About Hood River County, OR

The Hood River SWCD (Soil & Water Conservation District) has native trees and shrubs for sale every spring. They offer a large variety of native conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs. These are bareroot seedlings that are 1-2 years old. They are delivered to the SWCD in Hood River in early spring. If you live in the gorge area and would like to order some native species for planting in your yard or on your property you can place your order from now until March 1, 2009. You will be able to pick up your seedlings on Friday and Saturday April 3-4, 2009 in Hood River at the SWCD office.

Over 4,000 trees and shrubs were purchased by over 130 landowners during the 2008 plant sale. There are some new species being offered for 2009. Here's a list of native seedlings offered:

Conifer Trees-$1.25 each

• Douglas Fir
• Grand Fir
• Noble Fir
• Western Red Cedar
• Ponderosa Pine
• Giant Sequoia
• Western Hemlock

Deciduous Trees-$2.50 each

• Vine Maple
• Quaking Aspen
• Paper Birch
• Blue Elderberry
• Cascara

Shrubs-$2.50 each

• Nootka Rose
• Snowberry
• Douglas Spirea
• Mock Orange
• Oceanspray
• Indian Plum
• Red Osier Dogwood
• Serviceberry
• Red Flowering Currant
• Pacific Ninebark
• Tall Oregon Grape

I have purchased seedlings every year for the past 5 years. The Aspen trees we planted in 2004 were at most 2 ft tall. They are now over 10 ft tall. I also love the Red Flowering Current, Nootka Rose and Western Red Cedar.

Here's the latest sales data from the RMLS. This includes listed property sales only-no FSBO's. There were 19 total sales for the month of Sept 2008 for Hood River County.

Hood River/City- 12 single family home sales- $210,000, $273,000, $290,000, $315,889, $319,000, $345,000, $350,000, $380,000, $400,000, $675,000, and $855,000

Hood River/Westside-2 single family home sales- $260,000 and $432,000

Odell-2 sales-single family home- listed $495,000 Sold-$420,000 2304 sq ft on 4.5 acres DOM 103

Parkdale-2 single family home sales-$415,000 and $750,000

There was 1 sale of Unimproved land in Hood River County in September-sold for $400,000

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Rasmussen Farms is located at 3020 Thomsen Road off of Hwy 35 just 6 miles south of Hood River. Rasmussen farms has been a family owned and operated farm since 1945. Every year Pumpkin Funland has displays, a corn maze, and other activities for the kids. You can buy u-pick pumpkins, other fruits, vegetables and fall holiday produce and decor.

This year Pumpkin Funland opens for the season September 27 through November 12

Here are some highlights from last years Pumpkin Funland.

Pumpkin bowling was a big hit with the kids. Last years theme was "Then and Now"

The 24th Annual Hood River Harvest Festival is coming! It will be held Oct. 17-18-19, 2008 at the Hood River Expo Center, just off I84, exit #63

Did you know: The 15,000 acres of orchards in the Hood River Valley produce nearly 50% of the entire nations winter pear crop.

The Hood River Harvest Festival features freshly harvested pears, apples, other locally grown produce, many locally made arts and crafts, and food booths. There will also be live music and entertainment. Hood River Harvest Festival is always a lot of fun!

There will be 7 fine Hood River Homes featured in the 18th Annual Delta Kappa Home Tour on Sept. 28, 2008 from 1-5 pm. This year the proceeds of the home tour will go to the new Hood River Waterfront Park. You can get your tickets for $10.00 at Waucoma Bookstore or Tammy's Floral in Hood River. You can also purchase tickets the day of the tour at Hawks Ridge-1795 Eight St. in Hood River where the tour begins. Maps, information on the tour and refreshments will be provided.

I don't have information on all the homes that are on the tour yet, but I do know my neighbor's home at 4075 Stonegate Dr. in East Stonegate is included. This is a 2876 Sq. ft. custom home that is FSBO for $749,999.00

I may do an open house also for my listing at 636 Hunter Rd. in the same neighborhood. This custom home is listed for $755,000.00, 3365 sq. ft. including a separate 1 bdrm legal apt, and many upgrades.