As Requested: Hood River vs. Bend, Oregon

A comparison between the promised land(s)

Last week I shared our plans to spend time in either Hood River or Bend and received the following question from Kendall:

“In other news, how could Hood River possibly hold the same appeal as Bend? Please explain in your next installment.”

Now that’s a great question. (And a fair one, too).

The river path in Bend

Both cities exude endearing small-town vibes where visitors find themselves spoiled for choice, but it ultimately comes down to how you like to spend your free time.

Are you looking to vegetate for a few hours or do you want to be more active?

I go to Hood River to catch up with friends at charming wineries that overlook iconic mountains and offer unparalleled views of hillsides peppered with orchards.

I go to Bend to imagine a slower life in the high desert, where the recent influx of visitors imbues the city with a breath of youthful air. Well, that and the beer.

Both are excellent weekend destinations, but they scratch different itches.

To better explain my predicament of loving both equally, allow me to roundup some of the similarities and differences between the two.

(If interested, I just updated my guide on the best things to do in Bend.)

The inviting patio at Boss Rambler in Bend, Oregon

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Similarities Between Hood River and Bend

• Endless hiking opportunities (Columbia Gorge vs high desert)

• Top-notch breweries (both cities have great beer, but Bend has more of it)

  • Did you know that Bend has more breweries per capita than any other city in Oregon? In fact, Bend is city #3 in America with most breweries per capita

• Friendly locals with ample pup-loving establishments

• The cities are built around rivers. The Deschutes River (Bend) is always full of river tubes, while the Columbia River (Hood River) is deemed the wind surfing capital of the world.

Downtown Hood River

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Differences between Bend and Hood River

For me personally, the main difference between Hood River and Bend comes down to the vibe.

Bend reminds me a lot of Hawaii (the slow, easy-going pace of it all) while Hood River seems to have a tinge of refinement?

I don’t know the right word for it, so if anyone’s been to both places and has a better descriptor, please let me know below.

Hood River

Perhaps a better way to frame the conversation might be to take a look at an ideal weekend in Hood River vs. and ideal weekend in Bend.

For today, let’s focus on Hood River.

Perks of visiting Hood River:

• Mere 1.5 drive from Portland (as opposed to 3 hours to Bend)

• The charming wineries

• Orchards + access to fresh fruit

Apple Picking in Hood River

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The Ideal Weekend in Hood River

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My ideal Hood River weekend always starts with a pastry from Pine Street Bakery.

From there, I’ll drive over to downtown Hood River and park myself at Doppio Coffee for an hour or so, while nursing a coffee and planning out the day.

If I’m visiting with friends, we’d scratch the bakery and cafe and go straight to Broder Øst (ordering the Danish pancakes is non-negotiable in my book).

Brunch at Broder Øst

After a hearty brunch, I’d make wander the town — popping into every small town that piques my interest — or embark on a hike, if I feel so inclined.

Late lunch would find me at one of the breweries in town, most likely Ferment Brewing Company or Working Hands Fermentation (if I’m craving wings).

If I’m visiting Hood River with my girlfriends, I’d skip the brewery and head to a winery instead. Here’s a list of my favorite wineries in town.

Hours would slip by, as they tend to do in good company, and before long I’d head into town for dinner at one of the breweries (pFriem has an exceptional seasonal menu) or Celilo, before starting the scenic sunset drive home.

There’s something so special about Hood River. I always return refreshed and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. To me, Hood River feels like a little European escape, a mere 1.5 hours from home. It’s hard to beat!

Bend, on the other hand, shouldn’t be tackled in a weekend (a long weekend would work, though). The city has too much to offer for 2-day trip. Next week, let’s discuss the ideal long-weekend in Bend.

Happy Monday,

Antonina