Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa 4000 Westcliff Drive Hood River, OR 97031
Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa 4000 Westcliff Drive Hood River, OR 97031
Visit
Located in the famous Hood River Fruit Loop, Draper Girls Country Farm offers a unique experience for visitors to pick their own fruit and flowers, meet our friendly goats and enjoy the picturesque scenery of our farm. *Voted Best New Cidery 2018, they specialize in small-batch, single variety, & over 20 fruit cider blends. Get a glass or growler of award winners like Kingston Black, Raspberry Nectarine, or Cherry Pie just to name a few!
Our Story
Draper Girls Country Farm is a family-owned business run by Theresa Draper and her family. With over 100 years of farming experience in the Hood River Valley, we are passionate about providing fresh and sustainable produce to our community.
Award-Winning Cider
Our farm-grown apples are used to make our delicious and award-winning cider. Come and taste the difference of our handcrafted cider made on-site.
Things to Do
At Draper Girls Country Farm, we have a variety of fun activities for you and your family and friends to enjoy. Taste Award Winning Hard Cider, Pick your Own Fruit, Feed our Goats or enjoy some Local Shopping in our Farmstand. There's always something to enjoy at the farm no matter the season!
About Us
Hood River Lavender Farms was established in 2003 by a cosmetologist and esthetician of 30 years who worked to create products that were healthy and beneficial for the skin using the healing properties of lavender.
For years our farm was a destination for locals and visitors alike to spend some tranquil time among the flowers. In 2017 we moved the farm a quarter mile down the road to the location shared with Stave & Stone Wine Estates where we continue to provide a welcoming and relaxing environment for people to stop and smell the lavender.
Visitors are encouraged to explore both the winery and lavender farm and our seasonal retail store chock full of fragrant lavender products and our delightful seasonal lavender soft serve.
Randy is a third-generation orchardist from Parkdale, Oregon, whose grandfather emigrated from Japan in 1905, and through hard work started farming in Hood River in 1911.
Randy’s father, Mamoru, and mother, Michiko, met in an internment camp where their families were placed during World War II. After serving in the U.S. Military Intelligence Service, Mamoru returned to Hood River Valley in 1951 with Michiko and purchased a 25-acre orchard in Parkdale that has been the nucleus of the current 207-acre farm. There they raised four daughters and a son, Randy.
In 1984, Randy graduated from Oregon State University with a degree from what is now the College of Agricultural Sciences. He earned valuable experiences and friendships while wrestling for the Beavers as well as being a Resident Assistant in the dormitories and a Resident Advisor in the housing co-op.
In 1987, Mamoru’s illness brought Randy back to Parkdale sooner than planned, but he does not regret the commitment he made to his parents when he left his job in Portland.
The Alar scare of 1989 forced many family farms out of business if they relied on apples as their sole source of income. Although the Kiyokawa never sprayed Alar as did most apple producers, the media scare influenced even the USDA to cancel all apple purchases. Apples throughout the county were left to rot on the trees rather than incurring the expense of picking, sorting, and packing this perceived tainted fruit.
Out of desperation, he set out a sign reading “Apples 5¢ a pound” for his Red Delicious apples while he worked on broken tractors in the old leaky barn that fall. A handful of customers a day was considered a good day. He began to receive requests from parents who asked if their kids could pick apples that hung off a beautiful Golden Delicious tree by the barn. After watching the joy that picking apples brought to families, Randy removed three acres of 80-year-old pear trees and planted 28 varieties of apples. Over time, customers requested different varieties that could not be found in stores or farmers markets, which has led to his offering now of over 120 varieties of apples.
Randy’s diversification efforts expanded to Farmers Markets and direct sales to stores, restaurants, Bakeries, schools and add-on is with CSA’s.
In 2013, Randy leased 80-acres of land where he planted new varieties of peaches, pears, cherries, and apples, including hard cider specific varieties. Six acres of apples, cherries and peaches were certified organic and, in 2017, four acres of pears were added to his new organic inventory. Randy discontinued being certified for several reasons in 2019 but continues to use many of the same horticultural practices.
Randy attributes his success, in part, to his family. Michiko, 100 years young, still helps with constructive criticism. Four older sisters, Becky, Margie, Nancy, and Connie, help during the harvest and fruit stand seasons of July through the end of October.
