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    Urban Bliss Life » Travel » Oregon Travel Ideas » Portland to Hood River: Driving the Historic Columbia River Gorge

    Published: May 28, 2013 / Updated: April 28, 2023 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Portland to Hood River: Driving the Historic Columbia River Gorge

    7 shares

    One of the most beautiful drives in the world (yes, the whole world!) is along the Columbia River Gorge from Portland to Hood River. Recently, a group of friends and I were road tripping to Tri-Cities, Washington for a wine country weekend (more posts on that to come soon) and enjoyed this gorgeous scenic drive from the comfort of a 2013 Mazda CX-9 (courtesy of Drive STI; read my car review here).

    Most exits along the I-84 Columbia River Gorge route either take you into beautiful wilderness camping areas or lovely small towns that slow your pace with a slice of classic Americana.

    restaurant sign
    large silos

    One of the largest towns along the I-84 Columbia River Gorge corridor that you'll want to stop in is Hood River. Home to a growing number of breweries and vineyards, Hood River is also home to many cute local shops full of handmade, artisan products and artwork, as well as impressive restaurants and cafes.

    Pfriem Brewers

    We stopped at Pfriem Family Brewers, located in a new development along the Hood River Waterfront.

    Portland to Hood River: prfiem brewing logo

    The Pfriem brewery itself is stunning. I'm kicking myself for not taking more photos of the space: high ceilings, rustic yet modern lighting, gorgeous traditional Pacific Northwest wooden tables, benches, and chairs. Don't forget to look up, or you'll miss the wooden train tracks that go around the perimeter of the dining area toward the ceiling.

    prfiem brewing beer

    Pfriem currently brews five different artisanal, Belgian-style beers, from an IPA to their Belgian Strong Dark.

    I enjoyed a delightfully crisp Strong Blonde with my lunch. Pfriem has a decent menu for a new, small brewery. It was nice to see their food selection match their overall aesthetic & style: comfortable, yet creative, artisan, above the traditional. I enjoyed what is one of the best mac & cheese dishes I have ever tasted.

    Portland to Hood River: mac and cheese at pfriem

    Made with Gouda, cream, house mustard, and Strong Blond, this mac and cheese was insanely delicious. I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but just in case: be sure to add the bacon when you order this.

    My husband ordered the Salmon Croquettes - Wild Alaskan Salmon cakes with a fennel cabbage slaw - along with the seasonal pilsner.

    Portland to Hood River: salmon croquettes and pfriem

    Hood River Waterfront Park

    After lunch we played along the Hood River Waterfront Park, which is an awesome park that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Complete with rock climbing walls, a large xylophone, and various other playground fun, I know this is a park our kids would have enjoyed. A running trail borders the park and takes you along the banks of the Columbia River, and there's a nice swimming area near the park.

    Portland to Hood River: Hood River waterfront park

    We had a lot of fun stopping in Hood River, driving the Columbia River Gorge, and visiting Pfriem Family Brewers. I would highly recommend these destinations for family travel plans as well as travel for individuals, couples, and friends. It's a beautiful drive, and also a wonderful way to head into Portland, Oregon if that is your final travel destination.

    • TRAVEL RESOURCES:
    • Hood River, Oregon
    • Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association
    • Pfriem Family Brewers
    • Hood River Waterfront Park
    • Mt Hood Railroad Excursions

    Thanks to Drive STI for providing us with an awesome 2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD that we used for our road trip. No other compensation was received, and all opinions, as always, are my own.

    « 2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
    Terra Blanca Winery - Terra Blanca Wines & Arch Terrace Wines »
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Shahin says

        April 18, 2017 at 9:15 pm

        Another great Hood RIver find for me. And funny, we are test driving the 2017 CX 5. Will have to pick your brains about that!

        Reply
      2. pech says

        May 28, 2013 at 9:55 am

        Great post highlighting Hood River. Usually I head to the gorge area for waterfalls and views but this post is a great reminder there is more to se Ree! U are also making me crave that delish mac n cheese...

        Reply
      3. Rachel says

        May 28, 2013 at 9:39 am

        I love the gorge too! That food looks amazing- I'll have to tell my dad about it for the next time we're wine tasting in Hood River.

        Reply

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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