Adventures in Hood River, Oregon

I had been looking forward to our trip to Oregon for months. When we finally landed after a quick hour and a half plane ride I couldn't wait to start exploring this beautiful new state! Chris had been to Portland before but neither of us had been to Hood River, which is where most of our adventures took place.

We rented an stunning little A-frame white cabin from Dawn on Air BnB. It's located in the heart of The Fruit Loop, 20 minutes South of downtown Hood River and 30 minutes from beautiful locations like Trillium Lake. It was even more picturesque in person. What you can't see from the Air BnB listing is the small vineyard growing on the right and darling little tree swings on the left. The home was beautifully decorated in a simplistic style. The guesthouse has everything you need for a comfortable stay including a fireplace. Oh, and did I mention it had a stunning view of Mt. Adams?

Dawn was amazingly thoughtful and informative. The cabin had an entire guest book dedicated to things to do in the area including our new, never go to The Gorge without it guidebook: The Curious Gorge. If you intend on hiking and exploring the Columbia Rive Gorge area, please check out this book! It gives quick synopsis information about hikes you won't see online or on apps like Hiking Project (yet) Most of the hikes we went on below came from this guide:

Curious George, Hiking The Gorge and Surrounding Areas

AirBnB

Even the woodshed was adorable!

So quiet and peaceful. Just the sound of birds and your feet grazing blades of grass. Can I go back now? Sigh.

Farmhouse in The Fruit Loop, Hood River Oregon

Driving to and from our cottage through the Fruit Loop seemed like a farm land fairy tail. There were many beautiful barns along this stretch of road. This was my favorite.

Ah, Mount Hood. I don't know how local's get over its presence. Just look at it!

Hood River

This little city is a mecca for outdoor sports, locally made arts, and most importantly, craft beer. When you walk down the streets of Hood River the entire area is enveloped with the aroma of brewing hops! Just follow the scent and it will lead you to the freshly brew. That's what we did and ended up here: Double Mountain Brewery

Definitely start with a tasting sampler. At two dollars a sample, you might as well try five! My suggestion is to follow with one of their mouth watering pizzas. My favorite: The Truffle Shuffle (vegetarian friendly)

Double Mountain Brewery samplers

If you're thirsty to keep tasting (Or in the mood the next day like we were) Try Pfriem Family Brewery. Their bar is located in the actual brew hall. The building is located right near the water front with a children's climbing gym across the street. The adventure starts at a young age here!

If you try Pfriem's beer sampler, they have a delicious vegetarian burger to pair with as well.

PFriem Family Brewery

Panorama Point, Hood River

I can't get enough of Mount Hood! Our first night we drove straight to Trillium Lake for a romantic Sunset. A momma and her baby ducklings kept us company through sundown.

If you come here to photograph at Sunset, there is a five dollar day use fee. Don't forget to bring a little cash.

Tillium Lake

The next day we picked up our guidebook, The Curious Gorge, pointed to a location and off we went. Little did we know the reward after a rather easy hike was this:

Elowah Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge

Starvation Ridge Trail

Lancaster Falls, Mount Defiance Trail

Starvation Creek Trail, now this is where it gets tricky. Hikers beware before hiking this trail, make yourselves familiar with the look of poison oak. It was everywhere! Thank goodness Chris knew what it looked like, I'm sure he saved me a bath in oats a time or two. The vantage point below is spectacular but it is a hop, skip, and a jump to get to. Poison oak everywhere!

View from Starvation Ridge Trail

Starvation Ridge Trail

Oneonta Gorge

I may have saved our most adventurous hike for last, exploring the Oneonta Gorge. From photographs I'd seen online, I knew there was going to be water so we came prepared with our wet suit booties. I strongly encourage anyone who is hiking Oneonta to bring them. The rocks can be uneven and slippery. Proper footwear is a must.

Other items I wish I'd brought:

1. bathingsuit

2. drybag - A must for an expensive camera

3. towel

The water is frigid even in the summer and at a certain point before you reach the falls becomes chest height. Be prepared to carry your backpack above your heads or leave it behind with a friend.

Oneonta Gorge

Oregon Lavender Farms

For my birthday, Chris accompanied me to a couple of Lavender Farms! These farms have been a dream of mine for months now and we planned our trip around Oregon's annual lavender festival so we could visit a few of the private ones.

Things to bring for the visit:

1. Antihistamine. If you get there and find out you have a bit of an allergy, you'll definitely be glad you had some with you!

2. Cover up. There are thousands of honey bees working the lavender. We came to the conclusion that they must be drunk on nectar because they certainly didn't bother us. I'd wear long pants just as a precaution.

3. Cash - Most of the farms had cash u-pick lavender options. a zip tie full for five dollars.

Photographers: Oregon Lavender Farm holds two events in June right before their Lavender Festival. Sunrise and Sunset sessions. The farms are closed to the public at this time normally. Call ahead and request to be included!