Mount Hood National Forest
Mount Hood National Forest
5
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Monday
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
About
Scenic area that extends south from scenic Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams.
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Restaurants
21 within 5 kms
Attractions
7 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
191 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
28
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Rishu S
New York City, NY62 contributions
Sep 2020
I can't even believe how good the day was and how beautiful the lighting was. We started at around 3.45 PM and it took us 1 hour 10 mins to go to the top. The elevation gain is pretty steady, although its 1200ft so you need to be an average hiker to tackle this one. Its almost a 5 mile round trip, a hiking pole really helps manage the elevation gain towards the end of the hike. No views while hiking as you are just hiking up surrounded by beautiful pine trees, at the end you are treated to a beautiful view of Mount hood. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone who is going to this area. Its a must do activity.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World_travelbug13
Worcester, MA19 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Plenty of hiking to choose from! This is the most beautiful hike I've ever been on. There is easy car access to the trails. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go on the trail I originally planned on. Access was blocked because of the wild fires so we had to stop at the first parking lot instead. We ended up taking a loop that linked with the Pacific Crest Trail for a little over a mile. This change of plans was not disappointing at all! We saw spectacular views of Mount Hood throughout the hike. There was only a very mild incline so it would probably be an easier hike for people who want the views without the climbing.
Written June 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
augustleroy
Manning, IA224 contributions
Sep 2016
Much like Disneyland you can select exactly which type of hike you feel comfortable trying. There are flat trails, Trillium Lake trail to mention one, that are easy enough that I met a rather ancient looking lady in a wheelchair enjoying the trail. Other trails, such as Mirror Lake trail, can be somewhat demanding in elevation. It caused a sixty-some to break a fair sweat. Side note; twice on the Mirror Lake trail I was passed by two tiny tots, say four or five, one in a dress for gosh sakes and they were not sweating.
Stop at the ranger station right off Route 26, fifty yards, on the right side of the road heading to Hood. It is just barely inside the park in Rhododendron. Get a slug of trail guide maps. For the cautious, the trails are well groomed and well travel with plenty of hikers along the way.
Stop at the ranger station right off Route 26, fifty yards, on the right side of the road heading to Hood. It is just barely inside the park in Rhododendron. Get a slug of trail guide maps. For the cautious, the trails are well groomed and well travel with plenty of hikers along the way.
Written October 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wchambosse
Colorado Springs22 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Hiked to Mirror Lake, pretty easy hike mostly wooded. Cool hike in camping close to the lake. Also hike several other trails in the area . We used http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org and it was very accurate and helpful.
Written May 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rubyredvette
Fort Lauderdale, FL294 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
The Falls needs its own page. It is really a great place. The beauty is just outstanding. To get to the Falls, go 6 miles past ZigZag Ranger Station, turn on road to left marked Kiwannis Club, and go to end of road. Trail is well marked, it is a about 1/2 mile to falls with almost no uphill.
Written October 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ValleyArmchair
Staunton, VA19 contributions
Sep 2016
Mt. Hood was a "Must See" on my trip to Portland, 1st time ever in Oregon. Having less than a full day to visit there, my friend & I took the direct, 1hr 20 min drive to the Timberline Lodge.
Once there, we took in the ~270 degree view in "front" of us to the west and the spectacular top of Mt Hood at our backs. We popped into the lodge briefly then out again to spend an hour slowly walking the little trails just behind the lodge. We lucked out having a brilliantly clear day. Light jackets were needed. Of course we took lots of photos.
We ate an unexpectedly delightful lunch at the Rams Head Bar then peeked into both gift shops. The Lodge was crowded with sightseers like ourselves but not uncomfortably so. We later sat on the back patio to soak in the presence of the mountaintop a little longer.
In all, we spent about 3 hours at the lodge area - not as exciting as others' day trips, but at a peaceful, doable pace for us.
Once there, we took in the ~270 degree view in "front" of us to the west and the spectacular top of Mt Hood at our backs. We popped into the lodge briefly then out again to spend an hour slowly walking the little trails just behind the lodge. We lucked out having a brilliantly clear day. Light jackets were needed. Of course we took lots of photos.
We ate an unexpectedly delightful lunch at the Rams Head Bar then peeked into both gift shops. The Lodge was crowded with sightseers like ourselves but not uncomfortably so. We later sat on the back patio to soak in the presence of the mountaintop a little longer.
In all, we spent about 3 hours at the lodge area - not as exciting as others' day trips, but at a peaceful, doable pace for us.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaye
New York City, NY85 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
Mt Hood National Forest is magnificent! There is so much to see and explore. It is pristine!
We followed a sign to Timothy Lake and stumbled upon a little secret called "Little Crater Lake" Crater lake is one of the 7 wonders of the world and is about 10 hours from where we were staying. We thought we would not get to see anything like it until we stumbled on this little gem!
