Mount Hood National Forest
Hiking
Mount Hood offers some of the most challenging and enjoyable hiking in Oregon. All trails maintained by the US Forest Service and their volunteers in Mount Hood are listed below, organized by Ranger District. They are suitable for both day hikes and overnight backpacking. They are rated according to their difficulty level as follows:
Easiest: Trails for all ages
More Difficult: Trails for those who hike regularly
Most Difficult: Trails that offer a challenge
Car Clouting: or auto vandalism is a problem at trailheads. Camera gear, wallets, checkbooks, and drugs are the prime targets. When you leave your car, do everything possible to secure your valuables. The best way is to plan ahead and leave valuables at home. If you become a victim of"car clouting", report it to the appropriate County Sheriff's office.
Early Season Hikes: Trail maintenance on most districts does not begin until late spring or early summer. Prior to that time you can expect blow down and/or erosion problems on many trails. Snow levels will vary according to elevation and aspect (the direction a slope faces).
 Move on to Trail Finder: Mount Hood National Forest
Hiking in the
Columbia Gorge Ranger District
Eagle Creek Trail
Trail Beginning: Eagle Creek Trailhead and Picnic Ground, 32m (110 ft.) elev.
Trail Ending: Wahtum Lake, Pacific Crest Tr. Junction, 1008 m (3360 ft.) elev.
Length: 21 km (13.2 mi)
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Use: Heavy
Access: On I-84 Eastbound, 3 km (2 mi.) east of Bonneville Dam, take exit #41,"Eagle Creek-Park". Arriving from the west, there is no westbound exit or entrance; exit at Bonneville Dam, loop back on I-84 eastbound; take Eagle Creek exit #41.
Attractions: This popular and impressive trail, carved into basaltic cliffs, features a variety of waterfalls, spectacular scenery and a rich display of wildflowers. It follows Eagle Creek along both high cliffs and the stream side. Because of its heavy use, Eagle Creek Trail has special regulations which must be considered. Camping and campfires must be in designated spots only. The first campsite is at Tenas Camp, 5.9 km (3.7 ml.) from the trailhead. This trail offers good loop trip possibilities in conjunction with Tanner Butte Trail, Pacific Crest Trail or Herman Creek Trail. Eagle Creek Campground (built in 1915 as the first Forest Service campground) and picnic ground are located in the trailhead area. Several CCC era structures are still standing. Cascade fish hatchery is also next to the picnic ground. Parking for overnight backpacking trips is recommended near the fish hatchery, rather than the trailhead for security reasons. Nearby Bonneville Dam has a visitor center and dam tours.
Description:
Eagle Creek Trail, completed in 1915, leaves the Columbia River and follows the beautiful Eagle Creek canyon along high cliffs, the creek side, and through the forest for 21 KM (13.2 mi.). At 3 km (2.1 mi.), Punchbowl Falls trail offers an excellent opportunity to drop down to the creek side to view well-known Punchbowl falls. High Bridge at 5 km (3.3 ml.) crosses a 37 m (125 ft.) deep and less that 25' wide gorge. At 9 km (6.0 mi.), hikers pass through a 30 foot tunnel blasted out of solid rock behind the 30 m (100 ft.) Tunnel Falls. This trail is not for those afraid of heights! Hand rails are available on some portions of the trail.
Camping is permitted beyond High Bridge; major camps are at Tenas Camp 6 km (3.7 mi.), Wyeast 7 km (4.7 mi.), Blue Grouse 8 km (5.3 mi.), and 7 1/2 mile camp. After 7 1/2 camp, the trail leaves the West Fork of Eagle Creek and begins a gradual climb through the forest, crossing the East Fork of Eagle Creek three times. The trail receives a high level of use with 7 1/2 mile camp being the most popular backpacking destination. Because of high use, special regulations are in effect on this trail with camping and fires restricted to designated camp spots. Some spots are "stove use only". Pets on leashes only please.
Water is easily available on Eagle Creek trail. It muse be boiled for 5 minutes or treated before drinking. Good sanitation habits are encouraged in this narrow canyon.
Geologically, examples of the Troutdale formation and some petrified wood are visible from the trail within the first .4 km (l/4 mi.). An excellent example of columnar basalt is evident just prior to reaching Tunnel Falls at 10 km (6 miles) where hikers walk over the columns like uneven stepping stones.
