Hood River, OR, Website

Hood River, Oregon. Wind surfing capital of the world is Hood River's newest distinction. Previously known for growing luscious apples, pears, cherries, peaches and other fruits, and for the view of the majestic snowcapped peak of Mt. Hood, Hood River has become the destination of choice for wind surfers from around the world. The winds from the Columbia River Gorge, best during the middle of the day, create ideal conditions for riding the waves. To enjoy the view of "boardheads" at play, drive to the Columbia Gorge Sailpark or follow Second Street to the waterfront.

The Mt. Hood Scenic Railroad offers trips through the beautiful apple and pear orchards in the area. The circa 1910 railcars are pulled by a diesel locomotive along the route of an old fruit train line through the scenic valley between Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. The seasonal opening of the train is during the Hood River Blossom Festival, towards the end of April.

There are many orchards and vineyards in Hood River. People from all over Oregon make an annual trek in the fall to the many farm stands to stock up on fresh apples and pears. Other produce is available, and varies by season. The award-winning Hood River Vineyards is located on a hillside overlooking the Hood River Valley.

History:
On October 29, 1792, WR Broughton and his men of the Vancouver Expedition discovered and named Mt. Hood, in honor of Lord Hood of British Admiralty. The Lewis and Clark Expedition paved the way and named the glacial stream now known as the Hood River. Followed by Lewis and Clark were trappers, fur traders, and pioneer settlers.

The first school was built in 1863. In 1867 a road from The Dalles to Hood River was completed. By 1880 there were seventeen families living in the valley. In 1884, the Oregon Short Line was completed and connected to the Union Pacific, bringing rail transportation in. In 1889, George Prathor printed the first newspaper and shortly after, in 1900, Leslie Butler founded the first bank.

Also at the turn of the century, fruit production had become the major agricultural enterprise. During the years of 1890 to 1920, Hood River was world famous for its apples.

Today:
Hood River County is now responsible for the leading production of Anjou Pears in the world. Fruits and timber products are still the major sources of revenue, although industrial opportunities are growing, and the future years will bring even more new development.

Population:
5,582

Average Temperature:
January- 33.0, July- 67.0

Geological Information:
Hood River is located within an area of an important rock formation known as Columbia Lava. This formation is a vast sheet covering nearly 250,000 square miles and varying in thickness from 300 to 4,000 feet.

This mass was not formed in one single eruption but rather by a series of several eruptions between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, with a short time lapse intervening. The line of separation between the flows is commonly marked by sand, clay or gravel. A large part of these lavas cooled slowly and whenever vertical sections of the rock are visible a columnar structure is usually present.

The columnar cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge and along the course of the Hood River often reach 500 feet or more in height. The broad features of the valley are structural. Since the initial formation, the valley has been modified in detail by erosion, both by running water and glaciers. The effects of the glaciers, however, are mainly deposition, while erosion has done very little beyond cutting the narrow valley in which the river flows