Hood River County, Oregon

Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain peak, was first seen by white men in 1792 and named after Lord Hood of the British Admiralty. This magnificent mountain and its glacial river are located in the southern corner of Hood River County. It is the second smallest county in Oregon with 533 square miles but it is very big in scenic beauty, visitor attractions, and lively economy. Population centers include the cities of Hood River and Cascade Locks. These two cities began settlement around 1854; Cascade Locks grew from a construction camp building the locks on the Columbia River, and the other from a donation land claim by Nathaniel Cole who was the first to plant fruit trees in that valley.

Today, fruit, timber products, and tourism are the major sources of revenue for the area. The climate of the Hood River Valley is perfect for the production of apples, cherries, peaches, and pears. Currently there are 14,000 acres of orchards and 20,000 acres of farmland in Hood River County. Snow skiing, yachting, windsurfing, and fishing all bring capital to the county to off set the decline in logging and hydroelectric production revenues. Hood River County also has two ports and two boat basins, with one serving barge traffic. Steel boat manufacturing and other light industry contribute to the economic base.

Hood River County is bordered on the east by Wasco County, on the west by Multnomah County, and on the north by the Columbia River. Places to go and events to attend include the Bridge of the Gods, Mt. Hood Recreation Area, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, and Lost Lake Resort. The Annual Hood River Valley Harvest Fest celebrates the harvest season while the Hood River Valley Blossom Festival ushers in spring and the promise of bountiful crops.

The area is rich in the history and culture of the Columbia Gorge native people, shown in the legend of the Bridge of the Gods, as well as fur traders, early explorers and eventual settlement in the latter part of the 19th century by Japanese, Finnish, German, and French farmers.

From blossom time in the spring to harvest in late summer and fall to the snowy slopes of Oregon’s highest mountain in winter, Hood River County is a destination for all seasons.

Oregon Blue Book

http://bluebook.state.or.us/local/counties/counties14.htm

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