As summer reaches its peak, the Hood River Fruit Loop in the stunning Columbia River Gorge comes alive with an abundance of seasonal delights. This 35-mile scenic drive through the lush Hood River Valley offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s rich agricultural heritage and vibrant farm-to-table culture. This is a wonderful place for your kids to experience where their food comes from.
In August, the Fruit Loop member farmstands are bustling with activity, inviting guests to indulge in the season’s freshest and most flavorful offerings. One of the highlights of visiting in August is the availability of a wide variety of U-Pick goodies like lavender and flowers, cherries, blueberries, peaches, pears, and apples. Visitors can stroll through the orchards, pluck the ripe fruit straight from the farm, and savor the sweet, sun-kissed flavors.
For those looking to expand their culinary horizons, the Fruit Loop’s farmstands offer an array of other seasonal produce, including vibrant heirloom tomatoes, crunchy sweet corn, and an assortment of summer squashes and zucchini. Visitors can purchase these fresh, locally-grown ingredients to create their own farm-inspired meals or indulge in the delectable treats and prepared foods available at the stands.
Beyond the produce, the Fruit Loop also showcases the region’s thriving wine, cider, and craft beer scene. Many of the farmstands double as tasting rooms, allowing visitors to sample the unique flavors of the Hood River Valley, from the crisp, dry ciders to the smooth, fruit-forward wines.
Here are our top 3 farm picks for the month of August. These farms have the most crops happening during August.
6200 Highway 35
Parkdale, Oregon
Open year-round (U-pick hours 10 am-5 pm and Market hours 10 am-6 pm)
This 3rd generation family farm has sweet and tart cherries, peaches, and nectarines in the summer and over 50+ varieties of apples and pears in the fall. You can enjoy a delicious apple, pear, or cherry cider from Hood River Valley’s only non-pasteurized cidery. Shop for fresh or canned fruit, jams, candies, cheeses, honey, gifts, and more in the Country Store. Grab a bag of Grandma & Grandpa’s famous cinnamon sugar-dried apples. You can also enjoy their award-winning hard cider while you browse.
2265 Highway 35
Hood River, Oregon
Open March to December (Check the website for current hours)
Situated on 30+ acres of orchard in the heart of the Hood River Valley. The Gorge White House is proud to provide artisanal farm-fresh food from the Food Cart, award-winning Hard Ciders & Wines, and to top off your visit, enjoy your afternoon in the beautifully maintained fields of U-Pick Fruits & Flowers with photo opportunities and double mountain views at every turn.
6670 Trout Creek Ridge Road
Parkdale, Oregon
Open July to November (Open daily 10 am-5 pm)
A 3rd generation farm that cares deeply about growing affordable fruit for the community. Enjoy their farm-to-table tasting room on-site as well and try their small craft beer, cider, and wine made on the farm, as well as our farm-fresh pizzas (reservations are recommended at the Grateful Vineyard also in the same location as the farm). Visit their website to learn what u-pick fruit and flowers are currently available.
Whether you’re seeking a day of relaxation, a culinary adventure, or an opportunity to connect with the land, the Hood River Fruit Loop in August offers an unparalleled experience. Grab a map, pack a picnic basket, and embark on a journey through this agricultural wonderland, where the flavors of summer are celebrated in every bite and sip.
Do you do the Fruit Loop? What is your favorite farm? We would love to hear your stories!
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.