip offerings from this family farm from a shaded patio overlooking grazing rescued llamas. Bocce court available.
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