STAY & PLAY
Fall in Oregon
FALL IN OREGON
Looking to make a vacation out of your Columbia Gorge Marathon and Half Marathon destination race trip? You are in luck. October in Oregon is breathtaking.
Consider local favorite hikes to stretch the legs before or after your race- take your pick of amazing viewpoints or breathtaking waterfalls.
You can find great information our the Visit Hood River page here.
Getting Here
Portland International Airport (PDX) is a hub for Alaska Airlines and is served by most major airlines- offering direct flights and connecting flights all around the world.
Drive time from Portland to Hood River is one easy hour, along the beautiful and scenic Columbia River. From NE Airport Way turn onto I-205 S. In approximately 3 miles follow signs for I-84 E and continue for 53 miles to downtown Hood River.
Where to Stay
Cousins Country Inn, our other area lodging partner is located in The Dalles, Oregon. Just an 18 minute drive from the venue Cousins offers clean comfortable lodging and the most amazing pricing you will find anywhere.
Call 800-848-9378 – make sure and let them know you are participating in the event for availability and great pricing rates.
NOTE: You will not be given special pricing if you book online- you must call and let them know you are an event participant.
Vacation Ideas
Looking to make a vacation out of your trip? You are in luck as the Columbia River Gorge has world class hiking, scenery, activities, wineries, and breweries.
Consider local favorite hikes to stretch the legs before or after your race- take your pick of amazing view points or breathtaking waterfalls.
Side Trips -
Multnomah Falls
Be sure to stop at the Multnomah Visitor Center to see the majestic Multnomah Falls– no hiking required.
Great lodges of the Northwest. Timberline Lodge located only 50 minutes from downtown Hood River is a must. Perched at 6000 feet elevation and built of huge timber logs in the 1930’s it is a marvel to be seen. Wanting something a little closer then check out Skamania Lodge in the Gorge located only 20 minutes from downtown Hood River.
Hood River is world-renowned fruit-growing valley– an easy adventure through the valley is to drive the Fruit Loop and sample the many varieties of cherries, peaches, apples, and pears.
Food & Drink
Coffee Shops abound in Hood River.
Visit Kickstand Coffee & Kitchen in support of our sponsor 10 Speed Coffee, a local roaster, and while you’re there enjoy fusion cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
There are many excellent dinning options in Hood Riverhere is a list on Trip Advisor, or venture a little ways out of town and visit White Salmon, Washington for an expansive perspective on the Columbia River.
Great beer and pub food with a view is typically a crowd-pleaser, so check out our sponsor Ferment Brewing Company
Breweries abound in the Columbia River Gorge– if your a beer fan you’ll want to check out a few of these 12 local breweries.
Over 30 wineries to discoverfrom the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range and further east as the terrain transitions to the dessert region of Washington & Oregon. Learn more at Columbia Gorge Winegrowers.
Hikes
Dry Creek Falls– A downtown Cascade Locks trailhead gives you access to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) where you can hike an easy 4.4miles to a small waterfall.
Eagle Creek– The classic Gorge hike, a moderate 6.4miles, will give you the waterfall, rainforest experience.
Wahclella Falls Loop– This easy 1.8mile loop is a quick and easy hike with parking right off I-84.
Beacon Rock– An easy 1.8mile walk up to the top of an ancient volcano core gives you sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge.