Pride is 365, and that’s no exception in Hood River, Oregon! Our latest Gay Day adventure took us to the Pacific Northwest where we discovered a small city with a big outdoor scene. Get your skiis and your clack fans – we’re hitting the slopes for their first-ever Winter Pridefest!
Our Why
This series was born out of the needs we have as queer travelers. If you are an LGBTQ+ traveler, you already know that traveling as someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, gender fluid, nonbinary, or transgender is widely different from traveling as someone who is straight. Our mission as a traveling queer women couple is to seek out and support the local LGBTQ+ community wherever we go and to highlight and patronize the LGBTQ+ owned and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses we find. The hope is for this guide to provide you with a jumping off point and sample itinerary that you can feel good and confident about as an LGBTQ+ traveler.
How did we arrive at Hood River, Oregon?
We were invited by Visit Hood River and Travel Oregon to experience Hood River’s Winter Pridefest! Not only was it their inaugural festival, but it was also our first winter pride ever! It was a weekend that combined outdoors recreation with inclusive programming and that blend left a huge impact on us. Plus, we got to spend it with friends like Linds of EveryQueer and Mikah Meyer!
Did we realize we need more rainbow winter apparel? Yes. Did we also realize we need to integrate winter prides into our annual rotation? Also yes, and you need to too!
Our time in Hood River, Oregon was made possible thanks to our friends at Visit Hood River and Travel Oregon. They generously hosted us during our time in the Pacific Northwest. A big thank you to them for organizing our activities, meals, and accommodations so that we could share what this destination has to offer LGBTQ+ folks and others alike! Make sure to also check out the resources on their website! Ultimately, all opinions in this article our own.
Where in the world is Hood River, Oregon?
Hood River, Oregon, is a small city in the Columbia River Gorge. Its namesake comes from – you might have guessed it – the nearby Hood River. Across the gorge is Washington state, which is easily accessible by way of the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge. Smack-dab in the middle of the Cascade Range, Hood River is nearly an hour north of Mt. Hood itself.
A few fun facts about Mt. Hood?
- Mt. Hood is the highest point in Oregon
- Mt. Hood is an active volcano but informally considered dormant
- Mt. Hood is the second most climbed mountain in the world after Mt. Fuji
- The exterior shots in the movie, The Shining, are the outside of the Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood
Not only is Hood River a wonderful place to have yourself a gay day, but it’s also a paradise for any lover of the great gay outdoors! Whether your activity of choice is kitesurfing on the Columbia River, biking through the canyons, or ascending the second most hiked mountain in the world, this little city has it all. It’s truly a four season destination and a year-long prideful one at that!
How to Get to Hood River
To kickstart our LGBTQ+ outdoors adventure, we flew into PDX, Portland International Airport. The city of Hood River is an hour east of Portland, a direct shot down Interstate 84. You’ll be tempted to make many a pit stop along the way to really observe the beauty of the PNW. If you have the time, we recommend a stop at Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon.
If public transportation is more so your style, you can also use the Columbia Gorge Express bus. It that runs on a fixed time slot and route from Portland’s Gateway Transit Center. You can buy passes directly online. The bus is also wheelchair accessible and service-animal friendly.
But if you want a literal door-to-door experience, hire Mark Brady of Gorge PDX Shuttle. Mark can drive up to four people directly anywhere along the Gorge in the comfort of his Audi Quattro Turbo-diesel sedan. To entice you even more, his loyal sidekick of a pup Susie Q may also join along.
Did You Feel Safe?
Well, a rainbow did greet us on our drive into town, so doesn’t that say it all? With a population of over 8,000 people, Hood River felt like a small town full of community that knew each other really well. Many of the businesses along Oak Street featured LGBTQ+ welcoming stickers in their storefront windows and the hotel we stayed at was LGBTQ+ owned and operated.
Of course, we can only speak to our experiences as cis, white, able-bodied, queer women. One of us identifies as a lesbian and presents androgynously/masculine. The other identifies as pansexual and presents more femme. We always make sure we provide that context. After all, the LGBTQ+ experience is not a one-size-fits-all experience in any destination.
Our Gay Agenda for Hood River, Oregon
Stay at the Hood River Hotel
First and foremost, start and end your gay day at the historic, vintage Hood River Hotel that’s both LGBTQ+ owned and operated! Could it possibly get any gayer? Indeed, it can!
Featuring a chic lobby and several themed rooms, you’re destined to find an accommodation that is the right fit for you. To boot, the general manager, James, could not be more of a delight. Finally, there’s nothing like a nightcap in front of a cozy fireplace in a mountain town.
The Evoke Winery Suite was our home away from home for the weekend and it felt like our own little apartment in the Gorge. Mind you, it’s historic, so maybe a little turn of the shower handle goes a long way and there might be some clanking of old pipes from time to time, but it’s all well worth the comfort of laying your queer head somewhere safe! Plus, they are pet friendly so feel free to bring your furry emotional support animal – they could even end up on the wall! Any time you hear the nearby train, just think about how the Hood River Hotel has been the social center of Hood River since 1888.
Brunch or Lunch at Broder Ost
The Hood River Hotel is not just a place to rest – it’s also a place that will transport you to other continents! Portland’s premiere Nordic brunch, Broder Øst, made its way to Hood River! A delectable Scandinavian brunch or lunch awaits you mere steps outside of your Hood River Hotel room!
You would be remiss not to sample their lavender latte, Danish pancakes with lemon curd and lingonberry, or their “Lost Eggs” that found Chris head first in eggs. spinach, cream, and ham. Nevertheless, you cannot go wrong with any of their delectable offerings! Seeing Aquavit listed on the menu took us right back to our trip to Stockholm, Sweden. Maybe a Nordic country is in your future!
Tour Around with First Nature Tours
It can be overwhelming to figure out what recreations to do in the treasure trove that is the Pacific Northwest. But fret not – First Nature Tours takes out the guesswork!
LGBTQ+ owned and operated by the loveliest pair – Kieron Wilde and his husband Camron – their aim is to uplift local communities and promote sustainable, regenerative travel. Not only can First Nature Tours customize a bespoke luxury itinerary for your own PNW outdoors adventure, they offer group experiences like winery tastings, guided snowshoeing, or even truffle hunting with dogs! Whether it’s your first or twentieth time in the PNW, First Nature Tours is guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Grab a Brew at Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe
A combination of roastery, coffee shop, and bakery, Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe has been servicing the Hood River community for well over a decade. It’s an ideal one-stop-shop for kick starting your gayest of days with a caffeinated beverage and a breakfast of champions. Not only is it aesthetic and vibey as heck, but we guarantee you won’t leave hungry! Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe roasts the coffee for their sister location down the block, Doppio Coffee.
Get the “Sweet Spot” – an english muffin breakfast sandwich with egg, creamy brie cheese, Granny Smith apple slices, and local marionberry jam. Pair it with one of their seasonal coffee or tea specials like their “Over the River Mocha” with dark chocolate and salted caramel. We promise you’ll see rainbows.
Kiki at Diva Drag Brunch
A Justin Buckles Production, Diva Drag Brunch is the biggest drag brunch in the Pacific Northwest. What we witnessed was honestly the upper echelon of drag. You can quote us on it: it was potentially the best drag we have seen to date. And that’s saying a lot considering how much we’ve seen over the years! The diversity of the drag queens was inspiring – from pansexual, to trans, to POC representation.
The talent they all showcased had everyone raining money upon them, or if you’re Chris, into their mouth. Slutashia, Boujee Cherry, Aspen Meadows, Jayla Rose, and Lylac put on a show we will never forget! If you’re ever in PDX, Bend, Olympia, Hood River, Wenatchee, Astoria, or Fairbanks, you need to see if Diva Drag Brunch is in town and grab yourself a ticket!
