The Fruit Loop in Hood River, Oregon is a family-friendly scenic drive that showcases the lush orchards, vineyards, and farms of the Hood River Valley. This 35 mile drive takes you through the heart of the region’s agricultural industry, providing a unique opportunity to sample the area’s fresh produce and learn about the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Where is the Hood River Fruit Loop…
The Fruit Loop begins in the town of Hood River, located about an hour and a half from Portland, and winds its way through the rolling hills and fields of the valley. As you drive, you’ll encounter numerous fruit stands, wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants, each offering its own unique take on the local cuisine. Get the Fruit Loop Map here.
One of the highlights of the Fruit Loop is the opportunity to sample the region’s famous apples, pears, and cherries, as well as other fruits like peaches, nectarines, and berries. Many of the stands along the loop offer samples of their fruit, allowing visitors to taste the difference between different varieties and determine their own personal favorites. Our kids love trying the different fruits and hands-on opportunities to pick their perfect apples, berries and even flowers!
In addition to fresh fruit, the Fruit Loop also features several wineries and vineyards that specialize in producing high-quality wines made from local grapes. Many of these locations offer outdoor activities like picnicking, play structures, and/or hiking paths to explore making even a winery visit suitable for the whole family.
Best Time to Visit the Fruit Loop…
The best time to visit the Hood River Fruit Loop depends on what you hope to see and do while you’re there. However, here are a few general guidelines to help you plan your visit:
- Summer (June-September): This is the peak season for fresh fruit and vegetables, and the orchards and fruit stands are overflowing with ripe produce. It’s also a great time to visit the wineries, as many of them have outdoor tasting areas and picnic spots where you can enjoy the warm weather and scenic views.
- Fall (October-November): This is the perfect time to visit the Hood River Fruit Loop if you’re looking to see the fall colors and enjoy cooler weather. The apple orchards are especially beautiful in the fall, as the trees are ablaze with red, yellow, and orange leaves. It’s also a great time to try some of the region’s famous apples, as well as hard cider and other autumnal treats.
- Spring (April-May): This is a great time to visit the Hood River Fruit Loop if you’re interested in seeing the blooms of the fruit trees and the surrounding flowers. The fruit stands are starting to open up for the season, and the wineries are usually hosting events and tastings.
Our Top 5 Must see stops…
Packer Orchards & Bakery:
Our kid’s favorite stop on the Hood River Fruit Loop is Packer Orchards & Bakery: This family-owned orchard offers fresh fruit, baked goods, and cider as well as a variety of fun activities, including a playground, petting zoo, and U-pick fruit fields. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, take a scenic hike, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In the fall time Packer Orchards is a great place for Pumpkin Patch activities and Cider Donuts!
The Gorge Whitehouse fruit stand and winery:
My personal favorite is The Gorge Whitehouse fruit stand and winery. The Gorge Whitehouse offers something for everyone. The spacious grounds include a large lawn, gardens to explore (wine or hard cider in hand), Farm Fresh Food Cart, Mountain Views, and photo opportunities at every turn. The Gorge White house has also been converted into a bed and breakfast. If you are visiting hood river or the Columbia River Gorge for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or simply a chance to get away the Gorge White house is the perfect place to call home during your stay.
Mt View Orchards:
The name says it all “Mt. View” If for no other reason this is a view worth stopping for, The view of Mt. Hood is spectacular, and the photos just don’t do it justice! At Mt. View Orchard, visitors can pick their own fruit, including cherries, peaches, apples, and berries, depending on the season. The orchard is known for its high-quality fruit and its commitment to sustainable agriculture, and visitors can learn about the farm’s growing methods and techniques on guided tours of the property. There is a farm store, picnic area and a playground for families with children. Be sure to go visit Carlos the Steer, he is worth it!
Stop in at the winery as well, Greateful Vineyards. Reservations are required for wine tasting but the open meadow with picnic tables does not require a reservation. Purchase a bottle, pint or glass and snuggle up with amazing views next to a fire on chilly days. Guest of all ages and four legged friends are welcome!
Apple Valley country store:
Whether you’re a foodie, or simply looking for a unique and authentic experience, the Apple Valley Country Store is the perfect place to visit in Hood River, Oregon. Known for their Syrups, Jams and Fruit Based Pastries sourced from locally grown Hood river produce. Apple valley also has month long celebrations. July stop in for cherry celebration – and you will be delighted with cherry milkshakes, cherry pies, cherry Scones and more. August is the summer fruit celebration, caramel apple hand pies, berry cobblers and don’t even get me started on huckleberry. Huckleberry milkshakes and huckleberry cinnamon Rolls are a favorite! September and August celebrates fall harvest where you are sure to find Apple Valley’s famous pear dumplings along with pumpkin cinnamon rolls, cobblers and crisps. Don’t miss out on this great stop!
Pearl’s place fruit stand:
Stop #1 on the Fruit loop is Pearl’s. I think what I love about Pearl’s is that is the first stop we ever made on the fruit loop and feels like the best place to begin the journey. I can still hear the laughter of our kids running through the orchard trying to find the perfect apple! We now always plan our first stop at Pearl’s where the kids take a quick ride on rope swing, and explore the orchards for their first piece of fruit! This fruit stand sets the stage for our fruit loop journey. Be sure to grab a bag of Juanita’s chips for the road – sold in the fruit stand!
There are several options to take in the Hood river Fruit Loop’s stunning scenery. If biking this three mile loop sounds exciting, guided tours and adventures are available include e-bike tours, and e-bike rentals. Experience the fruit loop to its fullest!
The Fruit Loop in Hood River, Oregon is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest’s agricultural heritage. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, explorer, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful scenery, the Fruit Loop is sure to leave a lasting impression. So make sure to add it to your itinerary the next time you’re in Columbia River Gorge.
Be sure to check out of post and free printable “Ultimate Packing list” and Top 10 ways to keep kids entertained on a road trip!
Let us know if you have been to the Hood River Fruit Loop, did you love it? Do you have a favorite stop? Let us know in the comments below.