Photos by Cheryl Landes

When the fruit trees are in bloom every April in the Hood River Valley, the Mount Hood Railroad hosts scenic train tours through the valley. The 17-mile round-trip tour on the century-old, short-line railroad crosses forests and passes orchards and vineyards with snow-capped Mount Hood in the background.

The trip departs the historic depot in the town of Hood River at 11 a.m., stops for 45 minutes at its turnaround point in Parkdale, and returns by 4 p.m. It’s a relaxing, beautiful ride that captures the nostalgia of old-fashioned train travel.

Here are some photos from my ride on the Fruit Blossom Special last year during peak bloom. Enjoy!

Another way to explore and enjoy the fruit blossoms is to drive the 35-mile scenic Hood River Fruit Loop.