If you’re headed to the Columbia River Gorge this summer, the Oregon Fruit Loop belongs at the top of your list of things to do. This scenic 35-mile driving route winds through the Hood River Valley, delivering a flavorful mix of fruit farms, orchards, wildflower views, wineries, breweries, and small-town charm. The Hood River Fruit Loop is all about slowing down and enjoying what the land has to offer.
Along the way, you’ll find farm stands piled high with freshly picked cherries, blueberries, peaches, and pears, depending on the season, plus places to sip cider, taste local wines, or grab a handmade pie for the road. The beauty of the Fruit Loop Oregon experience is about far more than the flavors you’ll find here, though. It’s truly about connecting authentically with this area and experiencing the rich agricultural legacy of this part of the Pacific Northwest.
As you travel down the Oregon Fruit Loop, you’ll enjoy activities like berry-picking and views of Mount Hood, while in the next moment, you’ll be walking through fragrant purple lavender fields and kicking back with a delicious hard cider (or wine) flight. You’ll pass old barns turned into tasting rooms, hear the sounds of kids running through flower patches and orchards, and see people from all walks of life shopping for jams and fresh produce. Beyond the Oregon Fruit Loop, there’s even more to discover, like windsurfing on the Columbia River, hiking waterfall trails, or browsing the shops and restaurants in downtown Hood River.
If you’re asking yourself what to do in Hood River, the answer starts at our elevated cabins in Washington, just across the river from Hood River. These upscale cabins offer an elevated escape in the heart of the Gorge, with private porches, spa tubs, and woodsy views that feel like a reward after a day exploring the Mt Hood Fruit Loop and other nearby attractions. Whether you’re spending the day picking fruit, wine tasting, or hiking nearby trails, our cabins offer a quiet, luxurious place to recharge. Book your summer getaway today!
The Best Stops on the Oregon Fruit Loop
Exploring the Oregon Fruit Loop is more than just a scenic drive. It’s a hands-on way to experience the deep agricultural roots that define the Hood River Valley. Generations of farming families have shaped this region into one of Oregon’s most fruitful destinations, and you’ll see that legacy in every orchard, roadside stand, and bottle of cider or wine.
From cherry trees that have stood for decades to new fields bursting with lavender and blueberries, the Hood River Fruit Loop brings visitors face-to-face with the region’s farm-to-table heritage. Whether you’re picking your own berries or sipping pear wine on a shaded patio, this loop connects you directly with the story of Hood River farms. Below are just a few of our favorite Oregon farms to visit as you travel the Hood River Fruit Loop this summer or fall.
Don’t Miss These Hood River Fruit Loop Farms
- Hood River U-Pick Organic: This family-owned farm is a go-to spot on the Oregon Fruit Loop for summer berry picking. Organic blueberries, cherries, and peaches are the main draw, and you can wander the orchard with a bucket in hand. Grab a pint of just-picked berries or take home a homemade jam. U-pick cherries are estimated for late June this year, while apples will come into season from mid-September to mid-October. They also have a petting zoo with a brand new baby alpaca to love on!
- The Gorge White House: A favorite on the Oregon Fruit Loop for good reason, this stop blends history, food, and drink in a big way. Sample craft hard ciders and wines made from local fruit, then grab a delicious flatbread or sandwich from their seasonal cafe. Don’t miss the U-pick flower field or fruit stand stacked with pears, apples, and stone fruits. They offer a packed season filled with plenty of fruit U-pick opportunities!
- Mt. View Orchards: This working orchard has one of the best views of Mt. Hood anywhere along the Oregon Fruit Loop. Visit in late summer or early fall for apples and pears, and stay for a cider tasting and live music in the garden. They’ll kick off the season in July with cherry-picking opportunities, and the delicious adventures and views continue from there!
- Hood River Lavender Farm: Set against the backdrop of Mount Hood, this fragrant stop is perfect for a mid-loop breather. Walk through blooming lavender fields throughout the month of July and stock up on essential oils or dried bundles. It’s a peaceful sensory experience and a photographer’s dream. Don’t miss a stop at their neighbor, Stave & Stone Wine Estates, where you can enjoy delicious wine flights and small bites for one of the most relaxing afternoons on the Oregon Fruit Loop.
- Packer Orchards: This farm combines a large farm stand with a bakery known for killer cookies, pies, and cider donuts. In the fall, they go all out with pumpkin patches and corn mazes. During summer, grab a box of peaches or try their famous peach habanero jam, and in the spring, visit for some of the most beautiful tulip fields in Oregon!
- Kiyokawa Family Orchards: One of the oldest and largest U-Pick orchards in the valley, this Oregon Fruit Loop stop offers more than 100 varieties of apples and pears. Their U-pick season is especially fun in the fall, and their cider flights are worth trying if they’re available during your visit.
- Fox-Tail Cider & Distillery: For something a little stronger, make time for this small-batch cidery and distillery. Try unique flavors like cherry cider, raspberry vodka, or pear-brandy cocktails. The vibe is laid-back, and the views from the patio are excellent.
Our Cabins in Washington are the Perfect Pairing
Pairing a drive along the Oregon Fruit Loop with a stay at Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins is the perfect way to experience the best of the Columbia River Gorge. Located just across the Bridge of the Gods in Washington, these elevated, adult-focused cabins are close enough to enjoy all the things to do in Hood River, including fruit stands, cider tastings, and mountain views, but far enough away that you’ll feel like you’ve actually left it all behind. After a day exploring the Hood River Fruit Loop, you can kick back on your private porch, soak in a jetted tub, or unwind by the fire while the sun dips behind the trees.
Our luxury cabin getaways in Washington offer something most places to stay in the Columbia River Gorge can’t: the perfect mix of access and escape. You’re minutes from scenic drives, Hood River farms, and top hiking trails, but tucked away in a quiet spot that feels private and peaceful. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind, featuring a range of amenities, including luxury linens, spa tubs, cozy fireplaces, and mountain-facing porches. Whether you’re sipping local wine under the stars or starting your day with a fresh, cabin-delivered breakfast, this is the kind of stay that adds depth to your Gorge adventure.
You could spend days exploring the many farms, breweries, wineries, and more along the Mt Hood Fruit Loop, so you may as well stay a while to really connect deeply with the area. Regardless of how you spend your days, nothing beats a relaxing evening under the stars at our cabins near Hood River. It’s a short drive, but it makes all the difference. For couples, solo travelers, or anyone looking to upgrade their Gorge experience, this is hands-down one of the best places to stay near Hood River Valley and a hidden gem among Washington cabins. Book your stay today!
