William (BILLY) E. Bullock

Hood River Area Information

Hood River is a lovely city in and the county seat of Hood River County, Oregon. The City of Hood River was incorporated on July, 1895 and is located approximately 60 miles east of Portland Oregon. It is a port on the Columbia River and is named for the nearby Hood River and its source Mount Hood. In 2006, the population is estimated to have reached 6,580. Major local industries include: orchards and fruit packing, telecommunications, timber, software design, and recreation. Hood River also boasts several microbreweries and vineyards. Popular recreational activities include windsurfing, hiking, and skiing. Hood River County is now responsible for the leading production of Anjou Pears in the world.

History

On October 29, 1792, W.R. Broughton and his men of the Vancouver Expedition discovered and named Mt. Hood, in honor of Lord Hood of British Admiralty. On October 29, 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition discovered and named the glacial stream now known as the Hood River the Labeasche River. This name was an improvised method of spelling the name of Francis Labiche, one of the French-Canadian watermen. Later on, Mrs. Mary Coe, a well-known pioneer resident of the valley, succeeded in changing the river’s nickname to Hood River on account of Mount Hood, its source. The name Hood River appears on a map as early as 1856 and the City of Hood River was incorporated on July, 1895. Originally a part of Wasco County, Hood River County gained its political separation on June 23, 1908 and its boundaries have remained unchanged to the present time.

Nathaniel and Mary Coe were the original owners of a 319 acre government land grant bordered on the north by the Columbia River. In 1854 the Nathaniel Coe family filed a land claim on acreage now part of the City of Hood River. They were soon followed by the William Jenkins family and the Denson family. Coe was one of the first to plant fruit trees in the Hood River Valley. Apple orchards flourished in this rich valley from 1890 to 1920, and Hood River became famous for its apples. But in 1919 many apple trees were struck by a killing freeze. Farmers replaced the apple trees with pear trees, and now Hood River County is one of the leading producers of Anjou pears in the world.

Hood River, OR Attractions & Activities

Columbia Gorge Winegrowers

Often considered America’s most unique wine, Columbia Gorge winegrowers can be found in the Columbia Gorge Growing Region. This region straddles the Columbia River and includes the fertile soils of both Washington and Oregon. The Columbia Gorge Growing Region ranges from the marine influenced climate of Underwood Mountain to the arid dryland of the Eastern Gorge and grows many varieties of grapes ranging from Albarino to Zinfandel. Relax in their casual tasting rooms and discover a spectacular selection of sweet whites and luscious reds. To visit their vineyards and wineries online, please click here: http://www.columbiagorgewine.com/.

The Gorge White House
The Gorge White House is a historic home on a century old working farm that features wines and craft beers of the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge White House also features seasonal local fruit, flowers, art, photography and much more. Come and relax in their fields or in an elegant, casual setting in the heart of the Hood River Valley. Please visit their official website for more information. http://www.thegorgewhitehouse.com/

Fruit Loop
The Fruit Loop is a 35-mile, scenic drive through the valley's orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities. Sample delicious fruits and take your favorites home, visit a winery, experience fields of fragrant lavender, meet adorable alpacas, savor delicious baked goods, and create memories by participating in family activities hosted at Fruit Loop locations throughout the year. For this and more information about the Fruit Loop, please visit their official website at: http://www.hoodriverfruitloop.com/index.html

Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort offers some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding in the Northwest. Just 90 minutes away from Portland, the resort sprawls across Mt. Hood's southeast flank, the sunny, wind-protected side of Mt. Hood. Meadows' playful terrain welcomes and challenges all levels of skiers and snowboarders. To learn this and more, please visit Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort’s website at: http://www.skihood.com/?c=129141102118860000

For a detailed lists of Attractions in Hood River, OR please visit: http://www.hoodriver.org/HRCCC_CategoryTemplate.asp?CategoryINDX=416

Parks & Recreation

The City of Hood River is home to numerous parks within the City limits. The City also provides a variety of venues for recreation, family gatherings and larger group gatherings and events. Please visit the City of Hood River’s official parks and recreation website at: http://ci.hood-river.or.us/pageview.aspx?id=19169

Events Calendar

The Bite of the Gorge

The Bite of the Gorge is one event you don’t want to miss! Enjoy a tasting of delicious dishes from the best Gorge restaurants. Tastings throughout the evening also include treats from local breweries and wineries. Silent and Live Auctions and great art from local students are all available for your viewing and participation. Please visit the official event website for more details about the Bite of the Gorge. http://www.hoodriver.org/HRCCC_EventTemplate.asp?EventINDX=1216&CategoryINDX=

Bedpan Open Golf Tournament
The Annual Bedpan Open is a golf tournament, delicious dinner, and auction all held at the Indian Creek Golf Course. The proceeds of this benefit tournament will go to the PHRMHF Jane Mellor fund for Dental Outreach.

The program was designed by the Gorge Dental Access Coalition, a collaboration of area dental providers, healthcare professionals and youth and family care organizations. The dental vouchers, in the amount of $500, are distributed to area youth who have been identified to have painful, acute dental issues. The youth are sent to local providers for necessary care to alleviate the problem and be educated on proper dental care. Many of these students are uninsured, but, we also face a problem of parents being unable to afford the coinsurance costs for dental care. In the last 16 months the organization has provided over 100 area youth with this voucher service and there are many more that need care.

The day will start at 12:30pm with a shotgun start. Throughout the round of golf there will be opportunities to win a car, exciting trips and cash prizes. This event will conclude with a cocktail hour, buffet dinner and live auction. To learn all this and more about the Bedpan Open Golf Tournament, please visit: http://www.hoodriver.org/HRCCC_EventTemplate.asp?EventINDX=548&CategoryINDX=

For a detailed list of Community events, please visit: http://www.hoodriver.org/