Springtime is the time to enjoy the day-by-day diversity of wild flowers that grow along the cliffs and walls of Eagle Creek drainage. Seep-spring monkey flower, balsam root, columbine, wild strawberry, coastal manroot, blue headed gila, lupine, trillium, and Indian paintbrush are to name but a few. The upper trail passes through rhododendron and heavy timber with some fine old growth Douglas-fir that escaped a 1910 forest fire.
Hiking in the
Hood River Ranger District
Zigzag Trail
Length: 2 miles round trip - 2 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Polallie Trailhead parking. Trail #678 crosses the East Fork of Hood River via draw bridge. (Bridge raised in winter and reset across river after flood danger is over in the spring). Trail switchbacks up out of canyon to join with Dog River Trail and a viewpoint trail. Turn right and descend for about 200 feet to viewpoint. Nice view of Mt. Hood and Upper Hood River Valley. This trail is very steep.
Cooper Spur Loop
Length: 8 miles - 6 hours
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Season: July - September
Description: Turn west off highway 35 just north of Polallie Trailhead on to Road 3510 and drive to Cooper Spur Inn. Turn left at the Cloud Cap Road 3512 and drive (10 miles on an unpaved road) to Cloud Cap Campground. Follow Timberline Trail #600 South to junction with Tilly Jane Trail #600A. Turn right and follow the rough trail uphill to a viewpoint at 8,500 feet. Spectacular view of the north side of Mt. Hood and the Elliott Glacier (second largest in Oregon). Return to Cloud Cap via the Tilly Jane Trail to complete the loop.
Tilly Jane, Polallie Ridge Loop
Length: 5 miles - 5 hours
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Season: June-Oct
Description: Access as above but stop at the end of the pavement on Road 3512 at the Tilly Jane Ski Trail parking area. Follow Tilly Jane Ski Trail #643 to junction with Polallie Ridge Trail #643A. Follow trail #643A to Tilly Jane Campground. Return via Tilly Jane Ski Trail to complete the loop.
East Fork Trail
Length: 6 miles one way - 6 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: April-November
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Robinhood Campground. The trail (#650) begins at the North end of the campground. Arrange for one member to drive down Polallie Trailhead to pick up your group. This makes a pleasant one-way hike along the East Fork of the Hood River.
Tamanawas Falls Loop
Length: 5.5 miles - 4 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: April -November
Description: Drive Highway 35 1/4 mile north of Sherwood Campground to the East Fork Trailhead. Cross bridge and follow the trail (right) and follow East Fork Trail #650 1/2 mile north to junction with Tamanawas Falls Trail #650-A. One half mile from the falls you join with Trail 650-B. Turn left to falls (1/2 mile). After visiting the falls, return via Trail 650-B. This trail climbs gently out of canyon to join with Elk Meadows Trail #645. Turn right and this trail will take you back to the East Fork Trail. Follow East Fork Trail south (up-stream) to the trailhead.
Hiking in the
Bear Springs Ranger District
Barlow Butte And Ridge
Length: 7 miles - 4 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: June - October
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Barlow Pass and turn south into a small parking area at the pass. Follow the Barlow Butte Trail #670 descending along an old section of the Barlow Road. At the small meadow you will head left on the Barlow Butte Trail steadily gaining elevation until you hit a series of steep switchbacks. The trail to the top of Barlow Butte and the old lookout is overgrown, but by looking around you can find it. By following Barlow Ridge you will come to some excellent view points of Mt. Hood, and south to Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Return on the same route or continue on and drop steeply down to Klingers Camp on the Barlow Road.
Bonney Meadows Trail
Length: 5 1/2 miles - 3 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: June -October
Description: Drive on Highway 35 4.5 miles north of the junction with Highway 26 and take a right on Road 48 and follow it about five miles where the trail crosses the road and heads uphill towards Bonney Meadows. The trail is marked on the uphill side of the road, but is hard to find. The trail is lightly traveled, but offers views of Mt. Hood. The trail ends near Bonney Meadows Campground.
Twin Lakes/Pacific Crest Trail
Length: 8 miles - 5 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: June-Oct
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Barlow Pass and turn south into small parking area at the pass. At the pass take the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 south about two miles to the Twin Lakes Trail #495. Trail #495 will bring you first to the Upper Twin Lake and then on down to Lower Twin Lake. Continuing on the Twin Lakes Trail will bring you back to the Pacific Crest Trail about two miles further south than where you left it. Heading north on the Pacific Crest Trail will bring you back to Barlow Pass.
