Hood River County Court Records Search

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    Hood River County, Oregon occupies a striking stretch of the Columbia River Gorge and maintains a network of courts that handle everything from minor traffic citations to complex civil litigation and probate proceedings. The official record of those proceedings — case filings, orders, hearings, and judgments — is preserved by the clerks of each respective court and is generally open to the public under Oregon law. If you're looking for specific case documents, party information, or case outcomes, you can access Hood River County court records through a combination of in-person visits, mail-in requests, and online tools.

    A good place to start is OregonCourts.us, which provides publicly available records across the state's circuit courts and other trial court divisions. The Oregon Judicial Department also offers both free and subscription-based online search systems, and most records can be accessed directly through the Hood River County Circuit Court clerk's office. Before you submit any request, the most important step is figuring out which court handled the matter you're researching.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Hood River County?

    The Oregon Judicial Department provides two main online systems for locating court case information, both of which cover the Hood River County Circuit Court.

    The free option is the OJD Records and Calendar Search, which gives you basic case information — party names, case numbers, hearing dates, and court calendars — for all Oregon circuit courts and the Tax Court. It's a practical tool for confirming whether a case exists or checking an upcoming hearing date.

    If you need more detailed access, the OJCIN OnLine subscription service lets registered users search civil, small claims, domestic, criminal (including misdemeanor and felony), and probate case records across all 36 of Oregon's circuit courts, including Hood River. OJCIN is a low-cost, browser-based subscription and is widely used by legal professionals, researchers, and background check services that need comprehensive case-level data.

    If you'd rather search in person, you can visit the Hood River County Circuit Court and use the public access terminals at the courthouse. Staff can help locate files when you provide a case number or party name. You can also submit an OJD Records Request Form online; the court typically responds within about five court business days, though more complex requests can take ten or more days.

    Hood River County Court Locations:

    CourtAddressPhoneFax
    Hood River County Circuit Court309 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031(541) 386-3535—
    Hood River Municipal Court211 2nd Street, Hood River, OR 97031(541) 386-3942 / (541) 387-5250(541) 387-5575
    Hood River County Justice Court440 WaNaPa St., P.O. Box 536, Cascade Locks, OR 97014(541) 374-8558(541) 374-8121
    Cascade Locks Municipal Court140 SW WaNaPa St., P.O. Box 308, Cascade Locks, OR 97014(541) 374-8484(541) 374-8752

    Hood River Circuit Court — Record Request Copy Fees:

    • Regular paper copy: $0.25 per page + $3.00 per case request
    • Certified copy (paper): $5.00 + $0.25 per page
    • Exemplified (three-way certificate) copy: $10.00 + $0.25 per page
    • Electronic document (emailed): $3.00 per case request
    • Electronic certified copy (emailed): $5.00
    • CD recording of proceedings: $10.00 + $1.00 per CD
    • Mailing costs are added at actual postage cost

    Are Court Records Public in Hood River County?

    Oregon's Public Records Law, codified in ORS Chapter 192, establishes that government records — including most court records — are presumed open to the public. Under ORS 192.345, certain categories of records are conditionally or permanently exempt from disclosure, and courts may restrict access by judicial order.

    For Hood River County court records specifically, the following categories are not available to the general public:

    • Juvenile records: Because cases involving minors are particularly sensitive, juvenile court records are confidential under Oregon law. Only the parties to the case and their attorneys may request certain juvenile case records. Access rules are published in the Juvenile Court Records Access Rules.
    • Adoption records: These are sealed by default. Eligible parties may request access by submitting a Request for Court Adoption Records form. More information is available through the Adoption Record Access page of the Oregon Judicial Department.
    • Victim and witness information: Certain identifying details in criminal matters involving victims or witnesses are protected from public disclosure.
    • Law enforcement investigative records: Active investigative materials and certain law enforcement agency records are exempt from general disclosure.
    • Sealed or expunged records: Records sealed by court order or expunged under applicable Oregon statutes are not accessible to the public.

    Any person may inspect or obtain copies of nonexempt Hood River County court records. You don't need to explain why you're requesting public records, and no special credentials are required for non-confidential materials.

    Hood River County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal matters in Hood River County are handled at two levels. Misdemeanor and felony cases are prosecuted in the Hood River County Circuit Court, while traffic violations, boating infractions, and certain lesser offenses are routed through the Hood River County Justice Court (Cascade Locks Justice Court) or the Hood River Municipal Court, depending on where the alleged offense occurred.

    The Justice Court, established in 1939, has jurisdiction over traffic, boating, wildlife, and related violations occurring anywhere in the county. It processes approximately 3,000 cases annually. Arraignments are held every Tuesday morning, and trials take place once per month. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with phone staff available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    The Hood River Municipal Court handles citations and complaints issued by the City of Hood River Police Department, the City Attorney, and private citizens. Court sessions are held on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. under the Honorable Ruben D. Cleaveland. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can reach the Municipal Court at m.court@cityofhoodriver.gov or by phone at (541) 387-5250.

    To search for criminal case records at the circuit court level, use the OJD Records and Calendar Search for free basic information, or subscribe to OJCIN OnLine for full case history. Certified copies of criminal case documents can be requested through the OJD's online Records Request Form.

