Hood River, World Capital of Windsurfing

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Hood River County in Oregon is strategically located at the center of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Agriculture, lumber and tourism are the main sources of revenue and commerce in the county. However, the region’s rich natural resources also make the valley so fertile that Hood River is acknowledged as the world’s leader in Anjou pear production. The pears, apples, cherries and peaches grown in the Hood River orchards are extraordinarily of very high quality because of the county’s exceptional and advantageous location in gorge. People from all over Oregon and neighboring areas make it a point to regularly visit Hood River just to stock up on the area’s fresh produce, which are available by season.

Hood River has two ports and boat basins which does double duty both as a commercial and leisure boating anchorage especially during the summer season, a time when the local population dramatically increases with the influx of thousands of visitors from all parts of the country and even abroad.

However, Hood River is famous worldwide not only for its delicious fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, and peaches because of its unique and fertile location but also claims prominence for the breathtaking and picturesque view it offers to visitors of the impressive snowcapped peak of Mt. Hood. Aside from these, Hood River’s latest claim to worldwide fame is as the acknowledged wind surfing capital of the world. Hood River is considered as the Mecca of wind surfers all over the world. The strong, swirling winds from the Columbia River Gorge generate the best and most perfect conditions for riding the waves that the place has become a regular venue of both local and international windsurfing competitions.

There is also the Mt. Hood Scenic Railroad where old railcars of years gone by are pulled by diesel locomotives that offer regular day trips through the town’s amazing apple and pear orchards. Visitors can also choose from the many train rides available including a mystery train ride, a dinner train ride, a brunch train ride, and even a Christmas train ride that allows you to pick a Christmas tree in Parkdale that you can take home with you as a souvenir.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Crown Point, Columbia River, and Multnomah Falls have all contributed to making Hood River a famous tourist and recreational center not only among Americans but also among people from around the world. The town is always a busy place for both amateur and professional windsurfers who want to take on the challenge of surfing at Columbia River Gorge even for just one time in their lives.

Hood River is an impressive place to visit with all of its water sports activities including whitewater rafting and kayaking, shopping, sightseeing, and year-round skiing facilities. It has a wide variety of antique shops, great food, and one of Oregon’s best winery. There is also The Hood River County Historical Museum with pioneer-era artifacts and exhibits of Hood River’s history on display.