For a tiny town of just 430 residents, Mosier has so much to offer! Located on I-84 just 6 miles…read moreeast of the more popular Hood River, and 12 miles west of The Dalles, it truly is a hidden gem.
The town itself is just 3 blocks long and always gives me Mayberry RFD vibes. Right on the Old Historic Highway (US-30) the center of town is marked by Mosier Totem Pole Plaza. It's the perfect place to stop after a bike ride or hike. There are picnic tables, benches, views of the magnificent Columbia River, and a porta potty.
Right across the street is Brianna's Market. In addition to carrying groceries, beer, wine, cider and local crafts. The locals are thrilled to have a lovely market right in town annd visitors stop in for beverages, sandwiches and snacks.
For some of the best coffee anywhere, Randonne Coffee serves rich, smooth, hot and cold coffee drinks. Their scones and baked goods are equally fabulous and they have an inviting patio off to the side.
When you mention Mosier, people immediately mention MoCo, short for Mosier Company, the town's one and only restaurant. They are open Thursday-Sunday from 4-9 with live music on weekends. Lively outdoor patio, kids running around, dogs on leashes welcome. Pizza, burgers, salads and daily specials plus beer, wine, cider and a full bar.
In the same area are three food trucks:
1. La Vaquita Taqueria - amazing tacos, burritos, tamales and more!
2. The Wagon Social - craft mocktails, wine, beer, cider, charcuterie, sandwiches, desserts - all locally sourced
3. The Cedary - delicious soups, sandwiches, including breakfast sandwiches and scrambles
Rounding out the town is a tiny library, City Hall, Post Office, Fire Station, and a grade school.
But you are here for way more than the town! Bike or drive up to Rowena Crest for more incredible views of the Columbia River. In May and April the terrain is filled with yellow Balsamroot, blue lupine and countless other wildflowers.
For hikes:
- The Mosier Plateau Trail entrance is across the white bridge east of town. This 3.5 mile hike with 600 feet of elevation. May and June are the best times if you want to hike through fields of wildflowers for the most breathtaking views of the Columbia River. In the summer, the hills ripple in shades of gold and brown as the summer heat takes its toll. Afterwards stop at Mosier Creek Falls for a dip in the swimming hole at Mosier a pocket Park.
- Tom McCall Point Trail, a moderate level 4.8 in and out trail that affords amazing views of the river in one direction and Mt. Hood in the other. There is a 1.5 mile section that climbs 1030 feet in elevation along the cliffs. For those seeking an easy trail, the Rowena Plateau Loop is a family friendly 2 mile hike that loops across the plateau with amazing views across the river to the basalt cliffs on the WA side.
- Memaloose State Park has a trail and fabulous views. Stop here on your way to Rowena Crest.
- Walk, bike, e-bike or jog the Mosier Twin Tunnel trail. It's part of the Old Historic Scenic Highway which has been converted to a pedestrian and bike only trail. You actually are in the paved road that boasts some of the best vistas of the gorge, and of course, it takes you through the twin tunnels, an engineering feat created in 1921.
- If you love to windsurf of kite board, you can take off from Rock Creek Park where you can buy a day or season pass.
Wineries & Cider
For those wine lovers like me, Mosier has 4 wonderful wineries, each with their unique wines and incredible views. Garner Vineyards, Idiot's Grace, DoubleStrand Wines, and Analema, the only one that requires reservations. From June- November, Runcible Cider is open one Saturday a month to sample their cider, enjoy some food and music. Visit their website for info.
If you have read this far, you can see why I said this is a tiny town that packs a punch! Next time you are planning a visit to the Gorge, take the 69 exit and spend a day exploring Mosier. If you want to stay the weekend, look into renting one of the four Randonne Cabins which are absolutely gorgeous and contain all you need for a fabulous stay. These studio cabins have small kitchens, a den area with TV, high ceilings, private patios and views of the river. Located right behind Randonne Coffee with designated spots, it's the perfect place for those wanting to spend more time in this magical town.
Mosier is a place you visit once and fall in love. It's magical.