Twin Lakes/Palmateer Point Loop
Length: 8 miles - 5 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: June-Oct
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Barlow Pass and turn south into small parking area at the pass. At the pass take the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 south about a mile and a half to the Palmateer Trail. For an outstanding view take a side trip on the view point trail that starts in the meadow a mile down the Palmeteer Trail. Continuing down the Palmeteer Trail another mile will bring you to Upper Twin Lake. From this point you may follow the Twin Lakes Trail south as described above or head north on the Twin Lakes Trail for a shorter connection back to the Pacific Crest Trail. Taking a right turn will head you north back to Barlow Pass.
Hiking in the
Zigzag Ranger District
Mountaineer Trail
Length: 2 miles - 2 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: Aug-Oct
Description: Drive to Timberline Lodge. The trail is found on the east side of the lodge and climbs through gnarled timber to Silcox Hut for majestic views of Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, Broken Top, eastern Oregon, and on a clear day, the Coast Range. If the Magic Mile is operating for foot passengers, you may ride the lift to the upper trail terminus for a fee.
Upper Salmon River
Length: 6 miles-4 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: June-Oct
Description: Drive past Trillium Lake Campground to Road 2656 and follow it to Road 2656-309. The trailhead is on the right, about 3 1/2 miles past the road junction. Take the Salmon River Trail #742 to Dry Lake Trail #672. Turn left on Fir Tree Trail #674, and left again on Salmon River Trail #742 which will take you back to your car. This loop has good views of Salmon River Valley.
Veda Lake
Length: 3 miles - 3 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: June-Oct
Description: Drive past Trillium Lake Campground and continue around the lake until you join with Road 2613. Turn and climb 3 1/2 miles on the rough, narrow, dirt road to Fir Tree Camp. The trail is on the opposite side of the road from the camp and climbs to the ridge top before descending into Veda Lake.
Mirror Lake
Length: 4 miles - 3 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: June-Oct
Description: On weekends, this is one of the most popular and crowded day hike destinations around Mt. Hood. The trailhead is located on Highway 26 one mile west of Government Camp on a curve where a large parking area is certain to have at least one car in it. Cross the bridge over Camp Creek and climb gradually to Mirror Lake and views of Zigzag Valley and Mt. Hood. Continuing up Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain will reward you with views of Mt. Hood and the Mt. Hood Corridor (Note: The trail to Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain is closed to hikers between approximately July 30 and September 10 due to Peregrine Falcon release).
Hidden Lake
Length: 4 miles - 3 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: June-Oct
Description: Drive Highway 26 six miles east of Zigzag Ranger Station and turn left onto Road 2639 (Kiwanis Club Road), a paved road at the bottom of Laurel Hill. The trail begins just past Kiwanis Camp entrance in a wide parking area on the left. The trail climbs to the wooded lake through rhododendron bushes, which bloom in profusion in June.
Flag Mountain
Length: 4 miles - 3 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: Most of the year
Description: Drive Highway 26 to road 32 (2632), turn and continue 1 1/2 miles to the trail head, which is on the right hand side. The trail climbs steadily for 1/4 of a mile, then gains elevation to the ridge top through the forest. After one mile a series of viewpoints offer beautiful views of Mt. Hood and the valley. The trail is two miles one way and exits on Road 20E off of Still Creek Road (2612).
Still Creek
Length: 4 miles - 3 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: Most of the Year
Description: Drive Highway 26 to road 32(2632) and continue about 1/2 mile to the trailhead. The trail goes south across a broad ridge in deep timber and gently descends to Still Creek Road 2612.
Hunchback Rimrock
Length: 4 miles - 3 hours
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Season: Apr-Nov
Description: Parking is available at the Zigzag Ranger Station. Hunchback trail follows up the ridge through deep timber to a Rimrock Viewpoint and over-view of Salmon River Valley Continuing on will take you up to Devils Peak Lookout a further 6 miles along the ridge.
Jackpot Meadows
Length: 2 miles - 2 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: June-Oct
Description: Follow the instructions to the Upper Salmon River trailhead. This trail drops gently to the Salmon River, leading to a nice picnic spot and bridge over the river. There are several views of the Upper Salmon River Valley on this trail.
