The Columbia River Gorge, flanked by 4,000-foot cliffs, is one of the most scenic landscapes in the country. Impressive views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams, as well as myriad hiking trails and cascading waterfalls, are not to be missed. At the eastern end of the gorge sits Hood River, Ore., a town of 7,000 people wher you can enjoy juicy apples and pears, one of the Northwest’s oldest vineyards, tasty microbrews, friendly people, and an air museum.

The steep cliffs form a wind tunnel in the summer months as the westerly Pacific winds rush through the gorge to replac the rising warm air of eastern Oregon and Washington’s high desert. The winds reach their peak intensity of up to 40 mph at Hood River, the gorge’s narrowest point, earning it the title, “windsurfing capital of the world,” for about 30 years. More recently, kiteboarders have also been drawn from around the world. If you are not a windsurfer, there are still numerous reasons to explore this town in any season. Celebrate Christmas with Hood River Holidays and take a train ride on the Polar Express. Shop for something uniquely Oregon from talented artists, hit the slopes of Mount Hood, or dine in a restaurant bursting with Northwest flavor.