This Oregon City Is a Hidden Gem Filled with Scenic Hiking Trails, Craft Breweries, and More

Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.

Blaine Franger

Meet the Insider: Carrington “Ceb” Barrs, founding partner of Lightwell Hotel & Spa 

Location: Hood River, Oregon

Ceb Barrs tapped into his passion for wellness, design, and community-centered hospitality for the recent renovation of the century-old Waucoma Hotel. The property now blends historic preservation with modern comfort, resulting in a restorative base camp that’s friendly for both travelers and their four-legged companions. Here are the outdoor enthusiast’s tips for exploring this magnificent corner of the Columbia River Gorge.

STAY

Shelsi Lindquist

If being within walking distance to everything downtown Hood River has and having all the amenities is your jam, Lightwell Hotel & Spa is the spot. There are also some really nice Airbnbs in the surrounding area. I personally love a home in the woods with a view for a family getaway.

EAT

Aubrie LeGault

Celilo has been my favorite restaurant in Hood River for years. The food, service, bar, and vibe are consistently great. It has a solid, locally sourced menu with rotating seasonal specials that keep me coming back. Sushi Okalani (conveniently located right underneath Celilo) is my second go-to. The sushi is great, and the chefs nail the presentation. Be prepared: It doesn’t take reservations, and the wait can be long, as it’s a local favorite.

DRINK

Visit Hood River

Hood River is definitely a beer town. We have lots of great brewpubs, and Double Mountain Brewery is at the top of that list. Not only does it brew a large variety on site, but the location itself is super cool and funky with lots to look at, plus delicious wood-fired pizzas. It has live music and trivia nights, too. Lightwell’s lobby bar, “The Bob,” has a nice vibe and is popular with both guests and locals. We have live jazz on Wednesday nights, piano on the historic baby grand on Thursdays, an upscale Mediterranean-style bar menu, and really great cocktails!

DO

Mount Hood Railroad

Most people spend time in the Columbia River Gorge for the more adventure-forward activities, but there’s plenty to do in town, too. We have a great local and regional music scene. The Ruins is an old fruit cannery that burned down in the 1930s and has been transformed into an amazing outdoor amphitheater that hosts great live music, comedy, and community events. Mount Hood Railroad is now locally owned, and it has been transformed from a dilapidated tourist trap. The railbikes are an experience like no other!

SHOP

Visit Hood River

Whether you’re in the market for upgrades or just curious about the outdoors, Big Winds, Pure Stoke, and Discover Bicycles have it all when it comes to “gorge sports” gear. Mountain bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes, downhill skis, snowboards, backcountry gear, paddleboards—it’s why we live here. For apparel, I’d be eye-rolled by my wife and daughter if I didn’t mention locally owned boutique The Ruddy Duck and the place with a little of everything, Doug’s.