Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood.

When is the best time to visit Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood?

Offering year-round outdoor adventures, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge can be visited no matter the season. Summer tends to have the best temperatures with highs up to 26°C. Between June to September a phenomenon also occurs where the cool, damp air from the western side of the Cascades meets the hot, dry air of the eastern side creating a wind tunnel that creates some of the best windsurfing conditions in the world on the Columbia River.

Spring and autumn are considered the best time to visit Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, as both seasons benefit from mild weather – expect highs up to 17°C – and beautiful flora. April is the peak time for the Gorge’s wildflowers and orchards while September and October feature stunning fall foliage in the Hood River Valley.

December to March the area turns into a winter wonderland with Mount Hood becoming a prime location for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. With five ski resorts to choose from, including the historic Timberline Lodge, the region becomes and ideal place for a ski holiday. Temperatures during this time will be hovering around freezing.

What is the time difference between the UK and Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood?

GMT – 8 hours

What places combine well with Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood?

Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood are located about one hour outside of Portland and can be accessed by both car and shuttle bus. These two sites can also be accessed by car from Willamette Valley, which is about a two hour drive away.

What are the main cultural events in Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood?

April – Hood River Valley Blossom Time (month-long blossom and spring harvest festival)
April – Annual Northwest Cherry Festival
July – Troutdale’s Annual SummerFest
August – Mount Hood Huckleberry Festival
September/October – Mount Hood Salmon, Mushroom & Bigfoot Festival
October – Annual Hood River Harvest Fest
December to March – Saturday Night Lights Fireworks Mount Hood (every 3rd Saturday of each month)