Summer in the Gorge area is nothing short of glorious! The weather is absolutely perfect, with warm, sunny days, but there’s always a breeze to catch off the mighty Columbia River. One of our favorite things is visiting Hood River lavender farms along the Hood River Fruit Loop. Peak blooming season is in June and July when the vibrant hues of purple take over.
While Provence, France, is the quintessential lavender-growing region, you don’t have to book an international trip to enjoy these fragrant purple blooms. There are plenty of lavender farms in the Pacific Northwest, including quite a few in Oregon. On a visit to Hood River lavender farms, you’ll find U-pick options, farm stores with beautifully scented goods, and perfect places for a picnic. Also, the Hood River Fruit Loop offers multiple stops for produce, flowers, wine tasting, and so much more.
If you’re looking for lodging for a trip to the Columbia River Gorge this summer, our Hood River Bed and Breakfast is a great choice. Our historic Inn has all the modern amenities needed for a comfortable stay—we offer casual elegance with discreet service to help our guests relax and make themselves at home. We have six fantastic lodging options, some ideal for retreats for two and others large enough for a family getaway. Check out our summer availability and book today!
The Beauty of Summer at Hood River Lavender Farms
On your visits to these picturesque Hood River lavender farms, soak in the gentle fragrance drifting through the air, head to the fields to pick your own bundles, and stop into the gift shops for handmade body products, pretty sachets, and culinary goods. Lavender is known for its calming and healing properties, so take this time to breathe it all in and relax.
Here are the three best Hood River lavender farms to visit this summer:
- Hope Ranch Lavender: This Hood River lavender farm welcomes guests for U-pick and farm products starting in June. They encourage visitors to use their fields for photo opportunities, and they even rent out the property for after-hours events or romantic engagements.
- Hood River Lavender Farm: This locally-owned and operated lavender farm is celebrating its 20th year in business with this upcoming blooming season. They run a fully organic operation with an extensive collection of skin care products (the owner was an esthetician for 30 years before deciding to open a Hood River lavender farm!) In July, they host an annual Lavender Daze Festival, which brings thousands of visitors to the farm to celebrate this fragrant herb.
- Van Gogh Lavender: You’ll find these local lavender growers at the weekly Hood River Farmers Market, but if you’re out on the Hood River Fruit Loop, stop off at the farm along the way. This is one of the best Hood River lavender farms to visit if you’re looking for plants to bring home to your own garden. Be sure to ask the master gardeners here for tips and tricks!
Other Great Stops Along the Hood River Fruit Loop:
After you’ve wandered the stunning purple fields at the local lavender farms, there are so many great members of the Hood River Fruit Loop to visit. There’s something for everyone, from wine tasting and flower farms to orchards and bakeries.
Here are five stops along the Hood River Fruit Loop not to miss:
- Stave & Stone: In the adjoining field next to Hood River Lavender Farm, you can taste wine as you look out on the 50-acre vineyard and the neighboring rows of purple hues.
- Fox Tail Cider and Distillery: You can taste through an exciting lineup of locally made ciders and spirits at this stop on the Hood River Fruit Loop. They also offer a fantastic food menu!
- Draper Girls Country Farm & U-Pick Orchards: Visit this picturesque farm store and orchard for a beautiful day in the sunshine. They offer U-pick cherries, hard cider, and much more.
- Mt. View Orchards & Brewery: Head to this 50-acre apple and pear farm nestled just north of Mt. Hood, where visitors can pick their own fruit, set up a picnic, and relax on the farm.
- Packer Orchards & Bakery: For farm-fresh products and some of the best baked goods in Hood River, be sure to pop by this long-time farm stand on the Fruit Loop.
The Best Hood River Bed and Breakfast to Relax
After you’ve spent a lovely (and fragrant!) day visiting the local lavender farms, our cozy and elegant accommodations will be ready for you. If you’re still full of energy, feel free to borrow one of our ebikes (complimentary to our guests) and explore the breweries and restaurants in downtown Hood River. Or, if you’re ready to relax, enjoy our private backyard area, perfect for a glass of wine by the fire table or slip into your bathing suit and soak in our spacious hot tub.
When it’s time to retreat to your guest room at our Hood River Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find everything you need for a restful stay—comfortable beds with fine linens and bedding and lovely seating areas with pretty views of our garden grounds. Our en suite bathrooms are equipped with plush towels and toiletries; maybe draw a bubble bath and use some of your new lavender essential oils?
In the morning, we’ll treat you to a fantastic, homemade breakfast with seasonal ingredients and our own creative recipes. Enjoy your meal inside or on the sun-dappled back terrace or our elegant wrap-around front porch. This is the best time to ask your Innkeeper for insider tips on the best things to do in Hood River! We can’t wait to host you at our Hood River Bed and Breakfast; reserve your lodging today.
