Hood River

Hood River County covers 533 square miles, including eastern portions of 11,235 ft Mt. Hood. The primary natural resource is the fertile farm land of the Hood River Valley. This area includes more than 14,000 acres of commercial apple, pear, cherry, and orchards. Agriculture provides much of Hood River County's economic base. 

The county's only incorporated communities are Hood River and Cascade Locks. Other  unincorporated communities include Odell, Parkdale, Mt. Hood, & Dee. People relocating to the area are attracted by the rural lifestyle, recreational opportunities, scenic beauty and proximity to Portland, the Mountain, and the Oregon coast.

The city of Hood River remains the Gorge capital for the sport of boardsailing. Manufacturers of boards, sails, clothing and other gear for the sport have located there in recent years. The residential property values have increased rapicly for the past 10-15 years as many windsurfers have purchased second homes or moved to the area.

The Columbia River Gorge has a wide range of micro climates in a relatively short distance.  Troutdale, Oregon,  has Portland type weather and approximately 45 inches annual precipitation.  Once you get to Cascade Locks/Stevenson, you'll find you're in one of the wettest rain forests in the Oregon Cascades. The annual rainfall is 75-80 inches a year. The large evergreens, and lush undergrowth are abundant.  Travel another 20 miles east to Hood River/White Salmon, and you'll enjoy the noticeably drier climate, with about 25 inches of rain a year. Twenty miles further east yet, The Dalles, is definately high desert with just 12 inches of rain per year.  Visit my Hood River Real Estate Update.