It’s a cool autumn morning, and I am eagerly waiting for the train to depart at the historic Mount Hood Railroad station in downtown Hood River. Although the valley is gorgeous at any time of the year, this will be a special trip to see fall foliage as the vintage train trundles along tracks once used for agriculture and now for viewing Columbia Gorge vistas. The train ride appeals to young and old passengers — anyone who wants to appreciate the fall colors or tour a historic orchard. Here’s what to expect when you book a guided train ride on your next visit to Hood River.
Getting Situated and Taking in River Views
Just before the train is set to depart, our conductor welcomes us aboard. We’ll be leaving from Hood River to ride the rails up to the tiny town of Pine Grove, which is just under a 5-mile drive south on Highway 35.
There are four seating-type options in varying cars on the train, and tickets can be purchased online to pick up at the station before departure. For the booth-style seating that goes down the length of the car, four people can sit at each table, which proves to be nice for meeting and chatting with other train fans. If you’re in the mood to splurge, there’s a VIP car with an attached parlor, which the steward recommends for beautiful views thanks to its larger panoramic windows and complimentary snacks.
The train departs from the station, and within minutes we’re crossing a rail bridge over the flowing waters of the Hood River, then following the river, with the dynamic display of autumn hues. There are many evergreen trees in this area, but a mixture of poplar trees and other changing leaves are dotted throughout, making for a magnificent show. We’re traveling 10 to 12 miles per hour and can see the falling leaves , many of which gather on the tracks to create a golden passage for the train.
Passing the Hood River pipeline on the other side of the river, our conductor notes its history in delivering water to town. He shares that it has been turned into a trail, allowing you to walk the historic pipeline right over the river along a metal-platform path.
After 20 minutes the train begins to slow down, and I see a wooden sign out the window that reads “Switchback.” We’ve arrived at one of only five railway switchbacks left in the United States, the only one still in operation for both a passenger train and a freight train. This railway design allows the train to come to a stop at the end of the tracks before switching directions to head uphill on another track. Fun fact: Railroad industrialists in the first decades of the 20th century wanted to capitalize on shipping this gorgeous fruit and needed a way to access the orchards at a higher elevation above the river, so switchbacks were installed.
After our brief stop, we begin moving forward on the tracks again, gently making our way up a hill. This climb offers views of the river that shares its name with the community of Hood River below, before we cross a bridge over Highway 35 with a sneak peek of Mt. Hood and pear orchards.
Mid-Trip Stop at Orchards and Wineries
The train comes to a halt right next to a large industrial building. We have arrived in Pine Grove for our one-hour layover. Some passengers head inside the industrial building, which is home to The Fruit Company — a sister company of the railroad. Others opt for wine tasting at Mt. Hood Winery, and those who preordered lunch or brought a picnic sit at the outdoor picnic tables to enjoy their meals.
Inside the Fruit Company, I wander around to look at the artifacts on display related to the history of orchards in the Hood River Valley, a thought-provoking collaboration with The History Museum of Hood River County.
After a snack of chocolate-covered dried cherries made from fruit grown just down the road, I watch the production line, observing employees who put together beautiful fresh-fruit baskets ornamented with other Oregon goodies, such as Face Rock Creamery cheese and Oregon Growers jam.
Photo Tips and Other Places to See in the Hood River Valley
Back on the train, I am introduced to the best way to take photos, a hot tip from a steward. If you ask, someone will show you the way to go out on a gated-in platform through a sliding metal door. I feel a rush as I stick my head out the opening while the train is in motion, and I take deep breaths of the crisp air. It’s a perfect setting to capture peek-a-boo views of Mt. Hood, the rushing Hood River, and an abundance of trees lining the tracks with golden-yellow and burnt-orange leaves falling to the ground.
Knowing we’ll be arriving in Hood River soon, I head back inside to my cozy spot in the parlor car to plan the rest of my trip. Pearl’s Place is a great spot to pick apples or the perfect pumpkin right off the vine, along with snagging other fresh produce and the orchard’s signature freshly pressed apple-cider slushie. While out on Highway 35, I might do a tasting on the deck with views of the alpacas at Wy’East Vineyards. Down the road at Packer Orchards & Bakery, I’ll pop in to browse the farm stand’s collection of jams and sauces, and pick up a few Hood River-grown pears and fresh-made cider doughnuts to take home.
For a hearty, warming dinner to round out the Hood River excursion, pumpkin curry is on the menu at pFriem Family Brewers, which pairs wonderfully with a barrel-aged brew. I’ll close out the day with a walk along the river afterward, just a short stroll from the brewery.
If You Go:
- The Mount Hood Railroad train runs from April through December and departs from Hood River.
- The railroad offers seated railbikes from May to October with a built-in motor assist to ride along the same path as the train. You can also rent e-bikes for day use at the same location.
- The open-air Trolley and Railroad Train combination ride runs from late May to early September with the opportunity to visit the Fruit Company, Mt. Hood Winery, and Hope Ranch Lavender.
- If you enjoy your stop at The Fruit Company, come back another day for a 90-minute tour, which takes you on a tram pulled by a tractor through a working pear orchard. The guide shares the history of farming in the Hood River Valley and the harvesting practices and equipment still used today. Depending on the day and season, you may even be able to watch fresh pears being harvested off the trees.
