Travel + Leisure named this Oregon destination as one of the best small towns in the US
A Columbia River Gorge destination has been named one of America’s best small towns for 2026. Travel +…
A Columbia River Gorge destination has been named one of America’s best small towns for 2026.
Travel + Leisure named Hood River the Best Small Mountain Town on its “2026 America’s Best Small Towns list.”
The travel magazine selected 10 communities across categories ranging from best beach and food destinations to best college, retirement, and sports towns.
Hood River sits about an hour east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge, with easy access to recreation on the Columbia River and nearby Mount Hood.
Why did Travel + Leisure choose Hood River?
Travel + Leisure highlighted Hood River for its combination of outdoor recreation and a growing local arts scene.
Mountain biking was one of the activities singled out by the publication, including riding at Post Canyon and along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
The area is also widely known for windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking, cycling, and access to winter recreation around Mount Hood.
Travel + Leisure also pointed to Industrial Street Studios, an artist collective created by local ceramicists Sarah Wolf and Dyana Fiediga, as an example of the town’s developing arts scene.
What’s new for visitors to Hood River?
The publication highlighted the Lightwell, a recently opened full-service hotel in Hood River.
According to Travel + Leisure, the property offers live music in its lobby, first-Friday jazz performances, and a spa. The addition gives travelers another lodging option while staying in town and exploring the Columbia River Gorge.
Hood River’s location also makes it practical as a base for a larger Gorge trip. Visitors can combine time downtown with waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, wineries, orchards, and recreation on the Columbia River.
Which other small towns made the 2026 list?
Travel + Leisure divided its 2026 selections into 10 categories rather than producing a numbered overall ranking.
The list includes:
- Pismo Beach, California, for beaches
- Laconia, New Hampshire, for lakes
- Ely, Nevada, for desert travel
- Mystic, Connecticut, for food
- Truth or Consequences, New Mexico for spa and wellness travel
- Georgetown, South Carolina, for retirement
- Oxford, Mississippi, for college towns
- Kohler, Wisconsin, for sports
Hood River was the only Pacific Northwest community selected as a category winner on the 2026 list.
