Planes & Trains
We recommend flying into Portland International (PDX). It was recently remodeled (fancy new roof!) and is honestly a delight to fly through. From there, it’s about a 60-minute drive east to Hood River.
Renting a car is the best move. While there are buses to Hood River or Amtrak trains to White Salmon, having your own wheels gives you the peace of mind and flexibility to explore the Gorge.
Uber is less than a year old in Hood River. While it may mature by July, locals strongly advise that it is currently not dependable for hard timelines. Please do not assume you can rely on rideshares to get to key events!
Take the Scenic Route
If you have extra time on the drive out, skip I-84 and take the Historic Columbia River Highway. It adds time, but it takes you past iconic waterfalls (Multnomah is the classic) and stunning viewpoints like the Portland Women’s Forum (where our Save the Date photo was taken) and the Vista House.
Where to Stay
Please book ASAP! It is Fourth of July weekend, so the Gorge will be busy. We recommend staying near Downtown Hood River so you are walkable to the action.
Hood River Hotel
We have a limited room block here! It's right in the heart of downtown, historic, charming, and where we'll be crashing.
Book Our BlockOther Local Hotels
If our room block is full or you're looking for different amenities, there are many other great hotels in the area. We've set up a search for Friday to Monday stays.
Search ExpediaLightwell & Best Western
We have parties staying at both of these popular spots, but they are currently sold out for the weekend.
Update: Spots may open in the coming weeks as people change plans, so it may be worth checking their websites!
Prefer a House?
For larger groups or those wanting more space, Caitlin curated a wishlist of spots around the region.
There are great stays across the river in White Salmon or Bingen, or further out in the valley. They are super cute—just remember that because Uber is unreliable, you will need a rental car to drive to the wedding events (no walking home!).
A Day in Portland
We originally dreamt of hosting a gathering here, but realized the logistics were too crazy. But if you have a few hours (or a day) before heading to the Gorge, we highly recommend exploring the city we love. July in Portland is pure magic.
Get lost in the stacks. It’s a city block of books and it is legendary for a reason.
Explore SE Hawthorne for vintage shops and great food, then walk up nearby Mt. Tabor (an extinct volcano!) for the best east-side views of the city.
The spot where our header photo was taken! A great hike (or drive) that gives you the best west-side view of downtown and Mt. Hood.
Hop on the bright orange Nike bikeshare bikes and cruise the waterfront loop. It's the best way to see the Willamette.
Fred's Picks
Curated by the Director of Domestic Operations
Kickstand Coffee
The best roast in town. Great food, great vibes, and a highly Fred-approved patio.
Ferment & pFriem
Hood River is famous for its beer. Grab a pint at Ferment or head next door to pFriem for incredible local ales.
Wine & The Fruit Loop
Take a scenic drive! Cross the Columbia to Washington for wine at Cascade Cliffs, or drive the famous Hood River Fruit Loop.
Classic Hikes
Head west to the scenic gorge. Check out Punch Bowl Falls via Eagle Creek, the Wahkeena Loop, or Angel's Rest (an icon for a reason).
Rowena Crest
Drive east for sweeping, dramatic views of the river. The McCall Point Trail hike up here is absolutely stunning.
Mountain & Water
Do a day trip to Mt. Hood Skibowl for the alpine slides, or rent mountain bikes and water gear in town (we haven't tried it yet, but it's huge here!).