Hood River is a must-visit for any tourist to the region. The winds here make for some of the best windsurfing in the world, and during the middle of the day (when the waves are at their best), you will see many surfers on the water riding the waves.

Another of Hood River's excellent attractions is its vast expanse of farmland. Many farmers are clinging stubbornly to their agricultural traditions, producing crops of pears, apples and other fresh produce every year. Many vineyards overlooking the valley produce their own wines and liqueurs. To see these attractions during the summer, use the Mount Hood Railroad, which utilizes cars from around 1910 and diesel locomotives to transport passengers between Mount Hood and the Columbia River. To get your hands on some of that fresh, local produce, visit one of the following:

Hood River Lavender Farms: 3801 Straight Hill Road. Phone: 541-386-9100
Neal Creek Orchard and Gardens: 3716 Neal Creek Road. Phone: 541-354-1145.
Rasmussen Farms: 3020 Thomsen Road. Phone: 541-386-4622.
Apple Valley Country Store: 2363 Tucker Road. Phone: 541-386-1971.

A 35-mile looped drive along Highway 35, affectionately known as the Fruit Loop, will take you past many of these farms.