We followed a sign to Timothy Lake and stumbled upon a little secret called "Little Crater Lake" Crater lake is one of the 7 wonders of the world and is about 10 hours from where we were staying. We thought we would not get to see anything like it until we stumbled on this little gem!
Written September 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaT503
King City, OR249 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We just completed this hike - out and back as it sounded more scenic than the loop. There was enough shade and the path was well maintained. Elevation increase is gradual. Mid-week is probably the best time to visit as this is very popular and could be crowded. I suggest stopping at the Zig Zag Ranger Station for a map, parking permit, and restrooms before driving to the trailhead. It took us 3 hours to complete the 7.0 out and back. There were not too many bugs, except at the actual falls where we noticed them as we stopped to take pictures. Afterward we stopped at the Rendezvous Grill for lunch, which made for a great day trip from Portland.
Written August 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jungle_Jack
Arnhem, The Netherlands189 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
A gorgeous loop-walk of 7.1 miles total, through Mount Hood National Forest, to Ramona falls. The walk is spectacular, following Sandy River up to the falls, with a couple of great views of Mount Hood itself. Ramona Falls are super gorgeous, almost magical, hidden in a cathedral-like-forest of tall evergreens. The way back follows Ramona Creek for the first part, and loops back to Sandy River. Really nice walk, with great photographic opportunities all around! IMPORTANT TIPS: get a parking permit at the forestry station in the village of Zigzag, get a map of the area and a route and walking description at the same forestry station, to help you find the trailhead and prevent getting lost (there are some junctions on the trail that you need to navigate properly...). Bring water. The trip gains 1000 ft of elevation in total, but is relatively easy to do, all very gentle slopes, good trails, doable for all ages, that is if you are capable of walking 7 miles.
Written August 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth A
Siem Reap, Cambodia12 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We drove through this area and did a bunch of hiking. It's beautiful here! There are tons of trails and campgrounds. We hiked Lost Lake Butte Trail to the top for a scenic view of Mt Hood and Mt Adams! It's a hard hike up (not technical, just goes up for 2 miles), but the view is worth it!!
Written August 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be in the Mt. Hood area August 3 to 6. What hikes can be suggested for a person who has no hiking experience in this part of the States and is a candidate for both knees being replaced? Do I really need to carry the essential 10 on day hikes? This is a check off the bucket list before surgery. Thank you.
Written July 4, 2018
What are the hikes & distances to burnt lake?
clakamas river? and salmon river\?
What resort? and please what Good restaurants are near Rhodendrum? Planning trip in late September. Thanks
Written July 3, 2018
Good Morning,
I am planning a visit next year, maybe in the summer, and would like to camp, hike the trails and just enjoy the park. A few logistic questions, since I live out of state:
1. Camping- there are so many campgrounds! I would like to visit a new one every night or every other night. Do I have to make reservations for each and every campsite?
2. Hiking- trails, trails, trails! How to access them? I'm assuming they are accessed from trail heads, campgrounds and such?
3. Supplies- is there a camp store for supplies and such?
4. Hygiene- what is the shower/toilet situation like at the campgrounds and around the park in general? Not shy about missing a shower or two or three- just want to know my options.
Any comments, suggestions are welcomed!
Thank you :)
Written August 22, 2017
We did not do any camping. We hiked a couple of trails on Mt. Hood. We got the access information from a couple of sources. We brought a map published by National Geographic that had very good trail locations. Another excellent resource is stop by the nearest Forest Service office while you are there. They have maps, current trail conditions, and suggestions. That is probably your best resource.
Written August 22, 2017
What scenic hikes are recommended for reasonable fit seniors who walk 5 plus miles daily?
Written August 12, 2017
Check the brochures - they give details about the length of hikes and levels of: good for anyone, mid, and high. If you stop at the ranger station or visitor centers, talk to the people there. They have a lot of knowledge.
Written August 13, 2017
I am planning on visiting the area in a week. Can anyone tell me if Cooper Spur trail or mirror lake trail will be snow covered /closed? If so do you have any suggestions on other trails that will not be snow covered that have a view of Mt.Hood.
Written April 30, 2017
Are there any campgrounds open in November and December?
Written November 15, 2016
Not sure what type of camping you are into? Here is a website that may help you locate the current conditions as well as the camping of your choice.
fs.usda.gov/activity/mthood/recreation/camping-cabins
Written November 15, 2016
Kwaku A
Boston, Massachusetts
Hi! Making a trip to Portland and was hoping to make a day trip for hiking to Mt. Hood. Any idea how I could get there using public transportation or a shuttle of some kind? Was hoping not to rent a car.
Written May 9, 2015
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