Randy has three kids and one grandson: Cameron (33), Catherine (32), Rebecca (22) and Korbin (7). Cameron lives in The Dalles and works as a firefighter doe Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue but uses his mechanical and welding skills when needed to help maintain and fabricate farm equipment for Randy. Catherine recently got married to Corbin Hammond and is now living in Diamond Oregon and is loving being part of their ranch and community with her son. Rebecca graduated from Fort Lewis College this past summer and is employed at StoneAge in Durango. It was recently featured as the “37th Best Places to Work” in the US by Outdoor Magazine. Randy’s partner for life, Badri Azar, has been another blessing in his life with her beauty, compassion, and love of family. She was born and raised in Tehran but as Randy has said to friends and family many times; “It was fate that brought is big city girl and small-town farm boy together!”
Randy also credits his 45+ employees – many of whom have been with him for over 25 years -- with the high-quality fruit for which Kiyokawa Family Orchards is known. “My employees are the backbone of this operation. Care for them like family.”
When asked if he would like to have his kids follow in his footsteps, his canned response is - “Depending on which side of the bed I wake up on. Seriously though, life is good, and I enjoy what I am doing. The perception of farmers and farming has slowly changed to one of respect and gratitude. I am fortunate to be experiencing that evolution.”
Mount Hood Railroad is a century-old, short line railroad offering scenic passenger excursions through Northern Oregon. Located just outside Hood River, Mount Hood Railroad offers round-trip excursions as well as seasonal special events. Their trips offer a thousand views as you travel through orchards, vineyards, and forests enjoying picture-perfect views of snow-capped Mount Hood and capturing the nostalgia of classic American train travel along the way. *Also available are E-bike rentals & Orchard tours & railbike excursions**
All passenger trains depart from & return to the Mt. Hood Railroad depot in Hood River, Oregon. Paid parking facilities are available at the depot. There are a limited number of parking spaces for the disabled as well. Pre-purchased tickets are available at the will-call window at the depot. Available tickets can be purchased on site as well. All seats are pre-assigned & seat numbers are indicated on boarding passes. Return times may vary. Please note you must request to be seated with another party if family or friends are joining you.
Come join us on our spectacular guided e-bike tours through the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River Valley, where the most unparalleled views in the Pacific Northwest await. We'll take you through award-winning wineries, seasonal U-pick orchards, and enrich your knowledge of Oregon's Historic Highway and Mount Hood. We also offer custom tours and e-Bike rentals for self-guided adventures.
Ready for an adventure?
Envi Adventures is Portland’s favorite scenic flight experience taking off from the Troutdale Airport at the entrance of the stunning Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.
Fly with us around Mt. Hood or Mt. St. Helens, explore the Columbia River Gorge’s Multnomah Falls, or take in the Portland skyline from above. Whatever you decide, our team of Oregon trained, commercial airplane pilots and well maintained airplanes are ready to take you on a Pacific Northwest adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.
About Us
Whitewater professionals offer different types of rafting and kayaking trips down the White Salmon River. Wet Planet is the premier whitewater center in the Columbia River Gorge area. Join their expert team of guides and instructors for daily rafting trips on the White Salmon River, learn to kayak on the Klickitat River. They also offer professional guide and instructor training, and multi-day river trips in Idaho and Oregon. Jump online or call to explore options and availability. Last minute bookings are warmly welcomed!
Wet Planet was created by whitewater professionals who believed in rising above current industry standards to provide a higher level of guest service and risk management.
Currently, Wet Planet continues to set the bar higher for the Pacific Northwest’s commercial whitewater industry. From staff training to equipment choices, the following are all areas in which Wet Planet sets the standard:
Staff
The core of the Wet Planet experience is the staff. From the folks making your espresso in the shop to our river guides and instructors, Wet Planet has the most experienced and highly trained staff in the region.
Check out the Wet Planet staff and their extensive whitewater experience.
Headquarters
The Wet Planet Headquarters and the Wet Planet Café & Grill are changing the face of Northwest commercial whitewater. Wet Planet believes that your experience begins the moment you arrive at headquarters and continues until you head back home.
