Mt. Hood is an everpresent beacon in the Portland skyline, beckoning campers, hikers, and adventurers to explore its flanks and the wonders it contains. Here, you can escape onto trails where you won’t see another soul for miles or join the annual pilgrimage of backpackers making their way around this massive volcano.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip on one of the mountain’s many lakes or want to embark on a multi-day adventure that takes you off-grid, Mt. Hood has something for you.
This summer, take the drive up to the mountain and explore the many, many things to do in its miles of wilderness. Here are some of our favorites to get you started.
Camp at Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is one of Mt. Hood’s most popular attractions due to it sitting right off the highway after passing through Government Camp.
During the winter months, the road to the lake is gated off, which means visitors must snowshoe or ski the road down to the lake. Come summer, though, the gate opens up, and daytrippers flock to this stunningly beautiful area to photograph the mountain in the lake’s reflection.
One of the best ways to enjoy this area is to grab a camping spot and stay up late to watch the alpenglow bathe the mountain in its warm, orange light.
Fish in Lost Lake
Lost Lake is tucked away far off the beaten path on Mt. Hood’s north side. The fact that it can’t be (easily) reached from Highway 26 means many day trippers from the city instead head to the mountain’s many other lakes.
This is good news for you as it means that you can spend the day on this idyllic lake enjoying the solitude of the area rather than fighting crowds for a parking spot. The small Lost Lake Resort offers a campground, a small lodge with rooms for rent, kayaks and paddleboard rentals, and all the gear you’d need to get out and try your luck at fishing this mountain lake.
Hike up to McNeil Point
Hiking McNeil Point is a must-do hike for any outdoorsy person in Portland, and parking at the trailhead on a nice summer day certainly reflects that.
If you want to head out on this iconic Mt. Hood hike on a summer weekend, we recommend getting an early start to beat the heat and find a decent parking spot.
Once on the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the mountain and some breathtakingly steep sections. Upon breaking out above the tree line, you’ll have the chance to stop for a rest at the old stone hut and continue up along the ridge, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the mountain’s glaciers and valleys.
Explore Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge has stood on the flanks of Mt. Hood for 86 years and, once you step inside, looks like it can withstand another century of the mountain’s wicked winter weather.
Fans of the classic movie The Shining may recognize the lodge as it was used for the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in the opening of the movie.
Today, there is plenty to do around the lodge to prevent anyone from becoming a dull boy. During the winter months you’ll find it packed with skiers and snowboarders and the summertime brings hoardes of tourists who area ready to grab an expensive breakfast and walk the paved trails around the grounds.
Watch the Sunset from Mirror Lake
Hiking to Mirror Lake used to mean pulling off Highway 26 at 50+ miles per hour into an impossibly small parking lot (if you could call the small pullout off the side of the highway a parking lot) that was usually filled well past capacity.
Nowadays, the parking lot has been relocated next to Ski Bowl and can accommodate more than enough cars to meet the demand for this gorgeous trail. Getting up to the lake (and the peaks above if you’re feeling adventurous) takes a little work, but once you’re there, you can find a spot to spread out around the lake and take in the views of the mountain.
During sunset, this is the place to be, as the alpenglow bathes the mountain in light. It is truly a sight to behold. Just don’t forget a headlamp for the hike down!
Take in the Splendor of Ramona Falls
If you’re looking for a trail that challenges you in both distance and obstacles along the way but offers a stunning payoff, make the trek to Ramona Falls.
This 7.1-mile hike along the flanks of Mt. Hood off Highway 26 requires walking through dense forest and shimmying on a log (you can pick the one that looks best) over the Sandy River. The payoff is a wide, gently cascading waterfall nestled in a cool forested setting.
Hike to the Tilly Jane Cabin
Did you know that the Mt. Hood area is home to a number of old cabins and fire lookouts that can be rented for the night? One of the most famous is the Tilly Jane cabin on the mountain’s eastern side.
This nearly 90-year-old A-frame has seen many caretakers over the years and is reservable year-round for only $20/night! During the summer months, you can drive to within 1/4 mile of the cabin, but getting there in the winter requires a much longer trek on skis or snowshoes.
Note that the cabin holds up to 20 people, so there is a very good chance, especially on the weekends, that you’ll be sharing the place with a few new friends. But that is all part of Tilly Jane’s charm.
Backpack the Timberline Trail
The Timberline Trail is a 39-mile loop that circumnavigates Mt. Hood in its entirety. It is a classic adventure for backpackers in the Pacific Northwest.
Most trips take off from Timberline Lodge, and along the way, you’ll pass by stunning wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and deep valleys that will test your will on both the descent and ascent and absolute solitude on the trail’s more remote stretches.
Plan on at least three full days of hiking to make the trek and note that snow will linger on the higher elevation portions of the trail well into the summer.
Paddle on Timothy Lake
Timothy Lake is a popular spot to camp and paddle with numerous campgrounds along its shores. While motorized boats are allowed on the water, they are regulated to speeds under 10 MPH, so waves shouldn’t be an issue.
Grab a rowboat, kayak, or paddleboard and explore the winding shoreline of this manmade lake. Don’t miss a stop at Meditation Point, which is home to some stunning backcountry campsites.
Summit Oregon’s Tallest Mountain
Late spring and early summer are great times to attempt to summit Oregon’s tallest peak, and this feat is done by an estimated 10,000 people each year.
Mt. Hood’s 11,240-foot summit is just high enough to offer challenging climbing conditions yet accessible enough to be done in a single day.
Just because it can be done in a day doesn’t mean this climb is a walk in the park. Numerous people have to be rescued every year as conditions can change quickly on the mountain’s upper reaches.
