Hood River over Memorial Day

I%26#39;m going to be spending Memorial Day weekend in Hood River with my best guy friend. We%26#39;ve got a few things in mind...but nothing set in stone.

We want to do some hiking around the falls. We%26#39;d like to hit at least one vineyard (and maybe some wine bars in town...). He also knows a pilot that has offered to take us up in a plane.

So looking for some tips for scenic hikes along the falls...(nothing too crazy as far as difficulty), recommended vineyard tours and any other ';can%26#39;t miss'; Hood River things.

Also, I%26#39;m taking a Red Eye back on Monday night...so we were thinking of hanging out in Portland until my flight. Any suggestions? Remember I%26#39;m with a guy and Japanese Gardens aren%26#39;t really his thing. :) And we%26#39;ll probably be in the city from about 1 until 7...

THANKS!!

Hood River over Memorial Day

My guess is you would be looking to do the historic highway, which passes right through the waterfall area, but from east to west, rather than the normal west to east route. Since you will be here over the holiday weekend, if the weather is anything close to decent, expect crowds and get an early start.

http://www.crgva.org/

Most of the halls are a pretty easy hike.

http://friendsofmultnomahfalls.org/maps.html

Since you will be staying in Hood River, you might also be interested in checking out Rowena Crest.

nature.org/wherewework/鈥rt6809.html

There are several wineries along the fruit loop that you might find worth checking out.

nature.org/wherewework/鈥rt6809.html

You also might be interested in crossing the river to the Washington side and checking out Maryhill Winery and maybe driving as far east as the stonehenge replica.

http://www.maryhillwinery.com/

www.legendsofamerica.com/WA-Stonehenge.html

Hopefully someone else can help to provide some information about wine bars and such in Hood River, as I don%26#39;t have much experience with that.

Hood River over Memorial Day

Thanks Mahjerle! I%26#39;m really looking forward to the trip and apperciate the tips. I hope the weather holds out!!

My best friend lives in Hood River so I go out there all the time for short get-aways.

There are so many waterfalls that it really is a must to drive a scenic highway toward Multnomah Falls.

The old Mosier Highway is now a walking/biking/blading road closed to traffic. The wildflowers along this trail are beautiful as are the views from certain points. You can walk all the way through the tunnel to an overlook and then head back. I love this hike and it is quite easy although long.

Not too far from Hood River is the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery. There are some sturgeon ponds where you can view these prehistoric fish up close. You will be able to watch the salmon climbing the fish ladder, which is really cool. I remember going there as a kid and I still enjoy it as an adult.

Spend some time watching the wind surfers and kiters at Event Park. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine or a 6 pack. Great photo ops here, too!

Phleps Creek Vineyard is a great place to stop for this weekend but try to get there early as it is popular. The small tasting room is in the middle of a golf course but on special event weekends, the owner, Bob, opens up his house to wine tasting. You head way up on the hill in a van and you can take a hay ride through the vineyard. Bob talks about the vines and the history of the vineyard. Then they have a really nice spread of food and you can enjoy your tastings from the deck of the house with a beautiful view over the valley. Can%26#39;t beat this for $10! I love the Hellfire and the Brimstone wine!

www.phelpscreekvineyards.com/events.html

If you want to cross over the bridge into Washington State, I highly recommend Syncline Winery. They have some incredible wines and it is a nice, casual tasting room, as are most of the tasting rooms in The Gorge.

http://www.synclinewine.com/

If you want to try some great oregon microbrews, head into town and have lunch or dinner as Double Mountain Brewery. They have great food and HUGE portions so your guy friend should love this! My favorite beer there is the Hop Lava. It is really hoppy so maybe too heavy for someone from Iowa. The Pale might be more mild and to your liking.

If you want some great sushi, try Kaze Sushi. It is new to Hood River but Hakatoman in Portland has been one of my favorite places for many years. No website but reviews here:

urbanspoon.com/r/鈥aze-Hood-River

Enjoy your trip!

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