About 90 minutes east of Portland on Interstate 84, the Hood River Valley opens up into one of the most productive and beautiful agricultural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Fourteen thousand acres of pears, apples, and cherries. Generations of family farms. And a 35-mile self-guided driving route — the Hood River Fruit Loop — that threads through all of it.

Getting started can feel overwhelming. There are so many stops, so many places to eat, and the different growing seasons impact what's open. Here's your guide to making the most out of the Hood River Fruit Loop.

Get there early. Many farm stands open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 or 6 p.m. If you're leaving Portland after 10, you're already behind. Leave by 8:30 a.m., or earlier if you want to stop for brunch in Hood River, and you'll have the full day.

Check before you drive. The Fruit Loop has 30 official member stops, but hours vary by season, and several are seasonal only. Check each stop's website or social media when planning your trip so you know what's open and don't waste a drive.

Pick a season with intention. Fall (September and October) is peak — apple and pear harvest, pumpkins, hard cider season, brilliant foliage, and often better weather than Portland. Summer is cherry and berry season. Spring is for the blossom festival, when the valley is covered in bloom. Winter slows down significantly, but a handful of spots stay open year-round. Visiting across the seasons gives you the opportunity to hit more stops.

Budget a full day. A focused loop hitting six or seven stops takes about five hours. If you want to do it properly — slow lunches, a cider flight, u-pick time — plan for seven or eight.