    Keep in mind that Oregon law restricts access to criminal history record information compiled separately by law enforcement agencies. Court case records reflect charges that were filed and their dispositions — they don't automatically capture arrest incidents that never resulted in formal charges.

    Circuit court fees for criminal case filings follow the Oregon statewide fee schedule, and online payments for many Hood River criminal cases can be processed through the OJD Courts ePay system.

    Hood River County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Hood River County is managed by the Hood River County Circuit Court, which hears general civil cases, small claims matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and contract claims. Civil case records — pleadings, motions, orders, and final judgments — are generally open to public inspection under Oregon's public records framework.

    Start with the free OJD Records and Calendar Search to verify that a case exists and identify its case number. The OJCIN OnLine subscription service provides much deeper access to civil case data, including the full register of actions, party information, and document listings.

    Steps to request copies of civil court documents:

    • Identify the case number using the online records search or by contacting the Circuit Court clerk at (541) 386-3535.
    • Complete the OJD Records Request Form online, specifying whether you need regular, certified, or exemplified copies.
    • Select your preferred delivery method: email, mail, or in-person pickup at 309 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031.
    • Pay the applicable fees: $3.00 per case + $0.25 per page for paper copies, or $3.00 per case for emailed electronic documents.
    • Expect a response within five court business days; complex requests may take ten or more business days.

    Small claims filings in Hood River County follow the Oregon small claims process and are subject to the same public access rules. Interactive court forms for many civil and small claims matters are available through the OJD iForms system.

    Hood River County Family Court Records

    Family court matters in Hood River County run through the circuit court system. The Hood River County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over divorce (dissolution of marriage), legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, and guardianship.

    Divorce and Dissolution Records

    Divorce case records filed in circuit court are generally public records, including the petition, response, and final judgment of dissolution. Financial affidavits and documents containing sensitive personal information may be partially redacted or restricted. The Oregon Judicial Department provides divorce information and self-help resources for those navigating dissolution proceedings without an attorney.

    Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested through the Circuit Court clerk using the Records Request Form. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $0.25 per page.

    The Oregon Health Authority's Vital Records Office also maintains certified copies of divorce records at the state level. Eligible requesters may apply by mail or drop box with a completed application form (OHA 45-14A), a valid photo ID, and the $25.00 certified copy fee (check or money order payable to OHA/Vital Records). Requests are sent to:

    Oregon Vital Records — Mail:
    P.O. Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050

    Oregon Vital Records — Drop Box:
    800 NE Oregon St., Portland, OR 97232

    Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

    Individuals seeking restraining orders in Hood River County can find guidance and forms through the OJD Protective Orders resource page. FAPA (Family Abuse Prevention Act) restraining orders are processed through the Circuit Court.

    Adoption Records

    Adoption records are confidential in Oregon. Parties who qualify for access must submit the designated Request for Court Adoption Records form directly to the court. The Adoption Record Access page of the Oregon Judicial Department explains eligibility requirements in detail.

    Marriage Licenses

    Marriage licenses in Hood River County are issued by the Assessment, Records, and Elections Department, located at 601 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031. Phone inquiries can be directed to (541) 386-4522. Certified copies of marriage certificates are also available through the Oregon Health Authority Vital Records Office at $25.00 per certified copy, accessible via Oregon Vital Records.

    Hood River County Probate Court Records

    The Hood River County Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters, including estate administration, the probate of wills, conservatorships, and guardianships for incapacitated adults. Probate case records are generally public unless a court order seals them.

    What probate records are available?

    • Petitions to open an estate
    • Wills submitted to the court for probate
    • Inventories and accountings of estate assets
    • Letters Testamentary and Letters of Administration (fiduciary letters)
    • Final orders closing the estate
    • Conservatorship and guardianship petitions and annual reports

    How to access Hood River County probate records:

    • Search for the case using the OJCIN OnLine subscription database or the free OJD Records and Calendar Search to retrieve the case number and basic case information.
    • Visit the Hood River County Circuit Court clerk's office at 309 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031 during business hours to inspect files in person.
    • Submit a Records Request Form for copies of specific probate documents.

    Fiduciary letters — Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration — required by banks, financial institutions, and the Social Security Administration typically must be certified paper copies, not electronic, because they require an original ink stamp and the clerk's signature. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $0.25 per page. If you're an executor or administrator handling a Hood River estate, confirm with each institution whether paper or electronic certified copies will be accepted before placing your request.

    For historical probate estate records predating 1965, the Oregon Secretary of State Archives maintains a Hood River County Records Inventory that may be a useful starting point. The Archives notes that Hood River County probate estate records date from as early as 1911.

    The Hood River County Assessment, Records, and Elections Department at 601 State Street also maintains recorded property documents — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and contracts — that are frequently referenced in probate proceedings. Property records can be searched through the department's Digital Research Room online portal. Recording a deed or most property documents in Hood River County costs $138 for the first page plus $5.00 for each additional page. For questions about document recording requirements, contact the department at (541) 386-1442 or by email at assessment@hoodrivercounty.gov.