Population23,720 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Orchard Valleys And A Windy Riverfront
Hood River County, OregonHood River anchors its namesake county, where orchards, the Columbia River and Mount Hood create a distinctive combination of landscapes. Cascade Locks adds another community center, while fruit-growing traditions and river recreation provide separate ways to experience the county’s local character. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 23,720 residents in Hood River County, Oregon, on July 1, 2025. The county has approximately 522 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census Gazetteer.
Hood River County at a Glance
Population23,720 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatHood River
Largest MunicipalityHood River • Cascade Locks • Parkdale
Established1908 (organized; NACo County Explorer)
ZIP CodesColumbia River Gorge
Total Area, Including Water533.301 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-84 • OR 35
Area Codes541 / 458
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Hood River County
Hood River County
Hood River County was created from Wasco County through a statewide initiative in 1908. Its name connects the river and mountain landscape, while pear, apple, cherry and peach orchards contribute to the valley's agricultural identity. The Columbia's wind conditions also support the county's well-known windsurfing and kiteboarding activity. The county's identity therefore combines a political milestone with continuing agricultural and recreational relationships to the landscape. Orchards and river activity represent distinct uses of the valley rather than one interchangeable attraction.
Follow an orchard-focused route through the valley or choose a riverfront outing around Hood River or Cascade Locks. The Fruit Loop, Bridge of the Gods and mountain destinations represent different experiences, so select a few compatible stops rather than combining everything. Farm businesses and river access points have separate visitor arrangements. A focused outing can appreciate working orchards or waterfront activity without assuming every field, shoreline or seasonal operation is open.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Hood River anchors its namesake county, where orchards, the Columbia River and Mount Hood create a distinctive combination of landscapes.
Community History
Hood River County was created from Wasco County through a statewide initiative in 1908. Its name connects the river and mountain landscape, while pear, apple, cherry and peach orchards contribute to the valley's agricultural identity.
Explore Locally
The Fruit Loop, Bridge of the Gods and mountain destinations represent different experiences, so select a few compatible stops rather than combining everything.
Discover the valley through its orchards and river connections.
A Closer Look
Hood River County
Places and perspectives from Hood River County
OPB — Oregon & Regional News
In the first full day of loss, Bend learns more about Silver Rail shooting, mourns the victims
As Bend residents come together to mourn and ask what comes next, OPB journalists are in Central Oregon.…
Read the Story Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Hood River County
Stories from every corner of Hood River County.
In the first full day of loss, Bend learns more about Silver Rail shooting, mourns the victims
As Bend residents come together to mourn and ask what comes next, OPB journalists are in Central Oregon.…
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
OPB’s First Look: New details emerge in Bend school shooting
Multiple people tried to stop the shooter, police said. Here’s your First Look at Saturday’s news.
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold
Zelenskyy described the move as unfortunate, adding it would encourage Russia to continue its assault. Trump told Congress…
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
Scuffles and fires break out as protesters rally across France, joining students
Demonstrators across France converged with students Saturday to protest rising living costs, as the country's fiscal crisis deepens.
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
Decades after apartheid, South Africans seek justice for crimes of the past
More than three decades after the end of apartheid, families of victims of some of the worst crimes…
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Hood River County School District
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Cascade Locks School – Elementary; grades KG-05. 300 Wa-na-pa St, Cascade Locks, OR 97014. 541-374-8467.
May Street Elementary School – Elementary; grades KG-05. 1001 10th Street, Hood River, OR 97031. 541-386-2656.
Hood River Valley High School – High; grades 09-12. 1220 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River, OR 97031. 541-386-4500.
Hood River Middle School – Middle; grades 06-08. 1602 May St, Hood River, OR 97031. 541-386-2114.
Parkdale Elementary School – Elementary; grades KG-05. 4880 Van Nuys Dr, Parkdale, OR 97041. 541-352-6255.
Mid Valley Elementary School – Elementary; grades KG-05. 3686 Davis Drive, Hood River, OR 97031. 541-354-1691.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital – Critical Access Hospitals. 810 12Th Street, Hood River, OR 97031. 541-386-3911.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
State Parks
Explore Oregon State Parks, park notices, and reservation information at stateparks.oregon.gov. Check the individual park before traveling.
Trails
Utilities
Identify the provider serving your address before arranging service. Oregon utility consumer information is available at Oregon government resources.
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Hood River County Library District – 502 State St, Hood River, OR 97031. 541-386-2535.
Cascade Locks Library – 300 Se Wa-Na-Pa St, Cascade Locks, OR 97014. 541-374-9317.
Parkdale Library – 7300 Clear Creek Rd, Parkdale, OR 97041. 541-352-6502.
Courts
Find Oregon circuit courts, court locations, and public information at courts.oregon.gov.
DMV
Oregon — Schedule, Cancel or Change an Appointment
Oregon — Driver license applications for adults
Transportation
Find road conditions and travel alerts at Oregon road conditions. Oregon transportation information is available at Oregon government resources.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Hood River County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Hood River County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
23,720 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
533.301 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Board of Commissioners, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with 911 Dispatch, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Forestry & Rec Trails, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Human Resources, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Sheriff’s Office, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Veterans’ Services, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Library, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Hood River County School District, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with these official Oregon resources: Schedule, Cancel or Change an Appointment; Driver license applications for adults; Offices. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Explore Hood River County
Places to visitStart with these local landmarks, outdoor destinations and community places in Hood River County.
- Hood River Valley Fruit Loop
- Bridge of the Gods
- Lost Lake
- Mount Hood recreation areas
- Cascade Locks waterfront
Explore the Hood River County profile in the Oregon Blue Book
County photograph: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives. County profile and map: Oregon Secretary of State.
Plan your visitCheck current access and hours before heading out.