Classic Wings proudly offers Scenic Air Tours of the Hood River Valley, the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood, and surrounding areas.
Join us for one of the following scenic tours, or work with our staff to design your own tour that suits your time and interests!
Please note that the times listed below include preflight briefings, taxiing, and flight time.
A picturesque trip through the Hood River Valley! The charming patchwork of farmland and orchards that comprise the valley marks the beginning of your tour. You continue over the Hood River, into the city proper, and toward the Columbia River where you will likely catch a glimpse of the lively kites and sails on the water. With Mt. Hood in the background as you fly along the river, there is no better view of this beautiful land.
A stunning view of Mt. Hood available in just under an hour! Your tour begins with a view of the town of Hood River and continues southbound through the valley towards Mt. Hood. After flying over the Hood River, Laurance Lake, and Mt. Hood’s 200-year-old dried lava flow, you circle the majestic Mt. Hood. A breathtaking world of glaciers and snowfields opens beneath you. From a vantage point as high as 12,500 feet, you may even see skiers at Timberline Lodge and climbers at the peak of the mountain. A descent over the Cascade Mountains into the Columbia River Gorge provides a mesmerizing view of the river to complete the ultimate Mt. Hood flying experience.
The Grand Tour90 Minutes – $320 for 2 people / $420 for 3 people
A complete and exhilarating look at the Cascade Mountain Range and the Columbia River Gorge! A spectacular view of Mt. Adams greets you as you enter Washington State and pass over the town of White Salmon. A westbound turn provides an up-close view of Mt. St. Helens and the Goat Rock Wilderness before you head south into Oregon. The resplendent rivers, lakes, reservoirs and orchards of the Hood River Valley form an idyllic composition beneath you as you fly toward Mt. Hood. After circling the 11,239 foot peak, you fly along the Columbia River and down into the Gorge, completing your tour of this enchanting wilderness and its unforgettable glaciers, waterfalls and volcanoes.
Gift Certificates Available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperature in the plane? Does it get cold? While the temperature does decrease as the plane climbs in altitude, the change is not so drastic that extra clothing is needed, unless you get cold easily. The plane is equipped with a heating system should it ever get cold enough to be uncomfortable. Likewise, the plane is equipped with air vents to cool things off should it ever get too hot.
Are high winds ever an issue? Because Hood River is situated within a valley next to the Columbia Gorge, it is often windy. Our pilots are experts at dealing with the wind. With the exception of some bumps on takeoff and landing, it is rare that the wind will prevent your flight.
Do clouds prevent flying? Our general rule is, “If you can see the mountains, you can fly to them.” We do not want you to waste your money on a day with poor visibility, so if needed we would reschedule your tour for another day.
Will I be able to talk over the engine? The engine does get loud, so we equip all of our passengers with headsets. This blocks out most of the engine noise and allows communication with the pilot and other passengers over an intercom. Other planes will not hear you when you talk into the mic.
How high do we go? For the Mt. Hood and Grand Tours, we will take you up as high as 12,500 feet above sea level. This affords you a better view of the land and allows the plane to clear the peak of Mt. Hood, which is 11,239 feet above sea level.
Is my pilot experienced? Classic Wings only uses FAA Certified Flight Instructors for our scenic tours, so you can be assured that your pilot has extensive aviation knowledge and hands-on experience. Learn more about our pilots on the Instructor Bios page under the About Us tab.
Can I eat or drink in the plane? Food is not allowed in any Classic Wings aircraft. We do permit water; however, the cabin is not pressurized, so be careful when opening a bottle. At 12,500 feet, the water may splash back in your face!
Can I use my phone in the plane? If you can get a cellular signal, it is perfectly fine and legal to use your phone. The FAA only restricts cell phone usage on IFR flight plans, which are used by commerical airliners.
What if I need to use the bathroom? Our tours range from twenty to ninety minutes, so we highly recommend that you use our bathroom before you takeoff.
What if I feel sick? Air vents that blow cool air on your face can be used to ease nausea. The plane is also equipped with motion sickness bags within the pilot’s reach. Notify him if you are feeling ill and he will provide you with whatever you need.
Can we fly over Mt. St. Helens? The FAA restricts all sightseeing operations to within 25 miles of an airport. Unfortunately, Mt. St. Helens is 42 miles from the Hood River airport. We can get a close-up view of it, but we are unable to fly directly over the crater.
Do I need to bring anything? Yes. You should bring a camera for the amazing views and memorable experience. Nothing else is needed.