Outdoor adventurers of every class consider Hood River, Oregon one of North America’s premier locations for thrills and exploration. However, you can keep the snowboards, wind surfers, snowshoes or mountain bikes on top of the car or at home in the garage and still have a great time exploring this beautiful part of the world. (Pictured above: Acadian Farms & Brewery. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.)
You don’t need to be a thrill seeker to appreciate the magic of Hood River. The gorge also offers plenty of less-perilous forms of recreation for us chill seekers. For instance, Hood River and the surrounding area are home to no less than 10 breweries. Both sides of the Columbia River provide opportunities to explore breweries and seek significantly less-risky forms of entertainment. We call it the Gorge Brewery Loop (view in Google Maps).
From the town of Hood River, we’ll head south on Interstate 84 to Cascade Locks, then cross the Columbia River at Bridge of the Gods. Don’t look down and you’ll be fine. From there, we will head north on Highway 30 to the towns of Stevenson, Carson and White Salmon. Then we’ll cross the river again and return to Hood River. In total, the loop is about 55 miles and features eight breweries along the way.
Beer on the Oregon Side
Across the street from Waterfront Park, Pfriem Family Brewers offers a modern-meets-rustic brewpub. It opened in 2012 and instantly earned the favor of the locals, providing warm hospitality along with delicious food and beer served up in a family friendly atmosphere. Pfriem focuses primarily on Belgian-style beers. Imagine yourself in Brussels as you enjoy the Belgian Strong Dark Ale paired with the mussels and frites. The brewpub continues to evolve and grow.
Pfriem Family Brewers. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.
The Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom is sort of like the town’s collective living room, where local families and singles gather to share highly coveted couch space. Located in the heart of downtown, the pub serves up salads, exceptional New York style pizzas, and an array of brilliant beers. The Molten Lava Double IPA makes hop head blush. If you’re seeking something less bitter, try the Rainier Kriek (Belgian-style sour cherry ale).
Full Sail Brewing is Hood River’s most-recognizable brewery for the casual beer fan and really requires no introduction. It’s worth taking the 30 minute tour (1:00 – 4:00 daily, on the hour). Check in at the tasting room and pub, which overlooks the river and the gorge.
Thunder Island Brewery and Tasting Room is located in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Note that this brewery’s tasting room is for grownups only (21+). They’re working to remedy that situation so check with the brewery if the kiddos are with you.
Double Mountain Brewing.
Beer on the Washington Side
After crossing the Bridge of the Gods, stop in the town of Stevenson and visit the pub at Walking Man Brewing, most noted for its pizza. What really stands out here is the impressive array of beer options.
Remarkably, the tiny town of Carson, Washington boasts three breweries. Be sure to check out Acadian Farms & Brewery. Located on the hill just west of town, this is a real working farm that offers an exceptionally bucolic beer-drinking experience. The brewery is small and located in a shed out back, where they serve up the beer. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables or plop down on a piece of lawn and enjoy your beer to the sound of goats and chickens.
The welcoming committee at Acadian Farms. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.
The tasting room at Backwoods Brewing, also located in Carson, serves up grilled sandwiches and pizza to accompany its beers.
Carson’s third brewery, Barnstormer Brewing, is another brewery on a farm that sells beers alongside fresh eggs and fresh veggies to go.
In the town of White Salmon, directly across the Columbia from Hood River, Everybody’s Brewing Company serves up some delicious beers along with a spectacular view of the gorge and Mount Hood. Do not be afraid to order your burger “XXX style,” with Muenster cheese, pickles and peanut butter, and pair it with a Hoedown Brown Ale or a Country Boy IPA.
Everybody’s Brewing. The beer deck.
Off the Map
There are two other breweries in the area worthy of your attention. Logsdon Farmhouse Ales tasting room is south of Hood River on a farm. This brewery has been winning award since the day it opened.
Dave Logsdon pours samples at Logsdon Farmhouse Ales. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.
Solera Brewery is located at the foot of Mount Hood in Parkdale, Oregon. Along with a pub menu featuring plenty of vegetarian options, you will find no better view of the mountain.
The view from the patio at Solera Brewing. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.
