Rasmussen Farm 3020 Thomsen Road Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-4622 Kiyokawa Family Orchards 8129 Clear Creek Road Parkdale, OR 97041 541-352-7115 Apple Valley Country Store 2363 Tucker Road Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-1971 Hood River Vineyards 4693 Westwood Drive Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-3772 Phelps Creek Vineyards 1850 Country Club Road Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-2607 Mt. Hood Winery 3189 Hwy 35 Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-8333 Cathedral Ridge Winery 4200 Post Canyon Drive Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-2882 Mt. Hood Railroad 110 Railroad Avenue Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-3556 Hood River County Chamber Of Commerce 720 E. Port Marina Drive Hood River, OR 97031 503-386-2000

From here, follow any number of back roads up the east side of the valley, returning on the west side. A Fruit Loop Driving Map, available at the tourist office in Hood River guides you through the valley to over thirty member farms, fruit stands, country markets, and wineries.

In spring, the countryside is awash in fragrance and color as the white and pink blossoms of pear, apple, and cherry trees reach their peak. An annual Blossom Festival held in mid-April honors the occasion. In summer, as the fruits begin to ripen, local stands offer berries, cherries, peaches and fresh baked goods for sale. But autumn is the ideal time to savor the valley's abundance. Besides the delicious apples and pears, a number of events provide entertainment and an opportunity for tasting varieties of fruits rarely seen in supermarkets. With the lure of a 5 foot pumpkin, 4 pound apple pie, and huckleberry flavored gummi bears, no one young or old could resist a visit!

During the entire month of October, the Rasmussen Farm transforms its greenhouse and grounds into a Pumpkin Funland, with storybook characters and farm animals, a Halloween Hut, decorated maze, and pumpkin patch…a perfect place to take the kids. For the adults, there is a cornfield maze, u-pick pumpkins, and pumpkin bowling.

Just up the road, the Kiyokawa Family Orchards celebrate Fiesta Days in mid-October featuring traditional Mexican food, mariachi bands, piñatas, orchard tours, hay wagon rides, and pick-your-own apples. Later in the month, they offer an Heirloom Apple Tasting with the opportunity to sample varieties from the largest selection of apples grown in the valley. Chose your favorites from Pippins, Spitzenbergs, and Winter Bananas and go pick your own.

At the Apple Valley Country Store, chosen by Travelocity as one of Oregon's most popular hidden gems, visitors are tempted with over 50 varieties of jams, jellies, pie fillings and syrups; fresh fruit pies baked from scratch, and country barbeque lunches. Back in the town of Hood River, the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest (mid-October) is a time-honored tradition. Held at the Expo Center, the event includes over one hundred craft and artisan booths, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of local produce.

There are several vineyards and wineries located on the loop - Hood River Vineyards, Phelps Creek Vineyards, Mt. Hood Winery, and Cathedral Ridge Winery. All are open for wine tastings.

A relaxing way to appreciate the seasonal splendors of the region is an excursion aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad. The 2.5-hour trip begins at the historic depot in Hood River, and winds through forests and orchards up the valley to Odell and a longer 4-hour trip goes all the way to Parkdale. They also operate brunch and dinner excursions, special seasonal excursions, as well as Murder Mystery rides.

Photos provided by Oregon.com