In addition, we also had the distinct pleasure of attending one of Justin Buckle’s Burlesque Revue’s – a queer burlesque performance. How fitting that our first time seeing burlesque was also queer burlesque?! Abby GoLucky, Queen Pavonine, Jayla Rose, and Jaxin Ryan bared it all (well, almost!) to show us a good time in their own unique styles.
Experience Mt. Hood Meadows
If you’re visiting Hood River in winter or spring, hit the slopes at Mt. Hood Meadows! A 45 minute drive from the Hood River downtown, Mt. Hood Meadows lies at the base of Mt. Hood. Whether you are pro or a novice on the slopes, it’s an incredible atmosphere and environment.
We opted for beginner skiing lessons and our alpine ski teacher, Brian, was the best – extremely patient, attentive, and knowledgeable. We couldn’t have asked for a better first-time experience and we left wanting to continue to pursue the sport! Also, how many people can say they learned to ski on a volcano?! Honestly, it was an empowering experience to have our first time learning to ski being in the company of other LGBTQ+ people – especially other queer women!
So if you’ve always wanted to try a winter sport, why not learn during a winter pride in the company of your community?! Not one for alpine skiing or snowboarding? Mt. Hood Meadows also offers snowshoe tours and nordic skiing. If you’re traveling as a family they also offer an onsite daycare!
Let Your Tastebuds Travel at Love and Hominy
Grab your LGBTQ+ or ally appetite and head to Love and Hominy for your globally inspired taco fix! We love fusion food and the worldly flavors of these tacos will have your tastebuds feeling like they’ve traveled the world.
Two of our favorites were the Hawaiian and Tex-Mex paired with a non-alcoholic margarita with a tajín rim. We really appreciated how diverse the menu was, especially when it came to protein options accommodating vegan and vegetarian diets. Love and Hominy’s restaurant is also a feast for the eyes with one wall of fun posters and another with a colorful rainbow stripe and floral pattern. In fact, we loved it so much that we went multiple days!
Entice the Senses at Evoke Winery
If you’re looking to visit a winery unlike any other, Evoke Winery needs to be on your list! The vibes, as they say, were truly immaculate. This spacious tasting room is filled with ambient colored lighting from vibrant neon signs, leather couches, and mountain views.
Prepare to be delighted by the cheeky names of their wines like, “Roleplay” and “Never Have I Ever”. And make sure to ask for their “fish and chips” – it isn’t quite what you think it is! Best of all, Evoke Winery features a Gay Rosé with an outline of Elton John. Undoubtedly, one or two glasses and it’ll have have you feeling like a “Tiny Dancer”.
Get Cozy at Common House
During your time in Hood River, check out the ongoing events happening at Common House – a lounge, bottle shop, and event space!
It’s cozy, cute, and offers on-site libations as well – beer, wine, coffee, and zero proof options! Finally, you’re going to have to trust us to take a trip to the restroom. We cannot confirm or deny that there are the most enchanting hedgehogs on the wallpaper. You’ll just have to see for yourself!
Dine at Celilo Restaurant and Bar
We’re queer, so of course we live for farm-to-table restaurants and Celilo is one of the freshest in Hood River, Oregon. All ingredients that make it to your plate are proudly locally sourced and in season.
We had the privilege of trying a tasting menu and each item took our palettes to new heights. Also, we’re happy to report Celilo’s mocktail menu doesn’t sacrifice anything but the alcohol! Your meal at Celilo might be a splurge, but we promise it’s well worth it when you realize how much care and preparation goes into each menu item.
Shop, Shop, Shop!
Obviously, we couldn’t forget about shopping! The main drag in Hood River – Oak Street – is full of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, conveniently located shoulder to shoulder. It was very affirming for a woman-loving-woman couple to see so many rainbow stickers in storefronts as we walked along the street.
