Did you know that Oregon is the third-highest producer of sweet cherries in the country? And the majority of the cherry crop grows in the shadow of Mt. Hood? And that Bing cherries, which are the most popular variety of cherries, were first developed by a pioneer grower in Oregon and named after one of his Chinese workers? Who knew Oregon had such a sweet history when it comes to cherries!
Maybe that’s why for the past 39 years, the Northwest Cherry Festival has been held in Oregon. This year’s event is set for April 27-29, 2018, with a variety of events held through The Dalles, Mt. Hood, and Columbia River Gorge areas. This nine-day event features a parade, a car show, a bicycle ride, 10K run, Cherry Idol (the festival’s version of American Idol with singing competitions by age groups), and pageant royalty with the crowning of King Byng, Queen Anne, and Royal Ann and Andy. There will also be cherry sampling with the Oregon Cherry Growers, a carnival, a craft fair, and an agricultural fair.
Enjoy the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge area while staying at the Mt. Hood Village RV Campground for the festival. The Dalles is just about an hour and a half drive from the Mt. Hood Village RV Campground. Consider the Full Moon Snowshoe on April 29 hosted by the historic Timberline Lodge for another outdoor adventure in this region. This complimentary guided event involves a full moon snowshoe stroll through the fields and forests around the Lodge. For more information on this event, go to timberlinelodge.com.
Plan a visit to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum and learn 11,000 years of local history of the area. There’s even a life-sized Columbia mammoth on display. Plenty of interactive activities for kids and outdoor walking paths round out the experience for all visitors. For more museum information, visit gorgediscovery.org.
On a nature note, April begins the blooming season for the area wildflowers and numerous orchards. April 1-30 is when the Hood River Valley blossoms and the cherry, apple, and pear trees bloom to life with pink and white blossoms. Take the scenic 35-mile Hood River County Fruit Loop and stop in at the orchards, wineries, and farms along the way. Saturday, April 21 is the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest where more than 25 local and regional cideries will have samples available. The event also features local food favorites, arts and crafts, and live music.
Head to Oregon and enjoy springtime events that are guaranteed to be oh, so sweet! And make your reservations at rvonthego.com today!Posted in: Campgrounds, Day Trips Tagged: Columbia River Gorge, Columbia River Gorge Discover Center, Hood River Hard Pressed Cider Fest, Mt. Hood, Mt. Hood Village RV Resort, Northwest Cherry Festival, Oregon, The Dalles, timberline lodge