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Mt Hood is Oregon’s tallest and most iconic peak. With it’s relative ease of access, close proximity to Portland, and beautiful scenery, a day on Mt Hood is a day well spent! In winter you’ve got a variety of ski areas and sno parks to satisfy your itch for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobiling. But in summer, when the white stuff melts away from this massive 11,000 foot peak, a plethora of gorgeous scenery emerges and recreation opportunities abound all over the forested slopes. In addition, there are several cute little towns in the Mt Hood area with food, groceries, and shopping – for if and when you need a break from the great outdoors. Here’s a few options for exploring the best sites on Mt Hood.
The view from the fishing platform at Trillium Lake produces a nearly-symmetrical scene when the windless evening turns Trillium Lake into a giant mirror.
Why Visit Mt Hood?
First, here are all of the highlights on Mt Hood that are easily explorable on a day trip, presented in a sequential order if starting from the Portland area. Visiting all of these locations in one day is not possible even on the summer solstice, so you’ll have to pick and choose. After seeing the choices I’ll present a variety of itineraries suited to different interests.
Breakfast
Get up and out quickly, you’ve got an amazing day ahead of you! Head east on Hwy 26 through Sandy and toward that glorious mountain! If you need a good breakfast, there are several options as you approach the mountain including Whistle Stop (in Welches, opens daily 9AM), Barlow Trail Roadhouse (in Welches, opens 8AM, closed Mon & Tues), and Zigzag Mountain Cafe (in Zigzag, opens daily 7AM). All three of these have that rustin cabin vibe, with Whistle Stop having an obvious “railroad” slant to it.
Ramona Falls
Your first hike of the day is also the longest…best to get the most challenging part out of the way first! The Ramona Falls hike offers a few good views of Mt Hood as it climbs moderately but steadily to pretty Ramona Falls. This hike does have a more challenging but short stream crossing – there was a bridge but it was wiped out a few years ago. Many people really like Ramona Falls, with the water splashing down and spreading out across seemingly infinite steps. The sun cuts through the trees in pleasing rays throughout the day, and there always seems to be a rainbow in the mist and spray. This hike can be done as either a partial loop or as an out-and-back, with a total distance of just over 7 miles and a hike time of 3 to 4 hours. Peronally I would not bring a dog on this hike due to the stream crossing.
The scene at Ramona Falls changes constantly on sunny days as little pools of light shift through the forest canopy above.
Rainbow In The Mist
On sunny days the scene constantly changes as pools of light shift through the forest canopy above Ramona Falls on the west face of Mt Hood. I visited late in the season when the flow was quite gentle and found the overall falls too sparse for a good photo. The base of the falls, however, … Read more
Wildwood Recreation Area
If you get a late start or if you have elementary school-aged children or mobility concerns, Wildwood Recreation Area is a fantastic alternative to more challenging Ramona Falls. Enjoy easy strolls through a nice old-growth forest with plenty of picnic tables around, then explore the 1/2 mile boardwalk loop through a surprisingly varied wetland area. The underwater viewing area is really cool for kids, where visitors can spot trout swimming in the clear waters (and salmon in the early autumn), and there is a nice swimming beach on the river. There is a $5 day use fee to visit Wildwood Recreation Area, payable at the pay station at the park entrance.
A juvenile Great Blue Heron hunts in forested wetland at Wildwood Recreation Area.
Fisher In The Forest
A juvenile Great Blue Heron perches on a fallen log in a wetland area of forest along Oregon’s Salmon River at Wildwood Recreation Site. My husband spotted this guy sitting motionless above a stream hunting for small fish as we walked the wetlands boardwalk trail with our two chihuahuas. I set up my gear quickly … Read more
Tollgate / Pioneer Bridle Trail
The original Oregon Trail passed through the Columbia Gorge about forty miles north of Mt Hood. This final section of the pioneer trail was the most difficult on the entire journey. In the 1880’s an alternative trail to the Willamette Valley, named The Barlow Road, was built on the south side of Mt Hood. It had four tollgates where travelers had to either pay or work on trail upkeep for a few days in order to pass through. The current gate at Pioneer Bridle Trailhead is a replica of the final of the four tollgates, built in the exact location, and Pioneer Bridle Trail is the old Barlow Wagon Road which visitors can walk on today. This is a pretty stop, with clear and rushing Zigzag River right next to the trail. There’s also a nice day use picnic structure with a fireplace just downhill from the parking at Tollgate Campground. If you’re a history buff, this is an easy, quick stop. Look around for wild rhododendrons blooming in June.
Little Zigzag Falls
Your second waterfall is a wonderful gem! A gorgeous, easy half-mile hike brings visitors to lovely Little Zigzag Falls. The falls is extremely picturesque, with water as clear as a window. Exploring around the base of the falls is fun, and the hike is doable for young children, seniors, and dogs. Just be sure to keep children away from the water, which is fast and extremely cold.