Wet Planet is the only headquarters in the region to provide all of the following:
A full-service espresso bar with smoothies, snacks, and pastries
Café & Grill serving lunch and dinner
Private parking
Changing rooms
Hot shower
Camping for guests on multi-day activities
Retail shop with t-shirts, souvenirs, and any last minute items, such as sunscreen or sunglasses, that you might have forgotten
On-site photo viewing room where you can enjoy pictures of your trip
Picnic and BBQ areas
Plenty of space to relax alongside the river
Commitment to Our Environment
Part of the ethic behind Wet Planet includes operating the company in an environmentally responsible manner. Wet Planet hopes to inspire others to do the same through both education and being a positive example.
In 2010 Wet Planet became the first tour operator in the Columbia River Gorge to receive an Eco-Certification through Sustainable Travel International (STI).
This certification helps you differentiate Wet Planet from other “green” businesses. STI holds its Eco-Certified companies accountable in areas such as energy consumption, waste management, community involvement and impact on the local economy.
Wet Planet is also partners with Leave No Trace, Inc. and, where possible, use organic cotton and environmentally friendly dyes in their t-shirts, serve espresso from organically grown coffee, and follow the principles of minimal impact wilderness travel.
Commitment to Risk Management
Wet Planet is committed to providing the highest level of risk management. It is their promise they will never compromise this commitment for financial reasons. Wet Planet follows through with this commitment by maintaining the following standards:
Organization on the River
Rescue Gear
Kayak Support Boaters
Number of Guests per Raft
Equipment
The Rafts
The Kayaks
Personal Gear
A Great River for Everyone! Hands down the best all day trip you can do in the summertime in this country!
Welcome to the Old Trunk, treats &tiques! Our store is located just seven miles outside Hood River OR, on the scenic Dee Hwy. The shop has been here since the early 1900's; when it was Dittbenner's General Store. It's now a popular stop for locals and visitors alike - operating as a family friendly Antique Store, Fruit Stand, Soda Fountain, and Flower & Berry "Farmette".
Stop and visit our STORE- it's filled with a rotating inventory full of funky vintage & antique finds. Vintage Vinyl & Clothing are our specialties.
The Old Trunk is a FRUIT STAND showcasing our organically grown Berries and Flowers. We stock our coolers all season long with seasonal fruit from the valley.
Our SODA FOUNTAIN offers a full range of treats, featuring delicious house-made sodas (& floats!) using artisanal syrups from local fruit, and a full menu of espresso drinks. Our Soft Serve Machine uses Tillamook (or dairy free) ice cream and mixes it with fresh fruit for a made-to-order cup or cone! The 1950's Shake Machine can mix the Soft Serve into a delicious fresh shake. We also have rotating Tillamook scoop flavors.
Feel free to visit our "FARMETTE" for organically grown Berries & Flowers. Enjoy your treat in a setting free from the crowds. U-pick of Flowers and Berries is seasonal - please see Farmette page for further information. Friendly Dogs are welcome on leash Outside Only.
A visit to the Old Trunk makes a fun outing - see what's new this week in our store, grab a made-to-order fountain treat, and stroll through our gardens to pick a bouquet or hallock of your favorite berry.
The Family
**Our Story: A Century of Family Tradition**
For over a century, The Gorge White House has stood as a cherished landmark in the heart of the Hood River Valley. This idyllic piece of paradise was originally owned by the pioneering Hill family, and it remained in their care through the generations, eventually passing to the Nunamaker and Hukari families.
In 2012, a new chapter began when local farming brothers, Pat and Barry Kennedy, along with their wives, Mary Beth and Carrie, became the proud owners of this 30-acre property. Eager to embrace their new role, the Kennedys wasted no time. They introduced a gourmet food cart, crafted their own hard cider, expanded the wine selection, and opened U-Pick fields for all to enjoy.
Today, Pat and Mary Beth continue to oversee and nurture The Gorge White House, preserving the legacy of both the business and the family's farms. Pat and Andy K. diligently farm the original properties, Mary Beth K. is at the heart of the business, crafting fresh burger buns each morning and tending to the tasting room with her warm hospitality, Jack K. is on-site serving up farm-fresh culinary delights, and Sadie K. handles the website, menus, and advertising.
As a family, we are thrilled to share this exceptional place with you and sincerely hope you relish it as much as we do.
