You’ve got to love a country drive called the “Fruit Loop.” This popular weekend road trip in Oregon’s orchard and vineyard-packed Hood River Valley, about 60 miles east of Portland, explores the broad base of Mount Hood just south of the mighty Columbia River Gorge. It’s a wonderfully scenic spot with views of two snowcapped volcanoes, Oregon’s Mount Hood and Washington’s Mount Adams.

The fertile soils found at the base of Mount Hood and rarefied, glacier-fed water sources create a lush growing environment, and the valley abounds with grapevines and apple, pear and cherry trees — a landscape that’s as pretty as the signage on a vintage fruit crate. Anchoring the Hood River Valley is the charming former timber town of Hood River, regarded as one of the top windsurfing and kiteboarding hot spots in the world. It’s also a burgeoning foodie destination for Pacific Northwest travelers, who come here to savor meals crafted from fresh locally-produced ingredients.

I explored the Hood River region with my family last summer, with a scenic riverside lodge as home base. For four days, we enjoyed nearly nonstop recreation, eating, drinking, sightseeing and fruit-picking fun. Getting to Hood River from Portland was half the adventure.

Landing at Portland International airport after an easy flight from SFO, we picked up a rental car and headed east into the scenic Columbia River Gorge on Interstate 84. Our first stop was lunch at the charming Sugarpine Drive-In , a ca.