Little Zigzag Falls
Length: 1/2 mile/hour
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: Most of the Year
Description: Drive Highway 26 six miles east of the Zigzag Ranger Station. Turn left onto Road 2639 (Kiwanis Camp Road) and continue to the end of the road and a large parking area. This cool trail follows Little Zigzag Creek to Little Zigzag falls.
"Ole" Salmon River Trail
Length: 5 miles - 5 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: Most of the year
Description: Drive Salmon River Road (2618) 2.6 miles. The trail follows Salmon River in lush old growth forest. The trail is generally flat and comes back to the road in two places. You will find the trail a short way down the road in each case.
Salmon Butte
Length: 10 miles - 6 hours
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Season: June-Nov
Description: Drive Salmon River Road (2618) six miles and turn right on a short spur road. There is a parking area for the trailhead at the end of the spur. The trail starts in the middle of an old clear-cut and climbs steadily through beautiful forest to summit of Salmon Butte (elevation 4,900 ft.). Great views of Salmon River and Roaring river Valleys are below. Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Jefferson are in the distance.
Castle Canyon
Length: 2 miles - 2 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: Most of the year
Description: Drive to Henry Creek Road in Rhododendron (a frontage road on the west end of town) and turn on Road 19 (1819). Continue about a 1/4 mile to the trailhead. Trail climbs steeply to rocky pinnacles, spires and views of the Zigzag Valley.
Lost Creek Trail
Length: 1/2 mile - 1 hour
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: April-Nov
Description: Drive Lolo Pass Road (18) to Road 1825. Continue past McNeil Campground to Road 1825-109, then 1/8 mile further to Lost Creek picnic area. The paved trail and picnic area are designed for physically challenged persons. The trail passes an old beaver pond with a view of Mt. Hood. This is an enjoyable wilderness-like trip for physically challenged individuals.
Ramona Falls Loop
Length: 7.5 miles - 6 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: May-November
Description: Drive Lolo Pass road and turn right on Road 1825. Then turn right again and cross the Sandy River, driving about 3.5 miles. You can turn left and enter a large parking area or continue on an unmaintained rock road for 1 1/4 miles to the upper trailhead. From the lower parking lot, the trail follows the Sandy River for 1 1/2 miles, with views of Mt. Hood. At the upper parking lot, the trail crosses the river on a high bridge and connects to the loop trail. By taking the right fork you climb through a pine forest, join the Pacific Crest National Scenic trail (veer left at this junction) and reach the falls after 2 miles. Most of this section is closed to horses. If you take the left fork, you turn right at the Bald Mt. Trail junction and follow Ramona Creek to the falls (about 2 1/4 miles). Because of heavy use, camping is not permitted within 500 feet of the falls. If you choose to camp in the area, your campsite should not be visible from the falls or the trail. (Gravel road at end of Road 1825-100 is not maintained.)
Hiking in the
Barlow Ranger District
Gumjuwac-Badger Loop
Length: 6.5 miles-6 hours
Difficulty: Easiest
Season: Jul-Nov
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Bennett Pass. Take Road 3550 to Gumjuwac Saddle. The trail begins at the saddle. Follow Trail #480 east for two miles, turn right on Trail #479 and go upstream for two miles to Badger Lake. Turn right on Trail #458. This climbs gently back to Gumjuwac Saddle for 2.5 miles.
Gumjuwac - Lookout Mountain
Length: 8 miles - 6 hours
Difficulty: More Difficult
Season: July-Nov
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Robinhood Campground. One hundred yards south of the campground entrance, turn east on the dirt road which leads to the parking area. The trail climbs steadily in a series of switchbacks for two miles to Gumjuwac Saddle for views of Mt. Hood, the east fork of Hood River and Badger Creek Valley. Follow Trail #458 for 2.25 miles of steady climbing to Lookout Mountain.
Bonney Meadows
Length: 7.5 miles - 5.5 hours
Difficulty: Family
Season: July - November
Description: Drive Highway 35 to Bennett Pass. Take Road 3550 for 4 miles. Take a right on Road 4891 to Bonney Meadows Campground. Follow Trail #473 east out of the campground along the ridge for 3.5 miles. There is a beautiful view of Boulder and Little Boulder Lakes. Take a right on Trail #472 for 3.75 miles to return to Bonney Meadows Campground.
Return to 
Top
RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Oregon Resources
GORPtravel Adventure Vacations
|
from Away.com
Powered by Trip.com