We were blown away by how many of the boutique shops had unique offerings, whether for apparel, homegoods, stickers, art, provisions, etc. Some of our favorites that you should check out are Twiggs, Spruce Gifts, Made in the Gorge, Hood River Stationers, and the Darling Boutique that has a puppy kissing booth. The Hood River Goodwill store is also known for carrying luxury and higher end brands!
Raise a Toast at Ferment Brewing Co.
Depart from Hood River’s downtown and head to the river for Ferment Brewing Co. Head up the stairs to find a space combining dark colors with wood touches overlooking the brewing operation below. In addition, they have a massive outdoor deck that overlooks the Columbia River with fire pits and private canvas tents in the winter. It’s the place to be in the summer.
Not only do the food and the beer pair beautifully, Ferment makes the perfect spot to unwind and swap stories after a day out on the mountain or the water. Lastly, if you’re observing a more sober lifestyle, we are happy to report that Ferment Brewing Co has a tasty zero to low proof drink menu! We were particularly ravenous for the Giant Pretzel because someone needs to write a song about the miso cream cheese dip that comes with it.
Stay for a Slice at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza
Well, you know the pizza is going to be molto bono when the pizza oven is imported from Italy! Solstice Wood Fire Pizza is another LGBTQ+ friendly, quaint spot down by the river with a great view, paired with inventive pizza and cocktail offerings. Additionally, they are famously known for their award winning Country Girl Cherry Pizza, with local cherries, house made chorizo sausage, and goat cheese. Chris tried it and understood why! For the non-meat eaters, the Cremini pizza was foraged mushroom goodness that reminded us of truffle hunting in Italy.
Sip Back and Relax at Hood Crest Winery
A great apres ski option! Hood Crest Winery is a family owned and operated winery in the Hood River Valley of Oregon with an amazing view of Mount Hood. What’s special about this region is that since it lies at the foot of Mt.Hood, the soil is extremely fertile from glacier water and volcanic activity! You can taste wine, bourbon, and a top notch charcuterie board or fresh pizza while listening to live music from Patrik and Tess Barr who are globally known for their music!
Kick Off Your Night at The Ruins
Don’t ruin your night – “Ruins” it! The Ruins is a music hotspot, event space, and a wedding venue. Undoubtedly, it’s the epitome of Oregon quirkiness! Their WinterPridefest lineup awed us with performances from Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters, Mawlee Jones Band, Slutashia, and Shandi Evans. There are few places you can behold a queer country group, a rapping drag queen, and an all queer, female rock band in a single night.
As someone who grew up listening to country music, it really moved Chris to witness the intersections of country music, a small town, and queerness come together. It was amazing to see locals, many of which who seemed to be allies, dancing hand in hand with drag queens on the dancefloor to a cowboy in ass-less chaps. Make sure you check out the outdoors part of the venue where it gets its namesake from!
Be Proud with Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance
Finally, the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance is the local force of change for the LGBTQIA2S+ community in the Gorge. They are responsible for events in Hood River and the Dalles that bring the community together like Pride parades, panels, drag queen story hour, pride proms, and more. We were touched to learn about the work their Youth Leadership Council was doing. In addition, they are a resource for LGBTQ+ youth seeking gender affirming gear for free.
Our Takeaways
It was beautiful to see how Hood River, Oregon’s inaugural Winter Pridefest drew in folks from all over the surrounding areas. Some people even made mention that they had driven over an hour to attend sold out events. What particularly struck us was when we realized a majority of the attendees at the events were allies. In truth, the Hood River community might be a small one, but our travel always shows us that the smaller communities and smaller cities are where the most important change happens for the LGBTQ+ community.
In truth, there is no place like Oregon! Whether it’s middle of summer or the height of Winter Pridefest, Hood River proves itself to be an outdoors hotspot for people of all walks of life. There are things constantly going on in the community and each season brings a new set of different outdoors recreations. Ultimately, we’re just going to have to come back!
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