Warmly, The Kennedy Family
The House
The Gorge White House was built in 1910 by M. M. (Martin Michael) Hill, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa. M. M. Hill was a progressive farmer who assisted in organizing and implementing trends significant to the fruit industry in the Hood River Valley. M. M. Hill was born on September 14, 1869 in Waterloo, Iowa. He married Carrie B. Smith in 1892. He left his wife with relatives in Long Beach, California and went north to Oregon. According to “Pine Grove Memories” by Patricia Krussow, M. M.
Hill came to Hood River and found a 50 acre piece of land he wanted. He located the owner, Mr. Johnson, a street car conductor in Portland, and rode that streetcar until Mr. Johnson agreed to sell the property to him. He bought the land, set up camp and began building a small house, not telling his wife of what he had done. When she did come north, he told her he had bought the property and if she would stay, he would build her the finest house in the valley. Mrs. Hill was from a very wealthy mid-western family and cried when her husband gave her the news of his land purchase, as to her, the Hood River Valley was an uncivilized, barbaric area, void of expected comforts. Because of his pledge to build her this house, she agreed to stay. In 1910 the M. M. Hill House was completed, making good on his promise to his wife. The Gorge White House remained in the Hill family until his daughter, Ruth Hill Beacon sold the house and orchard in 1947 to Don and Aileen Nunamaker, Camille Hukari’s grandparents. Camille’s parents, Ross and Daphne (Nunamaker) Hukari purchased the home in 1950. Camille grew up in The Gorge White House.
The Gorge White House is an excellent intact example of a Dutch Colonial Revival House in a rural setting in the Hood River Valley. The Colonial Revival Style was popular from 1890 through 1915 and was an effort to establish a uniquely American style based on Colonial architecture of the 1700s. The Gorge White House has many of the characteristic elements of this style including the gambrel roof, classic entablature, oval windows with keystones, fanlights (lunettes) attic windows, transoms, dentils at the cornice, balconies, screened sun porch, tripartite windows with decorative leaded beveled glass, fluted round porch columns, union jack railings, arched window with keystone in the west facing gable and side lights framing the doors. The Gorge White House also has the classic style elements of wood frame construction with thin horizontal cedar siding, dentil moldings, fluted columns, pilasters, leaded glass windows, porches, balconies, and a central prominent entrance (porte-cochere).
Both the exterior and interior of the house are intact, with minor alterations. The interior main salon has original quarter-sawn white oak columns, coffered ceilings, floors, staircase, newel posts, doors, windows, moldings and baseboards are original in finish, patina and materials.
About Us
Plan your visit to The Farm Place and discover why we’re Hood River’s premier destination for seasonal excitement and family fun!
Whether you’re picking fresh fruit, enjoying a family event, or simply relaxing with a glass of our cider or wine, there’s something for everyone at The Farm Place.
Rooted in our five-generation legacy, we take immense pride in our deep-rooted heritage and the values that have made our farm a treasured community landmark. Beyond offering fresh produce and delightful u-pick opportunities, our farm is a vibrant hub of family-friendly activities that celebrate the essence of each season.
From our orchards bursting with seasonal fruits to the warm ambiance of our sales barn, where you can explore an array of delights from the Pear-Fect Kitchen and sip on locally crafted cider, wine, and draft beer, every visit to The Farm Place is an invitation to connect with tradition and create lasting memories in Hood River.
Family Fun and Engaging Experiences
At The Farm Place, we believe in creating unforgettable moments for families of all ages.
Enjoy our interactive play areas, where children can frolic amidst swings, slides, and climbing structures set against the picturesque backdrop of our orchards.
Meet our friendly farm animals up close, petting and learning about their daily lives, fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture and animal care.
Seasonal Delights and Events
Throughout the year, our calendar is brimming with seasonal festivities.
From the joyous Baby Animal Days in spring to the thrilling Fall Festival featuring corn mazes and pumpkin patches, each event promises excitement and connection with the rhythms of rural life.
Indulge in the flavors of summer during our Cherry and Peach Days, where you can pick your own fruit and enjoy delectable treats made from our farm's bounty.
Explore and Discover
With each visit to The Farm Place, discover the vibrant tapestry of activities and experiences awaiting you.
Wander through sunflower fields in August, navigate themed corn mazes in fall, and shop for unique gifts and seasonal decor in our charming gift shop.
Whether you're celebrating the holidays with freshly baked pies and festive treats or enjoying a cozy evening around our fire pits, there's something magical for everyone at The Farm Place.