The 2nd Street Challenge in Hood River, OR

A steep flight of stairs is like the ultimate stair-climbing machine, but with benefits you won’t find in a gym or your family room. Benefits like fresh air and sunshine instead of fluorescent lights and the recycled stuff that flows out of a ventilation system. And 9 times out of 10, the view from the top is much more exhilarating than the view through a plate glass window.

One of the most challenging flights of stairs I’ve run into recently has to be the 2nd Street Stairs in downtown Hood River, OR. 413 steps straight up to the top of the bluff. And I mean straight! There’s not a bend or a curve anywhere on this concrete staircase. But there are landings, so to speak . . .

The 2nd Street Stairs intersect four streets before finally reaching Montello Avenue at the top of the bluff. Each street becomes a landing of sorts, a natural place to stop and catch your breath. Unless you happen to be an endurance athlete or, for that matter, any athlete-in-training. And we did see a couple of these athletic types jog past us, legs pumping nonstop as they pushed for the top.

For the more casual hiker/jogger, like us, the streets also serve to break up this monster staircase into five more manageable sections. Each section varies anywhere from 40 to 110 steps. I’m sorry the numbers are not more exact. I tried for an accurate count, but kept getting distracted by the view which is incredible!

So, are you ready for the 2nd Street Challenge? Start at Overlook Memorial Park which is located at the intersection of State and 2nd Streets. Jog up the first 9-10 steps, take a hard right, and then proceed an additional 400+ steps straight up to the top of the bluff. Extra brownie points if you can make it all the way to Montello Avenue without stopping. Good luck!

For exact location, please check this map of downtown Hood River. Metered parking is available nearby.