Hood River is a small, scenic city that’s a gateway to major recreational opportunities. It’s located 60 miles east of Portland and 30 miles north of Mount Hood, at the confluence of the Hood River and the Columbia River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. There’s some lovely running in Hood River, and extensive trail running opportunities in the hills & mountains nearby.
For a waterfront run with views, the Hood River Waterfront Trail is a lovely 5 mile out & back along the Columbia River. Another favorite run in Hood River is the 4.5 mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, including a jaunt through the Mosier Twin Tunnels! Heading south of the city, there’s good running on the 4-mile Indian Creek Trail and the shorter Hood River Penstock Flume Pipeline Trail. The small downtown of Hood River is also pleasant for running, with a nice network of quiet, residential streets between I-84 and Indian Creek.
