Defending the Hood

Land Rover Defender · Hood River, Oregon

We've all had those weeks where by the end of it you just need to get away. Here in the Pacific Northwest, one of our gems is the town of Hood River, Oregon.

Known for its picturesque setting on the Columbia River with Mount Hood in its backyard, Hood River is a place for outdoor enthusiasts with a love for brews, coffee, fresh fruit, and great food. So when we had the opportunity to borrow a Land Rover Defender for a few days, recently imported into the US, we knew exactly where to go.

But first, we had to set it up with some LED lighting, of course. Off with the old and in with the new, and just that quick the Defender had a set of LP570 LED lights on the front bumper alongside a new Warn winch. After a quick drive on I-84 east from Portland, we were in Hood River, cruising around town and up into the hills to get the Land Rover into its natural environment.

Since we knew we were heading to Hood River, we of course had to hit Binns Hill and get some mountain biking in. Hood River is known for some of the best mountain biking on the West Coast, so we came prepared and strapped an electric Specialized S-Works to the back of the Defender. Let's face it, we're not getting any younger.

After a day of winding down and getting out of the city for some much-needed fresh air, we were back in town for a late lunch and maybe an adult beverage at pFriem Brewery on the waterfront. We're not saying it's a must, but if you ever get the chance to cruise a Land Rover Defender around Hood River, Oregon, jump at it like the kiteboarders out there looking to get lofted.