Information
Landmark: Panorama Point County ParkCity: Hood River
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Panorama Point County Park, Hood River, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
Perched in Hood River County, Oregon, Panorama Point County Park offers a peaceful spot to spread out a blanket and take in sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood’s snowcapped peak, and the rolling green of the Hood River Valley.Smaller and far quieter than the busy waterfront or forest sites, the park offers a classic spot for snapping photos, taking in the view, or laying out a picnic blanket under the shade of a maple tree.Perched on a hillside, it looks out over the rolling fields of the Hood River Valley and the shimmering sweep of the Columbia River.You can get there easily by car, taking the quiet county roads off Highway 35 or slipping in from one of the side routes that wind out of Hood River.The landscape stretches wide with open grassy fields, a handful of trees dotting the view, and high overlooks where you can see for miles, almost untouched by development.The main attraction is the observation platform, where you can take in sweeping 180- to full-circle views of the Columbia Gorge, the quilt of orchards spread below, and snow-capped Mount Hood far on the horizon.Perfect for catching the first pink light of dawn or the last golden glow at dusk, thanks to its wide, open view of the horizon.Picnic areas offer sturdy tables and benches, perfect for a relaxed meal as you take in the rustle of leaves and the view around you.Wide-open spots perfect for a picnic blanket, a few friends, or a relaxed family afternoon.The small parking lot serves day-use visitors, and a few short paths wind from it to scenic overlooks where you can hear the wind in the trees.Restrooms are scarce-usually just a seasonal setup or a simple vault toilet with a metal door that creaks in the wind.Recreational use-sightseeing and photography-defines the park, which was named for its wide, breathtaking views of the Gorge and valley, where you can spot riverbirds gliding over the water.You can reach the park’s informal walking paths by short trails or side roads, but it’s not a main trailhead-just a quiet spot where gravel crunches under your boots.You might spot a hawk circling overhead, a rabbit darting through the brush, or clusters of bright wildflowers blooming in the spring.Picnicking means cozy family lunches on a blanket and quick roadside breaks for travelers winding through the Hood River’s scenic curves.Quiet and scenic, this spot stays well clear of the crowds at other Hood River viewpoints, offering a peaceful place to pause, breathe in the pine-scented air, and snap a thoughtful photo.Built for quick stopovers, it’s meant for daytime visits, not long, leisurely getaways.Seasonal Appeal: In spring and summer, the hills burst with green and the air feels sharp and clear.Breathe in the crisp air and let the blaze of red and gold leaves in the orchard draw you in.Winter often brings snow, turning Mount Hood into a breathtaking white peak, though the drifts can block the road.Nearby Attractions: Take the Hood River County Fruit Loop, a winding drive past orchards heavy with apples, and stop in at local farms along the way.Hood River Waterfront Park offers riverside trails, sandy spots to relax, and plenty of space for windsurfing or paddleboarding.The Mount Hood Scenic Byway winds past clear mountain lakes, thundering waterfalls, and sweeping views of pine-covered hills.Lost Lake and Trillium Lake are alpine gems where you can hike pine-scented trails, paddle across clear water, and camp under a sky full of stars.The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum showcases vintage planes and classic cars just a short drive away, from gleaming chrome bumpers to fabric-winged biplanes.At Panorama Point County Park, you can stand in the hush of the wind and take in sweeping views of the Hood River Valley and the Columbia River Gorge.With its easy access, sweeping views, and unpretentious charm, it’s the perfect spot to snap a photo, spread out a picnic blanket, or pause to breathe in the pine-scented air while touring the area.
