Begin your day trip with a hike through a narrow, fern-filled slot canyon with waterfalls at the end. Prepare to get wet! Wear appropriate footwear, and arrive early to find a parking spot during peak season.
Explore Hood River Waterfront Park and rent a paddleboard or kayak for an adventure on the Columbia River. Alternatively, grab lunch downtown at a local eatery and enjoy views of kiteboarders and windsurfers on the river.
Visit the most famous waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge and hike to the viewpoint above for an unforgettable view. Beat the crowds by visiting earlier in the day or later in the evening and pack snacks for a picnic on the bridge below the falls.
Visit the Bonneville Fish Hatchery to see salmon and sturgeon up close. Learn about fish spawning and see the underwater viewing area where you might spot some fish climbing the fish ladder. Admission is free, and tours are available.
If you have more time, add a visit to the Vista House for panoramic views of the gorge or hike to Wahclella Falls. If you have less time, skip Hood River and visit Horsetail Falls or Bridal Veil Falls instead. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and be aware of parking restrictions and trail closures due to wildfire danger in the summer months.