Hood River Lavender Farms: Day Trip from Portland, OR

I’ve had the pleasure to live in the Pacific Northwest my entire life. I am constantly exploring what this beautiful region has to offer through hikes, parks, and new adventures. But, I also dream of places such a Provence and the breathtaking lavender fields! Well, I discovered that Oregon has its own little piece of Provence right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Get ready to plan your next day trip from Portland or road-tripping pit stop to the Hood River Lavender Farms. 

About the Hood River Lavender Farms

Hood River Lavender Farms is a locally owned organic lavender farm located near Portland, OR. The farm offers breathtaking views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood amongst the lavender fields. The farm is open from May to October and offers a U-Pick lavender from June to September!

In addition to lavender ice cream and lemonade in the Summer, Hood River Lavender Farms produces 100% pure lavender essential oils! The oils are then used to produce several products such as soaps, candles, lotions, body wash, eye masks, tea, and more! The products are available online or at the gift shop located on the farm. 

TRAVELING TO HOOD RIVER LAVENDER FARMS

Travel time: 1.15hr

Mileage: 70 miles

Located about 70 miles away from Portland, the drive to the Hood River Lavender Farms takes you through the scenic Columbia River Gorge! You will pass several viewpoints and key spots such as Multnomah Falls and The Vista House. 

If you have extra time, stop by Multnomah Falls and check another item off of your Oregon bucket list. If you’re short on time, make the drive up to The Vista House and take in the breathtaking views of the most scenic point on the Historic Columbia River Highway. The Vista House is also a museum and memorial to Oregon pioneers. 

From Portland, take 1-84E to Exit 64 for Hwy 35. Follow the remainder of the direction below to reach the Hood River Lavender Farms: 

Visiting the Lavender Farms

The parking lot is quite small as the farm itself is not extensive. Luckily, I snagged the last parking spot available right next to the entrance. TIP: If you are unable to find parking, I would ask to park at the winery next door. There is no entry fee to enter the lavender farm. 

Upon arrival, you will notice a check-in station for the U-Pick lavender. For $5 you will receive a pair of scissors and a zip tie! Your lavender bouquet can be as big as you wish as long as the zip tie can fit around the base. 

TIP: there are lots and lots of bumblebees! Be careful when you snip and move from and to lavender bunches frequently. During the Summer heat, it can be difficult to avoid them. However, try going earlier in the day or when it’s a little cooler! As long as you’re gentle, you should be just fine. Be sure to shake out your lavender bouquet before you get in the car. I had a bumblebee fly out of my trunk! 

We picked one full bouquet of lavender and took plenty of photos! The lavender farm is surrounded by 360-degree views of mountains and never-ending hills. I think I could’ve stayed there for hours just snapping photos of the beautiful scenery. After our lavender picking festivities, we picked up a couple of goodies at the gift shop, and enjoyed the rest of our afternoon with a glass of wine and sweet treats from a local bakery, with mountains and vineyards in view, of course!

Shop

The lavender gift shop is full of goodies that are made from the essentials oils and lavender derived from the farm. 

Candles, lotions, body washes, hydrosols, soaps, deodorant, lip balm, massage oils, and more! You name it, they make it! In addition to bath and body, you can pick up spices, marmalades, pancake mix, teas, diffusers, and lavender filled sachets. If you miss something, run out of your favorite lavender product or want to try a piece of Hood River, you can shop online! 

Winery + Bakery

Just a few feet away from the lavender farm, you will discover the Stave & Stone Winery. The winery has a small booth in front of the lavender gift shop with a selection of wines. After a glass of wine and a short conversation, I discovered the owners of the Hood River Lavender Farms and Stave & Stone Winery are the same! The winery itself is only for adults; thus, if you are planning a trip with kiddos, you can still enjoy the lavender farms and have a glass of wine. The best of both worlds! 

At the time of my trip, they had a bakery onsite selling freshly baked healthy treats, many of them lavender themed. Picnic tables and chairs, both shaded and not, are scattered throughout the property. Behind the gift shop, there are many seating options available. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine or sweet treat as you overlook the vineyards and views of Mt. Adams! 

On your way back to Portland:

Hood River and the surrounding area has so much to offer! If you have extra time, add one of these stops:

Hood River Waterfront: The waterfront offers an extensive shoreline with direct access to the river. Relax on the beach, go for a walk, or try one of many watersports including windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Grab a bite to eat at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza – the Vegan pizza is amazing! 

Local Fruit Farms: Hood River is home to several farms and family orchards full of fresh local fruit! Stop for a u-pick or pick up already picked produce. Check out the Hood River Fruit Loop which offers a variety of wines, ciders, fruits, vegetables, food, and flowers!

Hood River Wineries: Hood River is known for producing award-winning wines! Pick up a bottle to-go or stop for a wine tasting!  

The Hood River Lavender Farms is the perfect day trip from Portland, OR, or pit stop in a road-tripping adventure. Experience Oregon’s unique beauty through the lavender fields, wineries, and breathtaking scenery. Up next: the lavender fields in Provence! 

You may enjoy: Where to Go Next? Weekend Getaway Ideas for 2020

With love, 

Meli

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