Exploring Mt. Hood Territory

Mt. Hood Territory is filled with cities that have quaint downtowns and boutique shops. Phoenix-based freelance food and travel writer Christina Barrueta from Write on Rubee recently visited to explore this area for a two part series on her experience.

Her journey began in Oregon City, which was one of the winners of the 2018 Great American Main Street Award.  

“You’ll see Main Street lined with welcoming restaurants and pubs, and trying to decide where to dine for lunch was made difficult with the range of choices,” said Christina.

As the official end of the Oregon Trail, and the first city west of the Rocky Mountains, Oregon City is filled with historical places, including the Municipal Elevator, Arch Bridge and McLoughlin Promenade.

Another great community to explore in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is Lake Oswego, home to Gallery Without Walls, an outdoor rotating exhibit featuring more than 70 sculptures. Following this self-guided tour is an excellent way to see the town’s locally-owned shops and restaurants.

The next day Christina headed south to explore the valley region of Mt. Hood Territory. Her trip started with a visit to Fir Point Farms.  

“One of the stops on the Canby Farm Loop, this 35-acre family-owned farm is open year-round and especially popular on the weekends with picnic areas, hay rides, a corn maze, petting zoo and children’s activities,” said Christina.

Her visit ended with a tour of TMK Creamery in Canby. TMK is home to the “cow-lebrities” and their single-cow cheese. Guests can tour their cheese-making plant, tasting room and retail space. They also have just released their first line of spirits called “cow-cohol”. After TMK is done making the cheese, they collect the whey, ferment it and then distill it.

“As I taste, I comment on its distinctive artisanal character which is smooth with floral notes and a rounded sweetness that is creamy on the palate,” said Christina.

Read Christina’s whole story about her adventure here.