Gorge Local - In Business: See the Fruit Loop in a new way

Much fascination is also tied to the railroad — from scenic train rides to historic events. Locals may have grown accustomed to the railroad and forgotten about the fun attractions it offers, while tourists travel from far and wide to experience a day at the Mount Hood Railroad.

The century-old railroad is still in operation for shipping and transportation, but it also offers scenic train rides and railbiking excursions through the Fruit Loop in Northern Oregon. Guests are able to schedule railbiking ahead of time as a unique way to view the Gorge.

Railbikes are tandem pedal bikes with electric-assist that pass over and along the Hood River, through vineyards and forests, and traverse the orchards up to The Fruit Company. Thirteen railbikes means tours can seat up to 26 people and trips take a little less than three hours. Guides lead the tour and have signals for safety and stopping on the tracks if necessary, and trains are carefully managed to allow railbike tours the time to explore.

The railbikes tackle one steep switchback per direction, where bikes are flipped around to continue the ride, and pass over a small waterfall. Speed of the bikes generally stays between 9-12 mph and guests can expect plenty of time for a picnic or wine tasting halfway through at The Fruit Company, where railroad employees and fruit packers alike welcome railbikers with views of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

After guests experience The Fruit Company and purchase whatever fruit, cider, or other snacks they desire, the tour returns down the same portion of railroad to the main Mount Hood Railroad location in the town of Hood River.

The Fruit Company is located at 2850 Van Horn Drive, Hood River. For more information, visit thefruitcompany.tours/railbiking.