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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
Hood River, Oregon Demographic Information
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