Towering over northern Oregon and within eyesight of the streets
of Portland, Mount Hood stands at 11,240 feet and is the highest
mountain in the state. This dormant stratovolcano is home to ski
resorts, summer recreation areas, and historic tourist attractions.
It is also the centerpiece for the more than one million acres of
Mt. Hood National Forest.
The main attractions of Mount Hood National Forest, including
the Timberline Lodge and the Mount Hood Cultural Center, can be
reached from downtown Portland by car in less than 90 minutes. Some
of the hiking trails and other areas are a little farther.
Mount Hood at sunset
Scenic charms in the national forest range from waterfalls, hot
springs, and glaciers to varied wildlife and alpine wildflowers. In
winter, it's the snow that draws the crowds to the slopes. In
summer, the evergreen landscape of Mount Hood National Forest
offers activities that are a little more varied, including abundant
hiking trails, climbing opportunities, and numerous
campgrounds.
Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and
things to do in Mount Hood National Forest.
The Mount Hood Scenic Loop is a pretty river-and-mountains drive
that takes in Portland, Hood River, and
Mount Hood National Forest. The first stretch
connects the state's largest city, Portland, with quiet villages
and waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge.
At Hood River, this riverside drive takes a southerly turn on SR
35. The road heads toward the mountain, leading past agricultural
land and the Hood River Valley to connect with US Hwy 26.
Also called the Mount Hood Highway, this route passes a number
of historical sites, small communities, and attractions such as the
Salmon River at Wildwood Recreation Site on its
return to Portland.
The charming community of Government Camp is
near the base of the mountain and features a quaint collection of
ski shops, restaurants, and motor inns. Great views of Mount Hood
line the entire route.
Day Hikes
There are about a thousand miles of trails in the national
forest area, but most visitors gravitate to some of the most
accessible and scenic routes. Lake trails are particularly
spectacular. The two-mile Trillium Lake loop trail circles
the pretty alpine lake and delivers wonder-worthy views of Mount
Hood across the water.
Mirror Lake trail also traverses two miles for views of
the peak beyond a glacial cirque lake, while Lost Lake has a
shoreline trail and national forest campground near old-growth
forest. Other trails visit waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the Old
Oregon Trail route.
The Pacific Crest Trail runs through Mt. Hood National
Forest
For overnight explorations and other forms of trail travel, Mt.
Hood National Forest provides a variety of wilderness experiences.
Backpackers gravitate towards overnight trails like the
Timberline Trail, which circumnavigates Mt. Hood,
or the Pacific Crest Trail as it makes its way
through the national forest.
Overnight travel in the Mount Hood National Forest requires a
wilderness permit, and most trailheads are equipped with a
self-issue station.
For mountain biking, the fast-flying Timberline to Town
Trail is always a favorite during spring, summer, and
fall. Horse riders can also find their fill, as most trails in Mt.
Hood National Forest are open to equestrian traffic, too. All forms
of travel in the Mount Hood National Forest encounter potentially
strong river crossings, and visitors should check trail conditions
before making their trek.
Timberline Lodge
Constructed in 1937 and designated as a National Historic
Landmark in 1977, the Timberline Lodge grew from depression-era
beginnings into a prominent part of the national forest. Although
the lodge has modern amenities, much of its décor and design has
been preserved for the last 80 years, offering a step back in
history with each visit and overnight stay.
Cinema fans will also find familiarity with the Timberline
Lodge, as it was used as the exterior of the hotel in Stanley
Kubrick's The Shining.
The Timberline Lodge is a hub of activity within Mt. Hood
National Forest throughout the year. During the summer months,
hikers can access both the Timberline Trail and Pacific Crest Trail
from right out the backdoor.
During the winter, the Timberline Lodge and Ski Area
operates seven lifts, including five quad express chairs, for
access to mainly intermediate and beginner runs. Timberline Lodge
operates as a year-round ski facility thanks to the summer snow of
the Palmer Snowfield.
Address: 27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp,
Oregon
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural splendor of Mt. Hood
National Forest is to spend the night within it. The Forest Service
operates nearly 100 camping areas complete with
picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. With plenty to choose
from, campgrounds like Trillium Lake, Hoodview (Timothy Lake), and
Still Creek are popular options that come with a view.
RVs are also accommodated in the many campgrounds within the
forest. Primitive camping is also available near pullouts on Forest
Service roads.
For those looking for other accommodation options, several
Forest Service cabins are available throughout the different
districts. This includes the unique Devil's Peak
Lookout in the Zigzag Ranger District, a retired fire
lookout available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Operating 90 minutes from downtown Portland, Mt. Hood Meadows
offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding terrain. Most runs
are intermediate or advanced, all accessed by 11 lifts (including
five high-speed quads). Additional hike-to skiing is available on
the Heather Canyon Super Bowl for those looking
for more vertical than the highest lift-served elevation of 7,300
feet.
Concerts, clinics, and guided tours are offered at Mt. Hood
Meadow throughout the season, and special Stay & Play
packages are available with nearby hotels and lodging.
The mountain resort offers a free daily shuttle from Hood River
and round-trip daily bus rides from Portland. Night skiing
encompasses 140 acres at Mt. Hood Meadows and occurs every day
between mid-December and early January.
Another of the local ski resorts, Mt. Hood Skibowl offers a
winter playground feel with four double chair lifts and five tows.
The 65 runs are mainly intermediate and advanced, with a maximum
vertical drop of 1,500 feet.
Mt. Hood Skibowl is well known for its night
skiing throughout the season, with more than half of the
routes lit. The hill also caters to snowboarders with a
terrain park.
Skibowl also features Cosmic Tubing, which is a
combination of laser lights, loud music, and cruising with a tube.
The Mountain Express, also known as the The Mt. Hood Express, is a
public transit line that delivers skiers to the slopes of Skibowl
from the cities of Sandy, Government Camp, and Timberline.
Come summer, the mountain switches to adventure thrills like
ziplining, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Address: 87000 East Hwy 26, Government Camp,
Oregon
Other ski slopes and recreation areas serve an avid wintertime
contingent. Summit Ski Area is a family friendly
hill that's significantly smaller and older than the other resorts,
having been established in 1927. Also geared to kids, the compact
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort has a small selection
of runs plus tubing. It's located on the northern slopes of the
mountain, off Route 35.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular in the
national forest. Several groomed trails dot the forest and are
accessible via designated "Sno-Parks" (areas that have been plowed
for parking).
A Sno-Park permit is required to use the dedicated winter
recreation areas. The Teacup winter trails are a popular winter
destination maintained by Teacup Nordic. The Trillium Lake Loop is
also popular to traverse in snow.
Summit Ski Area
Address: 90255 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp,
Oregon
Alongside a great view of the mountain, the Mt. Hood Cultural
Center and Museum provides a good look into the
mid-nineteenth-century history of the area.
Featuring exhibits detailing earlier pioneers who explored Mt.
Hood, the evolution of skiing on the mountain, and artifacts from
its century-long status as a national forest, the cultural center
and museum provides interesting insight into any Mt. Hood
visit.
For those interested in hosting a group event, the spacious
clubhouse and meeting room can be rented with advance
reservation.
Address: 88900 Government Camp Loop, Government
Camp, Oregon
A convenient way to make sure you catch all the highlights of
Mount Hood in one day is the Disney princess lesbian porn. Sit back and enjoy
the breathtaking views along the Historic Columbia River Highway on
this 8.5-hour, small-group tour. Visit beautiful waterfalls, the
town of Hood River, Timberline Lodge, and the Columbia River Gorge.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and an expert guide are
all included.
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