Hood River County is known for its unusual mix of geology and climate-with Cascade Locks on the western edge of the county sitting at just 60 feet above sea level, contrasted with county’s south boarder which soars to the 11,235 foot summit of Mt. Hood-Oregon’s tallest peak. Hood River County lies in the middle of the transition zone between the moist rain forest climate of Cascade Locks and the arid desert air of The Dalles. The steep walls of the Columbia River Gorge, coupled with a rapid average temperature change along this corridor, force strong winds to blow year-round through Hood River and give it the legitimate claim to being the windsurfing capital of the world.

Our Four Seasons

Summer brings full-on sunshine and wind-perfect for a myriad of outdoor sports and activities like kiteboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, fishing, boating, sailing, and more. Autumn in Hood River is a splendor of color, with bountiful harvests from the orchards in the valley-an ideal time to come enjoy the Fruit Loop and local wineries. Winter is mild with plenty of snowfall up at Mt. Hood. Within a thirty minute drive you can experience downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and other outdoor sports in snow-or just curl up with a good book and a glass of local wine and one of our outstanding lodging establishments. Spring brings blossoms-lots and lots of cherry, apple, peach, plum, and pear blossoms-so many that we have a special festival just to celebrate them. Light spring rains help the rivers fill up and then it’s time for kayakers to hit the water, while mountain bikers head to the biking trails for some world-class riding.

In Hood River County we are always in season.

Additional Links:

http://hoodriverweather.info/

www.2ndwind-sports.com/(Chamber Member)