The Fruit Loop

When in the Hood River [1] area, pick up a map to the Fruit Loop, a 45-mile stretch of meandering highway and back roads that directs area visitors to some of the richest farmland and most breathtaking scenery in the state — along the Hood River with Mount Hood [2] as the backdrop to it all.

Vineyards, orchards, farm stands, and country stores dot the decade-old route that crisscrosses the river, beckoning visitors to picnic, tour, or taste-test the fresh produce.

The route is popular year-round, but folks can sample some of the season’s ripest pears, apples, pumpkins, and gourds September–November; tomatoes, corn, peaches, and herbs abound in August and September; and farm-fresh berries and apricots ripen June–August.

Bike trails follow the routes in some places. Contact the Hood River Chamber of Commerce (www.hoodriver.org [3]) or consult www.hoodriverfruitloop.com [4] for the Fruit Loop map and a list of participating farms and country stores.