Gravel in Hood River, OR

Costs vary by material and supplier, but expect material prices roughly $25 to $75 per ton depending on type (basalt, crushed rock, pea gravel). Delivery in the Hood River area is often free for nearby suppliers but can add $50 to $250 for remote or steep access; Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum. These are estimates only—check your zip code on our site or get a quote for a precise price.

Angular crushed rock (for example local crushed basalt) is usually best because the pieces interlock and resist movement on slopes. Avoid loose, round river rock or pea gravel for steep driveways since they tend to roll and migrate; use crushed stone with fines, geotextile fabric, and proper drainage instead.

Hello Gravel connects you with trusted local suppliers and haulers serving Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge region. Delivery is typically by tri-axle dump truck and most suppliers deliver within about 30-50 miles, but availability and radius vary by supplier—enter your zip code or request a quote to confirm.

Measure square feet (length x width) and decide depth in inches. Use cubic yards = (square feet x depth in inches) / 324, then convert to tons using about 1.3 tons per cubic yard as a rule of thumb. Example: a 20 ft x 100 ft driveway at 4 inches = (2,000 x 4)/324 = 24.7 cubic yards x 1.3 ≈ 32 tons.

With good base prep and drainage, gravel driveways in Hood River typically serve 10-20 years but need routine care. Expect to regrade and refill high-traffic or eroded areas yearly or every few years, and add 1 to 3 inches of new gravel every 3-5 years depending on use and winter damage. Proper drainage and timely repairs after heavy rain or freeze-thaw events greatly extend life.

Gravel has the lowest initial cost but higher ongoing maintenance (regular regrading and material top-ups). Asphalt has moderate upfront cost and lower maintenance than gravel, while concrete has the highest upfront cost with the longest service life and lowest routine care. For Hood River's wet, freeze-thaw climate, factor maintenance frequency and drainage costs when comparing total lifecycle expense.

Regulations vary by parcel and slope; permeable surfaces can reduce stormwater runoff but you still must follow local grading and stormwater rules. Contact the City of Hood River planning department or Wasco County public works before installing to confirm permit requirements and any required erosion or stormwater controls.

Excavate to stable subgrade and remove organic material, then install geotextile fabric to separate soil from stone. Build a compacted base of angular crushed rock in layers (typically 4-8 inches per layer), use geogrid on steep or unstable slopes, create a slight crown for shedding water, and compact each layer with a roller or plate compactor for best stability.

Pea gravel drains well but can wash and migrate in heavy rain and on slopes unless contained by strong edging; it also can be uncomfortable for high-traffic areas. Decomposed granite can work for patios if stabilized and compacted or bound with a stabilizer; for Hood River expect to use edging and proper drainage to prevent washout.

Aim for late spring through early fall when the ground is drier and compaction is easier; avoid installing during the rainy season or when the ground is frozen. Installing in dry months improves compaction, reduces washout risk, and helps the base settle properly before winter.

Tell Hello Gravel about steep grades, narrow driveways, gates, or overhead obstructions when ordering so we can match the right truck and plan a drop location. For safety, drivers may refuse unsafe tailgate spreading; consider a nearby flat staging area for dump trucks, and expect possible extra fees for tight access or smaller trucks.