Mt. Hood Hikes

RealOregonTravel
4일 전
2분 분량

First thing first, many of the popular hiking spots in Mt. Hood National Forest don't have free parking. To keep things flexible and anxiety-free I recommend spending $5 to get a National Forest Recreation Day Pass online before you go. No need of day pass if you carry a Northwest Forest Pass ($30/yr) or Interagency Pass ($80/yr) so don't forget to bring it if you have one!

Low elevation trails in Pacific Northwest are known for being relatively insect-free especially for how green and wet it can get. This is a part of what's keeping me in Oregon to be frank, albeit a minor one. However, trails with a bit of altitudes will be buggier than you might've experienced in other parts of PNW. So if you were to pack a bug spray just once during your trip, it should be on the day you go up to Mt. Hood.

Maybe you are here to mainly picnic and relax. Maybe you are here to conquer some serious elevation gain. Maybe you are somewhere in between, looking for a bit of exercise but need time/energy left for an afternoon activity. I bet you'll have a great time no matter which case - browse some of the most loved Mt. Hood trails below and pick whatever sounds like your cup of tea!

A leisurely stroll with a stunning lake view:

Trillium Lake Trail

Length: 2 mi (3.2 km)

Difficulty level: very easy

Note: in addition to hiking, you can also rent kayaks from Mt. Hood Outfitters

Trailhead (◑ on the map below): https://maps.app.goo.gl/csHHWifakhm4j3CDA

Mirror Lake Trail

Length: 4.2 mi (6.8 km)

Difficulty level: easy

Trailhead (◑ on the map below): https://maps.app.goo.gl/9VpAphgdtaVBMsNT6

Tip: see that black dashed line continuing to the west of the lake? If you'd like to extend the hike and turn it into a slightly more challenging one, keep following it for another 1.8 mi and reach Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain.

To visit Timberline Lodge and go on a nearby trail:

Zigzag Canyon Trail

Length: 4.7 mi (7.6 km)

Difficulty level: moderate

Trailhead (◑ on the map below): https://maps.app.goo.gl/XUWKJiWmm7N6ZjJG6

Note: while Zigzag Canyon may be the popular one, there are other trail options at Timberline Lodge - some longer, some shorter. So if you are fancying something else, no need to feel like you should go where most people are going. Take advantage of this map introducing the nearby trails and see which one excites you the most.

For those looking for some uphill workout:

Lolo Pass to Bald Mountain

Length: 6.8 mi (11 km)

Difficulty level: hard

Trailhead (◑ on the map below): https://maps.app.goo.gl/5BmCJc5pLfTNKdGc6