Exploring Hood River and Mt. Hood: An Autism-Friendly Getaway for Families

We took a beautiful family trip to Hood River, Oregon, a charming riverside town filled with scenic views, sensory-friendly experiences, and unforgettable adventures. If you’re planning a visit to the Columbia River Gorge or Mt. Hood region, here’s a breakdown of where we stayed, what we explored, and some of the most autism-friendly places that made our trip special.

Where We Stayed: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn

Our home base for the trip was the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. It is located directly on the waterfront and offers gorgeous views of Washington across the Columbia River. Staying on the water allowed us to relax and reset between adventures.

Why we loved it:

• Waterfront rooms with direct views of the river and mountains
• On-site dining with kid-friendly options
• Located close to the Gorge and Mt. Hood attractions

What We Did in the Columbia River Gorge

The Gorge is filled with natural beauty and we found accessible-friendly stops for everyone to enjoy.

Multnomah Falls

This is a must-see in Oregon. The 620-foot waterfall offers stunning views and is accessible-friendly with ramps and paved paths. We were able to walk close enough to feel the cool mist, which was a sensory highlight for my son.

Kiyokawa Family Orchards

Free to enter | Accessible

This was one of the best surprises of our trip. The orchard has mobile mats laid out in both the parking lot and the fields to make navigation easier.

• Dozens of apple varieties
• Wagons and bags are provided for picking
• Apples are weighed and purchased onsite
• Other seasonal fruit available

The apples were incredibly crisp and delicious. We couldn’t wait to taste them, and they did not disappoint.

The Hood River Fruit Loop

The Fruit Loop is a 35-mile scenic drive with over 20 local farms offering fresh produce, cider, wine, and outdoor fun. It’s a great way to support local agriculture while exploring the region.

Our favorite stop:

Draper Girls Family Farm

• Delicious hot cider
• Small outdoor play area with a swing and view of Mt. Hood
• Seasonal goat petting (we just missed it)

Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM)

Perfect for any child or adult who loves planes, cars, and old machinery.

• Hundreds of vintage aircraft, cars, motorcycles, and tractors
• Interactive and educational displays
• Gift shop with unique finds

My son loved seeing all the classic vehicles and finding something special to bring home.

Mt. Hood Territory Adventures

After exploring Hood River, we headed to Mt. Hood Territory.

North American Bigfoot Center

This interactive museum shares stories, models, and audio about Bigfoot sightings.

• Life-size displays and educational exhibits
• Audio recordings that brought the mystery to life
• A peek at Mt. Hood from the location

My son was especially curious about the different Bigfoot features, although the sound effects made him a bit nervous.

Jonsrud Viewpoint

For one of the best views of Mt. Hood, this is the spot to visit.

• Telescope access for closer views
• Breathtaking panoramic views perfect for photos

It’s quiet, beautiful, and a great sensory-friendly spot.

Joe’s Donuts (Sandy, OR)

We stopped here for a treat, and it was worth it. They had fun treats like Spider-Man cake pops, and the donuts tasted fresh and homemade.

Restaurants We Tried

Sugarpine Drive-In

• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Soft serve chocolate ice cream with gummy bears for my son
• Pulled pork sandwich for me
• Relaxed, classic drive-in setting

Full Sail Brewing Company

• Offers a kids menu online
• I had the salmon bites
• Relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere

Riverside Restaurant (Inside Best Western Plus)

Located inside the hotel and perfect for families.

• Beautiful river views
• Sketch boards provided for kids during meals
• Excellent service and food