The trail continues above the falls through some nice woods, but devolves into a network of obscure boot paths fairly quickly. Plan for 30-45 minutes at Little Zigzag Falls. There’s a great picnic table near the trailhead if you brought your lunch.
A ropy web of tree roots imitates the shape of Little Zigzag Falls behind them on a sunlit day in Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon.
Imitation Is Flattery
A ropy web of tree roots echoes the shape of Little Zigzag Falls behind them on a sunlit day as the crystalline water dances down through Mt Hood National Forest. Little Zigzag Falls is consistently beautiful and accessible throughout the year and is always worth a visit! To find out more about Little Zigzag Falls: … Read more
Lunchtime!
Grab lunch either before of after you stop at Little Zigzag Falls. You’ve got two choices: backtrack down the mountain by a few miles or continue up.
Down the mountain in the Rhododendron / Welches area where you’ll find a surprising variety of choices including Al Forno Ferruzza (pizza), Naan N Curry Mt Hood (Indian), Koya Kitchen (Japanese), and Wraptitude (burgers and wraps).
Up the mountain in Government Camp there are a few decent options, namely Mt Hood Brewing Co (pub fare) and also Charlie’s Mountain Vew (pub fare), The Glacier House (European and pizza), and The Taco Shoppe.
Government Camp & Skibowl
After lunch, take an hour to explore Government Camp if you want a longer break from trails. There’s a few nice shops on the main loop. If you want to have some fun, the alpine slide at Skibowl West is an absolute blast, and there are go-karts and ziplines at Skibowl East.
Mirror Lake
Located just west of the Skibowl West / Alpine Slide parking area, Mirror Lake Trailhead has a decent view of the mountain. Take the trail for two miles, which becomes significantly steeper in the second mile, to pretty Mirror Lake for a good view of Mt Hood’s peak reflected in the clear spring-fed waters of this small alpine lake. The entire hike is moderately difficult, and takes 2-3 hours to complete including the short loop around the lake.
Mist rises from the waters of Mirror Lake, thankfully living up to it’s name on a still summer evening.
On Mirror Lake
I was hoping that Mirror Lake would live up to its name when I made this hike after work near the end of summer. Sometimes it doesn’t when it’s windy out, but happily it did and the rosy sunset colors on Mt Hood added a great deal to the scene. The mist rising from the … Read more
Few people stick around at Mirror Lake to see the sunset light on nearby Mt Hood.
Sunset Light On Mount Hood
I had visited Mirror Lake near Government Camp, Oregon once before with my kids. I remember the trail being very busy that day and loving the view at the lake. Fast-forward by a decade and it was time to try the new trail and trailhead since the old trailhead was right on the side of … Read more
Timberline Lodge
No trip to Mt Hood is complete without a visit to historic Timberline Lodge. Just east of Government Camp, this scenic ski lodge high on the slopes of Mt Hood offers a dramatic view of the mountain and a great view of Mt Jefferson to the south. The exterior of Timberline Lodge was used as a main filming location in the Stephen King horror classic film The Shining. There are summer hiking trails heading this way and that from the lodge…just don’t explore too long, there’s a lot more to see! The viewpoint and the lodge are both handicapped accessible.
Frog Lake
Continuing east on Hwy 26 past the junction of Hwy 35 (to Hood River), soon you’ll come to Frog Lake. It’s worth a quick stop for a view of the mountain reflected in the lake. Turn left, then right at the big sno-park parking area, and head back pretty much as far as you can to the day use area. There are picnic tables beneath the trees and a nice beach. It’s at the far right corner of the beach that you can see Mt Hood reflected in the water. If the winds are still and the light seems good this is worth a stop for a photo. If you want to take a dip in the lake or get out on the water this is also your best bet.
Little Crater Lake
Found off Skyline Drive near Timothy Lake, Little Crater Lake is a little sapphire gem in the middle of a big wet alpine meadow. The very short, paved, level path leads to the beautifully clear blue waters of an artesian spring that has grown into a significant and gorgeous pool over the centuries. A small viewing dock allows for views looking straight down to the bottom of the 45-foot deep spring. If you want to explore the area a little more, continue past Little Crater Lake to Timothy Lake in another 1/4 mile. While there are no views of the mountain here, this is a really unique and very pretty spot that is absolutely worth the somewhat out-of-the-way drive to reach. A note of caution – the water is only a few degrees above freezing and swimming here is strictly prohibited due to the extreme delicacy of the constantly-dissolving trevatine limestone of the lakebed. The water color is at it’s bluest and most visible around midday on sunny days when the rays of light head straight down into the water and the sunlight reflection off the lake surface is minimal. Little Crater Lake is handicapped accessible.
