Hood River Fruit Loop

The Fruit Loop gets its name from the driving loop up and down the Hood River Valley that passes several fruit orchards and wineries. The elevation is fairly reasonable with the only steep climb being out of downtown Hood River to what is refered to locally as "the heights". The town of Parkdale is in the middle of the loop and makes for a good lunch stop with several restaurants to choose from.

You may also want to pick up a copy of the Fruit Loop map from one of the downtown businesses or bike shops so you have a list of the potential stops along the way.

The first part of the directions are a little bit more detailed as you head uphill through the town of Hood River.

• Begin at the Hood River Park and Ride. 
• Head into town on East State Street, crossing the bridge over the Hood River. 
• Once you cross the bridge, take the first left on East 2nd Street, then take a left on East Sherman Avenue which becomes Bluff Road as it rounds the corner. 
• Bluff Road becomes East Eugene until you hit East Hazel Avenue. 
• Turn right onto East Hazel Avenue until it runs into Serpentine Road. 
• Serpentine becomes Eugene for short time but follow 4th Street to the left when it veers off of Eugene. 
• Turn right on Montello and follow it for a few blocks until you get to 9th Street. 
• Climb 9th Street until it gets to the top at Marian street and follow 9th as it doglegs to the right. 
• Eventually 9th makes a 90-degree turn, and you will be on Union Street headed west. 
• Cross 12th and 13th Street and Union street becomes Belmont street.
• Follow Belmont Street as it makes a couple of 90 degree turns 
• Once you pass Westside Elementary School on your left, look out for Indian Creek Road on your left. 
• Take the left onto Indian Creek Road and follow it around a couple bends until you pass Hood River High School on your right. Shortly after that you will reach the Busy Highway 281.

The road gets busier but the directions easier from here. Follow highway 281 until you get to Parkdale. I recommend stopping in Parkdale to enjoy lunch at a local eatery or a picnic if you brought your own at the Red Barn park. Apple Valley BBQ is one of my favorites for lunch.

The Apple Valley country store is definitely worth a stop and is located on highway 281 just after you cross the Hood River between the town of Hood River and Parkdale.

Once you're ready to head back, continue on 281 eastbound out of Parkdale. Stay alert as 281 makes a left turn at the intersection with Coopers Spur Road. In a few miles, 281 intersects with 35. Take a left and follow 35 Northbound towards the town of Hood River.

There is a little bit of an uphill climb after you pass the Draper girls Fruit stand on the left. By the way, Draper Girls is a great place to stop for fresh fruit and an outstanding picture of Mount Hood with the fruit trees in the foreground.

I've devised a route that avoids Highway 35 as much as possible as detailed below:

• Before you reach Mount Hood Forest Products on the right, take a right onto Neal creek road.
• Follow Neil Creek Road To Boot Hill Road and take a left.
• Boot Hill takes you again to Highway 35. Turn right.
• Follow Highway 35 North all the way to Fir Mountain Road, and take a right.
• Take a left onto Eastside Road
• Stay on Eastside Road as it dog legs past Van Horn Drive.
• Eventually you'll come upon Panorama Point. Definitely take the side trip to go check out the view of the Hood River Valley from here.
• Continue on Eastside road just a bit longer until you get to Highline Road.
• Take a right on Highline Road and follow it until you get to the old Columbia River Highway.
• Turn left on the old Columbia River Highway and follow it down the serpentine curves until you get back to the park and ride.

If you have some extra energy, you can turn right on the old Columbia River Highway and follow it through the historic park and eventually through the Mosier tunnels all the way to the town of Mosier.

Some of my favorite stopping points along or near the loop are:

• Full Sail Brewery (Beer. Burgers, and Salads)
• Apple Valley Country Store (Ice Cream and Pie)
• Apple Valley Barbecue (BBQ)
• Draper Girls Fruit Stand (Fruit)
• The Gorge White House (Wine and Cidery)