Where do I meet for the tour?

Meeting point listed is 2900 Van Horn Drive, Hood River; facility address also appears as 2850 Van Horn Dr.

How long is the tour and when does it run?

Tours last about 90 minutes and operate select days from May through October, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Yes — the tram and stops are family-friendly, but children should be supervised around equipment and packing areas.

Will I be able to taste fruit?

Yes — seasonal tastings are part of the tour when harvest timing allows; offerings vary by date and crop.

Can I buy gift baskets on site?

Yes — the tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at gift basket assembly and opportunities to customize and purchase items before you leave.

Tractor Tram & Tasting: The Fruit Company Orchard Tour in Hood River | Farm | Photography Tour

Q: Is parking available?

Yes — free parking is available between The Fruit Company and Mt. Hood Winery; follow the entrance into Mt. Hood Winery because the parking lot is shared.

Adventure Brief

Ride a tractor-pulled tram through Hood River orchards, taste seasonal fruit, and go behind the scenes at The Fruit Company to see how gift baskets are made. This 90-minute tour is an accessible, flavorful way to connect with the valley’s agricultural heritage.

1–1.5 hours

easy

From $51.94

On the Fruit Company Tour, visitors climb aboard a tractor-pulled tram and roll through productive orchards in the Hood River Valley, a short drive from the Columbia River Gorge. Located at 2900 Van Horn Drive, Hood River and operating from the historic facilities at 2850 Van Horn Dr, this 90-minute experience combines agricultural history, hands-on tasting, and a behind-the-scenes look at basket-making at The Fruit Company. The setting is apple- and pear-strewn rows, old farming equipment, ripening fruit, and sweeping valley views that explain why this place helped establish Hood River as an agricultural hub. The tram winds between trees and reveals varieties that change with the season — cherry blossoms in spring, summer stone fruit, and crisp apples and pears in fall. Guides recount early twentieth-century farm stories and point out specialized machinery used to harvest, sort, and process fruit. Inside the long-standing packing and assembly space you’ll watch specialists assemble gift baskets, see conveyor systems and label presses, and learn the steps that turn orchard harvests into polished, shippable gifts. Few tours let you taste fruit directly from the source, climb out for photos beneath orchard canopies, and then walk into a historic building where you can customize your own gift. The experience balances sensory moments — the crush of ripe fruit, the scent of wood and wax on packing lines — with practical insight into sustainable farming choices and the local economy. Families, food lovers, and curious travelers will appreciate the pace: mostly seated on the tractor tram with short, accessible stops for tasting and photographs. The Fruit Company’s partnership with nearby Mt. Hood Winery is practical too — parking is free between The Fruit Company and Mt. Hood Winery (follow the entrance into Mt. Hood Winery because parking lot is shared). Tours run select days from May through October, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, making them an ideal midday excursion during a longer Hood River itinerary. Plan to bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and an appetite for seasonal flavors. Whether you’re tracing the arc of a pear from branch to box or crafting a personalized gift, the Fruit Company Tour offers a clear, local story about food, place, and the people who keep an agricultural valley thriving. During the ride guides point out heritage rootstocks, irrigation lines, and demonstration plots that illustrate cold-hardy varieties and integrated pest management. Seasonal sampling depends on harvest timing; at peak summer you might sample sweet cherries and plums, while autumn samplings favor late-season apples and pears. The tour also offers insight into packaging choices that reduce waste and support shipping durability. Small groups keep the experience personal, and the mix of outdoor tram time and indoor factory viewing makes the tour accessible in various weather.

About Mount Hood Railroad

Mount Hood Railroad operates scenic heritage train experiences and outdoor excursions in the Hood River Valley of Oregon. The railroad presents seasonal and specialty trips that highlight the valley’s orchards, vineyards, rivers and mountain views. Popular options include the Summer Train, Spring Train and Fall Train; the family-favorite Polar Express Train; the Two-Person Railbikes; the Fruit Valley Trolley & Train Combo; Orchard Tour tractor-tram rides; and E-Bike Rental adventures.

Trips range from short orchard trams and seasonally timed train rides with 45-minute layovers at local attractions, to guided 2.5-hour railbike excursions that include a stop at The Fruit Company for a factory tour. Riders can select varied seating options, including standard coaches and a luxury car with a private bartender on select departures. E-bike rentals provide adjustable electric assistance and smooth shifting for riders of differing skill levels exploring Hood River streets, orchards, and Mosier tunnels.

Mount Hood Railroad emphasizes safe, family-friendly experiences delivered by trained, friendly staff and guides familiar with local history and scenery. Vintage railcars and purpose-built railbikes are maintained for passenger comfort and reliability. Seasonal events such as the Polar Express Train create memorable holiday outings with festive music, hot cocoa and themed amenities.

Visitors can expect a mix of relaxed scenic travel, educational orchard experiences, and active outdoor options, making Mount Hood Railroad a versatile choice for families, couples and small groups seeking authentic Hood River Valley adventures. Advance reservations are recommended for peak seasons and specialty trains and group bookings. Call ahead for details.