Pioneer Woman’s Grave
Head back toward Government Camp, then take Hwy 35 toward Hood River to explore the east face of Mt. Hood. If you’re interested in local history, a quick stop at Pioneer Woman’s Grave is warranted. This unnamed soul passed away and was buried here in the 1840’s while en route to the Willamette Valley. The grave was discovered when the forest service road was being built over a century later. To reach the grave head up Hwy 35, then turn right on the unnamed gravel road less than half a mile up from the interchange. The grave is 2 miles down the road on the right hand side.
White River Crossing
There are several great waterfalls and lovely meadows on this side that are worth exploring. One unmissable spot that’s fun to explore is White River Crossing (aka White River Sno Park). It’s a big, open area of stones on the left, which clearly lead up the mountain to the glaciers and snow fields that birth the river. In late spring and early summer the floodplain can be full of little ribbons of water that’s turned muddy white by silt, hence the name White River. The later in the season the less water there is, which makes exploring even easier. It’s one the few places I can think of where you can actually see where a river starts from. The views of the mountain from here are quite good as well. For kids, White River Crossing is a sure bet.
Umbrella Falls / Mt Hood Meadows / Bennett Sno Park
Continue down Hwy 35 to the Mt Hood Meadows exit. Bennett Sno Park, found on the right just off the exit (do not cross the highway overpass) has great views of the mountain. Continue up the road to Mt Hood Meadows ski area and park in the far back right corner of the lot. From here, find the trail that leads down into the meadow on your right. Follow the paved trail down to hidden Umbrella Falls. This is one of the best kept secrets on Mt Hood. The falls is quite pretty, the trail is both short and paved (it does get steep for about 30 feet), and the trails through the meadows below the falls are amazing. While the falls look great throughout the hiking season, the meadows put on a show of wildflowers in July. In June there can still be enough snow that drifts cover the trail. This is another great spot for families that can be pretty quick – it could take as little as ten minutes to check this one out!
The deepening evening shadow takes on a purple tint at Umbrella Falls near Mt Hood Meadows.
Private Dancer
The upper portion of Umbrella Falls dances down rocky steps on the east face of Mt Hood. I’ve visited this pretty waterfall several times, always late in the day, and have always gotten it completely to myself. The falls become especially picturesque later in the summer on clear evenings when the volume of water reduces … Read more
Tamanawas Falls
A few miles north on Hwy 35 (downhill, toward Hood River) is the star of Mt Hood’s many waterfalls – powerful Tamanawas Falls. This is a moderately challenging hike along the East Fork Hood River and then up beautiful Cold Springs Creek to this grand falls. Late afternoon is the best time to visit Tamanawas Falls because the falls will be in the shadow of the mountain at that time and so the light is far more even, whereas the falls are backlit in the morning or mid-day. Also there tends to be less people here in the evening. This entire hike is 3.4 miles and takes 3-4 hours including some hangout time at the falls.
Emerald moss blankets everything the mist touches below Tamanawas Falls on Mt Hood, Oregon.
Tamanawas Moss Garden
Emerald moss blankets everything the mist touches below mighty Tamanawas Falls on the east side of Mt Hood, Oregon. Tamanawas Falls is a grandiose scene unmatched in the Mt Hood area. At lower flows the falls breaks up a bit, forming stripes as it descends. The falls base is particularly photogenic, especially as viewed here … Read more
Dinner
You’ve got two options if you’re eating out:
- Continue north on Hwy 35 to Hood River, have dinner there (lots of options), then drive back to Portland on I-84, or
- Head back to Government Camp or further along Hwy 26 for dinner. There are several pubs and grill-type establishments open in the evening along the highway in Rhododendron, Zigzag, Wemme, and Welches.
Trillium Lake
If you’re still on the mountain for the golden hour, Trillium Lake cannot be beat. Park at the day use area by the boat ramp for the best lake view of Mt Hood in the area – framed perfectly between two forested hills and reflected in the lake. This can be a short, sweet stop if you just want that perfect shot of the sunset light on the mountain. If you want to stay longer, the trail around Trillium Lake is a fairly easy 1.9 miles and takes 30-50 minutes to complete. Two things to note: a portion of the trail is currently closed at the boardwalk section (as of June 2024) as the boards are being replaced, so completing the loop is not possible. Also mosquito repellent is an absolute must at Trillium Lake in the evening. The mosquitos are quite large, abundant, and voracious. If you’re one of those crazy up before dawn people, sunrise at Trillium Lake is sublimely picturesque. Trillium Lake is also fantastic for paddleboarding and canoeing during the day. The boat ramp and the road over the rock dam both allow handicapped-accessible views of the lake.
Lost Lake
Notably absent from the itineraries below is Lost Lake, on the NW side of Mt Hood. Lost Lake is beautiful and big, with a trail around the lake, fantastic reflections of the mountain on the water, boat rentals, swimming, a cafe, camping and cabins – pretty much everything! The problem is that Lost Lake is so far removed from everything else that is really is a day trip unto itself.
