Explore the Gorge
Hood River & Beyond
Why Hood River?
A note from the bride
We are overwhelmingly excited for you to join us in Hood River, a place that feels like the perfect combination of me and Ryan. Plenty of trees, plenty of rocks to climb, plenty of beer, and plenty of fresh air. I am named after a river in Oregon, so it’s only fitting that we’re getting married next to one.
A persistent proximity to a body of water is core to our family values. My brother and sister-in-law are prolific fishing guides in the Columbia Gorge, spending most of their time on the same river that will serve as the backdrop to our day. We are simply river people. It’s in Mitchell’s blood.
Every summer, my parents would drive us to camp and fish alongside the Klickitat and the Columbia. My best summer memories are colored by the image of my dad sliding the Jimmy Buffet cassette into the dash as we climbed up the narrow hillside before settling into our campsite. We’d sleep in a camp trailer from the 70s appropriately named “the Prowler.” I’d sleep in the top bunk and read books my mom picked up from the library the week prior.
In the morning, my dad and brother would sneak off to go fishing and I’d pick sweetpeas and foxglove on the river bed. Some mornings I’d tag along in the boat, gripping tightly to the seat as we went over rapids, probably talking too loud for productive fishing, biding time until Dad took us to the convenience store to buy an ice cream sandwich and a strawberry shortcake pop. We’d spend the evening eating the grilled steelhead caught that day alongside corn on the cob and finish it all off with German chocolate cake, my dad's birthday tradition. We’d return from the river red-cheeked from the sun with full coolers and dirty feet. This was our Disneyland, our escape, or wild cathedral.
Decades later I still yearn for the freedom of those summers. Still feel the most calm next to those same rivers I splashed around in. When we toured the Griffin House the first time, we knew immediately it was the only place we could picture bringing our loved ones from all corners of the world.
The Columbia Gorge is deeply embedded into the fabric of my family. I’m overjoyed to share the magic and unbridled charm of the area with all of our friends and loved ones. Hood River is somehow simultaneously sleepy and alive. Grab a beer, catch a wave, catch a fish. We’re so damn excited to show you around one of our favorite places.
xoxo,
McKenzie
To Eat, Drink & Do
Our Suggestions
We chose Hood River as our wedding weekend destination because of the breadth of options for activities for our guests. Whether it’s wine touring, brewery hopping, windsurfing, or early morning fishing, the Gorge has it all. Hood River is a bit of a sleepy town, meaning most shops and restaurants open up a little later on the weekend.
The map dot represents the Griffin House. White Salmon, Mosier, and Bingen also have loads of breweries, bakeries, and fruit stands worth visiting.
As we get closer to the day, we will link all of the relevant destinations and our favorite spots at the map below.
What to Do
Activities in and around Hood River
In mid-September the sun and heat from the summer should still be lingering while the first signs of fall start to appear. Mornings and evenings will be chilly and afternoons, if we’re lucky, should be sun-drenched and a bit windy. The water should still be warm enough for river rafting, paddleboarding, and wind surfing.
The orchards that line the road up to Mt. Hood will be freshly harvested, making it the best time of year to experience the Hood River Fruit Loop, a stretch of 30 fruit stands, wineries and breweries in the Hood River Valley. If you’re looking to extend your trip up to Grateful Vineyards for welcome drinks, the vineyard is on the Fruit Loop, so you should have plenty of other little shops to stop at.
All that to say, there’s a hell of a lot to do in September! Our suggestions are below.
PADDLE, KAYAK, SURF
A natural wind tunnel, the Gorge is an international destination for windsurfers, hang gliders, and more. We’ve rented paddle boards from this link and spent a few hours paddling around the spit. You can also take out kayaks!
HIKE
The Columbia River Gorge features world-class trails for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a chance to sweat. Here is a list of suggested spots!
FISH
Brad and Craig (Father and Brother of the Bride) have both offered to take out groups of 4 and 6 fishing on Friday morning (Craig and Brad) and Saturday ( morning (just Brad). You’ll need to drive to Stevenson (about 30 min from Hood River on the Washington side) to meet the boats. Please reach out directly to McKenzie if you’re interested and she will connect you!
Where to Eat
Our favorite spots to grab a bite or a beer
We’ve spent a good amount of time in Hood River throughout the planning process and have had the chance to try out many cafes, restaurants, breweries and bars. Despite it’s smaller size, the town is home to many gems!
OUR FAVORITES
BBQ
GRASSLANDS BBQ
If you follow one of our suggestions, let it be this one! Grasslands BBQ is a food truck and smoker stationed in the lawn across from Ferment Brewing, providing the perfect opportunity to grab beers to pair with some of the best BBQ the West Coast has to offer. The owners are from Texas and Oklahoma originally and specialize in brisket, burnt ends, and smoked sausages. They sell out quick and are only open until they run out. Get it while you can!
LUNCH/DINNER
KICKSTAND COFFEE
While we’ve never actually had their coffee, we’ve stopped in at Kickstand many times for lunch and it has never disapointed. Great burgers. Great salads. Good beer.
If you are hungry post welcome party, this would be a great spot to grab a bite after you descend from the vineyard.
SOLSTICE PIZZA
Solstice is on the same strip as Ferment and Pfriem, making it the perfect spot after brewery hopping. We love their wood-fired pizzas (they have a GF option) and their crispy brussels!
COFFEE
Cafe Doppio
Cutie cafe with breakfast sammies, pastries, coffees, etc. A great spot to stop on a morning walk! It’s right in the middle of downtown and near some of our favorite shops.
SWEET TREATS
Mike’s Ice Cream
There’s an adorable ice cream shop (pictured above!) that is run out of what looks like a house and serves seasonal flavors like Marionberry, pumpkin, and pistachio. They only take cash! There’s a little park across the street you can stop and eat at with a view of the river. Ryan recommends the salted caramel.
Drink Up
Drink Up
Breweries and wineries abound in Hood River! We love Ferment and Pfriem which are on the same, centrally located strip. Keep in mind many Hood River bars close down early! Whiskey Tango is your best bet for late night as they stay open until 1 a.m. Check out the links below for lists of breweries, wineries, and bars! (Oak Street Pub pictured).