Gorge Winter Weekend Getaway
February is the perfect time to getaway with your favorite people and discover the chill side of Hood River. After all, those warm and fuzzy Winter memories aren't going to make themselves.
King of the roads.
Kick your weekend off right and skip the Saturday morning traffic jam of Jerry’s headed up the hill. Take the long way round the mountain and head East from Portland down I-84 towards Hood River. Enjoy a journey that is just as spectacular as your destination, with views of the mighty Columbia River as it rolls through the Gorge. Framed by sheer walls of basalt, frozen waterfalls, and eagles (who nest in the area during the winter months) soaring overhead. It won't take long to see why this 70-mile route has earned a reputation as the “King of Roads.”
Parking on the mountain can be a bit of a challenge, and the last thing you want is to have to turn around because the lots are full. We recommend ditching your car and taking the CAT bus’ Gorge to mountain express. ($5 cash fare)
See schedule at stops here.
Choose your own adventure.
Shredder: Timberline Down Hill Thrill
Sitting atop the tallest mountain in Oregon, and open 10 months out of the year, Timberline can also boast more vertical feel than any other resort in the US (4,540 to be exact). As if that weren't enough, Timberline Lodge served as the exterior for shots for the Overlook Hotel in Stanly Kubrick's epic horror movie The Shining. Built in 1937, this grand refuge for visitors wanting to experience the high-alpine environment of Mt. Hood is anything but a nightmare. We recommend grabbing lunch at one of their 4 restaurants offering exciting, fresh cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients.
*Fun fact: our head winemaker Alaina Waller volunteers as a ski patroller at Timberline during the winter.
Newbie: Cross Country Skiing at Teacup Lake Nordic Ski Center
Mt Hood is home to the longest Nordic ski season anywhere, and the trails at Teacup Nordic are groomed for both skate and classic skiing from November straight through to May. With over 20+ kilometers of varied terrain, from flat and easy, to challenging hills with turns, this is the perfect place to learn and hone you XC ski skills.
You’ll need a sno park day pass to park in the lot and they can be purchased pretty much anywhere you can rent skis.
Snow Bunny: Vista Snowshoe Tour at Mt. Hood Meadows
If you prefer your feet planted firmly beneath you, but still love the thrill of a winter adventure, you’re gonna love experiencing the mountain in a whole new way. Unlike the fast pace of skiing and snowboarding, a guided snowshoe tour will give you another awe-inspiring perspective of winter and all of its possibilities!
Cost Includes: chairlift ride, guided tour, snowshoe rental, and dinner at the lodge.
Après at Evoke.
Downtown Hood River - 708 Oak Street
Located less than a block from the previous “new” tasting room, this fun and inviting space turns the stuffy and snooty world of wine on its head. Brightly colored décor, modern furniture, and neon signage invite you to spend the afternoon sipping wine and making memories with your favorite people. Enjoy free parking, rotating flights and glass pours from our robust wine lists and savor small-bites and cheese plates. Family & pet friendly, means everyone can get in on the fun.
Stay and Play.
Plan your weekend adventure and stay at Hood River's oldest and most beloved vintage hotel. Enjoy all the fabulous amenities that the Hood River Hotel has to offer, located in the center of downtown and just steps away from restaurants, breweries, shops and the NEW Flagship Evoke Winery Tasting room. Make your trip even more memorable and reserve our newly renovated Evoke Winery Suite at the hotel. It now has the same inviting vibe that Kristi and Peter, our owners, brought to the new tasting room and you'll enjoy the perk of being Evoke Wine Club members for the day! This includes a voucher for two free wine tasting flights and 20% off bottle purchases when you bring the voucher to our 708 Oak Street tasting room. Enjoy wine and good conversation and then take back your favorites to have your own, nowhere to drive, private tasting night at the Hood River Hotel Evoke Suite.
Sore, but not sorry.
Sore and tired muscles are a small price to pay for all those mountain memories. Not to worry, it's nothing an afternoon of ritual and relaxation can't fix.
The beautiful spa and bathhouse at the Society Hotel, across the river in Bingen, is just the thing to ease tight tendons, melt, and mellow. Featuring an indoor saltwater soaking pool, an outdoor hot pool, a cold plunge pool and a cedar sauna. Follow your bliss to the hotel Library and indulge in a craft cocktail après soak. *10 outta 10 would recommend.
Appointments are required for both public visitors and hotel guests.