Also not included is Clear Lake Reservoir, which is great for boating but is not very clear and does not have a view of Mt Hood.
One Day Mt Hood Itinerary Options
Now that you’ve seen all of the Mt Hood options, let’s carve out some one-day itineraries!
The main highways essentially go in a Y-shape, splitting into two branches just east of Government Camp. Pretty much all of these itineraries follow the same basic pattern: East on Hwy 26 past the Hwy 35 junction, then backtrack on Hwy 26 and take Hwy 35 around the mountain a bit, then backtrack and take Hwy 26 west back to the Portland area. Each of these routes is around 160 miles roundtrip, a bit less is your itinerary does not go to Little Crater Lake or Tamanawas Falls, the two furthest points. I’ve done these routes in my electric vehicle several times with around 200 miles range and had no problems.
Mt Hood for FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN:
- Breakfast
- Wildwood Recreation Area
- Pioneer Bridle Trail
- Little Zigzag Falls
- Lunch
- Frog Lake or Trillium Lake
- White River Crossing or Umbrella Falls
- Dinner
Mt Hood for FAMILIES WITH TEENS:
- Breakfast
- Little Zigzag Falls
- Mirror Lake
- Lunch
- Skibowl
- Tamanawas Falls or Frog Lake (for swimming)
- Dinner
- Trillium Lake
Mt Hood for SENIORS / FOLKS LOOKING FOR SHORT AND EASY STROLLS ONLY: Handicapped accessible locations are marked “ADA“
- Breakfast
- Wildwood Recreation Area – ADA
- Pioneer Bridle Trail – ADA
- Little Zigzag Falls
- Government Camp – ADA
- Lunch
- Timberline Lodge – ADA
- Little Crater Lake – ADA
- Pioneer Woman’s Grave
- Umbrella Falls
- Dinner
- Trillium Lake – ADA
Mt Hood for AVID HIKERS:
- Breakfast
- Ramona Falls
- Little Zigzag Falls
- Lunch
- Mirror Lake
- Tamanawas Falls
- Dinner
- Trillium Lake
Mt Hood for PHOTOGRAPHERS:
- Breakfast
- Ramona Falls
- Little Zigzag Falls
- Timberline Lodge
- Lunch
- Little Crater Lake
- White River Crossing or Bennett Sno Park
- Umbrella Falls
- Tamanawas Falls
- Trillium Lake
- Late Dinner
LEAST PEOPLE AROUND:
- Breakfast
- Pioneer Bridle Trail
- Little Zigzag Falls
- Frog Lake
- Little Crater Lake
- Lunch
- Pioneer Woman’s Grave
- Umbrella Falls
- Tamanawas Falls
- Dinner
ON A BUDGET (all free parking):
- Breakfast
- Pioneer Bridle Trail
- Frog Lake
- Little Crater Lake
- Lunch
- Timberline Lodge
- Pioneer Woman’s Grave
- White River Crossing
- Umbrella Falls
- Dinner
ROAD LOOP (minimal backtracking): This route fully circles Mt Hood – up 26, down 35 to Hood River, then back to Portland via I-84 West.
- Breakfast
- Wildwood Rec Area
- Little Zigzag Falls
- Lunch
- Trillium Lake
- White River Crossing
- Umbrella Falls
- Tamanawas Falls
- Dinner (in Hood River)
BEST OF MT HOOD:
- Breakfast
- Wildwood Rec Area (easy access, diverse ecosystems, lots of recreation opportunities, skip if getting a late start)
- Little Zigzag Falls (great falls, pretty and easy hike)
- Little Crater Lake (most unique, clear sapphire water)
- Lunch
- White River Crossing (great view of the mountain and a unique environment- hike upstream for clearest view)
- Umbrella Falls (best meadow and wildflowers, pretty waterfall)
- Tamanawas Falls (epic waterfall, fantastic forest hike, deer in evening)
- Dinner
- Trillium Lake (best lake, incredible reflection, best view of the mountain, best for sunset)
No matter which itinerary you choose, you’ll have a fantastic time exploring the forests, lakes, waterfalls, trails, and villages on the slopes of Mt Hood, Oregon’s most famous and iconic volcanic peak! I’d love to hear back from readers about your experience on any of these itineraries – message @denphototravel on Facebook or Instagram, or send me an email at: denphototravel@gmail.com
The glassy northwest corner of Mirror Lake reflects nearby Mt Hood as sunlight light turns the mountain gold.
Mt Hood Looks In The Mirror
Mist rises from glassy Mirror Lake on a late summer evening. I made this hike after work, reaching the lake just in time to witness the mountain changing colors in the sunset light. To find out more about Mirror Lake: https://denphototravel.com/2024/mt-hood/
