Beyond Bend: The Hood River Fruit Loop

If you're looking for the perfect fall weekend trip from Bend, I can’t recommend the Hood River Fruit Loop enough. After 8 months of RV life, we've gotten pretty good at spotting the gems, and this one is packed with everything we love—fresh cider, alpacas, cozy farm stores, and some of the best orchard views in Oregon. We made it a two-day trip, exploring each side of the loop separately, and it was the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and tasty stops.

 
Day 1: South Side Loop — Draper Girls, Lavender Fields & Cider Sippin’

We started our fall loop heading south from Hood River on Highway 35, taking the quieter, orchard-lined east side of the Fruit Loop. Our first stop was Draper Girls Country Farm, where the mountain views were as good as the apple cider slushies. The goats were a hit with the kids, and we left with a few pumpkins and a basket of fresh apples.

Next, we made our way to Hood River Lavender Farm. Even in the fall, the fields still carried that calming lavender scent, and the peaceful picnic tables offered some of the best views of Mt. Hood we’ve ever seen. We also stopped at a nearby alpaca farm—adorable and unexpectedly relaxing.

In the afternoon, we wrapped up our loop at Mt. View Orchards & Cidery. The tasting area was beautiful, the cider flights were fun, and the Honeycrisp cider was a standout. We picked a few more apples (because why not?) and sat for a while just soaking in the scenery. It was a slow, cozy kind of day—the best kind.

 
Day 2: West Side Loop — Pie, Trains & BBQ

On day two, we explored the west side of the loop, starting with Apple Valley Country Store & Bakery. This place is a must if you're into warm pie, huckleberry milkshakes, or fall-flavored everything. We stocked up on jams, salsas, and a mini pie for the road.

Then we headed into Hood River for a ride on the Mount Hood Railroad. The historic train took us through colorful orchards and small farms, and it was such a fun, low-key way to see the area. We also squeezed in a visit to the Hutson Museum. This barn-red local history gem sits at the southern terminus of the railroad and features rocks, minerals, Native American artifacts, and pioneer relics—all curated with big local pride. It’s small but full of character—and perfect if you need a short indoor stop.

Lunch was at Apple Valley BBQ in Parkdale, which totally lived up to the hype. We had pulled pork sandwiches and mac and cheese on the patio with a view of the mountains. Afterward, we popped into one last farm stand before making our way back to Bend.

Why Fall Is My Favorite Time to Go:

Between the harvest festivals, apple picking, cider tastings, and crisp air, fall is hands-down the best time to visit the Fruit Loop. Everything feels festive, cozy, and just a little bit magical.

 
Quick Tips:

Bring cash for small farm stands
Pack a cooler for fruit and cider
Dress in layers (it’s chilly in the morning and warm by afternoon)
Don’t skip the cider slushie

Whether you're driving in an RV or taking a weekend road trip, this two-day Fruit Loop plan—ending with cozy cider tastings, alpacas, and local history—is a fall escape we’d do again in a heartbeat.