About McIsaac's Parkdale
A cornerstone of Parkdale since the town began, McIsaac's has grown alongside the Hood River Valley for more than a century. What started as a railroad-era general store became the heart of the community — and remains so today.
Our History
1910 — The Railroad & The Founding of Parkdale
In 1910, the railway line running from Hood River into the upper valley was extended to what would become the town of Parkdale. At the very end of the line — the railway terminus — R.J. McIsaac built the first store.
That building became the founding center of Parkdale.
From the moment the train stopped there, the store served as a grocery, hardware store, post office, and community gathering place. Like the classic Western general store, it was the social and economic hub of the entire valley.
Over the years, two McIsaac families operated the store, shaping it into a lasting local institution.
1973 — The Fire
In 1973, the original store was destroyed by fire.
The Parkdale community rallied around the McIsaac family, helping support and fund the rebuilding of the store — a defining example of the town's resilience and loyalty.
1975–1980 — Rebuilding & Expansion
The store reopened in 1975, once again serving the community with groceries and essential goods.
By 1979–1980, an addition to the back of the building expanded the space and restored a dedicated hardware section, continuing the tradition of grocery and hardware under one roof.
1980s–2008 — Continued Local Ownership
In the 1980s, ownership transitioned from the McIsaac family to another local farming family.
In 2008, the store changed hands again to the current family ownership.
Since its founding in 1910, McIsaac's Parkdale has always been locally owned — a rare continuity that reflects its deep connection to the valley.
McIsaac's Today
Today, McIsaac's Parkdale remains committed to serving the local community — from farming families and farm workers to homeowners and visitors to Mt. Hood. We are proud to be the largest locally owned grocery store in the Hood River Valley, continuing a legacy that began with the railroad in 1910 and has always been rooted in community support and local ownership.