The Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood Area Restaurants

A prominent locavore mentality pervades western Oregon generally, and low elevations around the gorge mean long growing seasons for dozens of local producers. Fresh foods grown, caught, and harvested in the Northwest dominate menus in gourmet restaurants around the gorge and Mt. Hood. Columbia River salmon is big, fruit orchards proliferate around Hood River, and the gorge nurtures a glut of excellent vineyards. Of course, beer culture is king across Oregon, and even the smallest towns around the region have their own lively brewpubs with casual American pub fare and tap after tap of craft ales. In keeping with the region's green and laid-back vibe, outdoor dining is big, Hood River's superb Stonehedge Gardens being the quintessential example.