It’s safe to say that Mount Hood National Forest is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oregon. With its close proximity to Portland, it’s a great place to explore if you are flying into the area. Not only that, driving up to see the volcano in all it’s glory up close is stunning!
Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the area many times, exploring, trying restaurants, and staying at cute cabins. On this blog post you will find a list of things to do at Mount Hood that are for everybody!
- Where is Mount Hood Located?
- Weather at Mount Hood
- Restaurants at Mount Hood
- Places to Stay at Mount Hood
- Fun Things to do at Mount Hood
- 1. Drive the Scenic Loop Around Mount Hood
- 2. Ski Timberline
- 3. Alpine Slide at Skibowl
- 4. Hike the Old Salmon River Trail
- 5. Summit Mount Hood
- 6. Go Backpacking
- 7. Visit Bagby Hot Springs
- 8. Stay At A Cute Cabin
- 9. Hike the Tamawanas Falls Trail
- 10. Visit Trillium Lake
- Pin For Later!
Where is Mount Hood Located?
Just two hours outside of Portland, Oregon, Mount Hood National Forest is an expansive area surrounding the volcano.
If your flying into Portland International Airport, it is 1.5 hour out to this wilderness area. Complete your itinerary with a trip to Portland making the perfect experience!
Weather at Mount Hood
Weather at Mount Hood can change quickly, so it is important to pay attention-especially if you plan on summiting the mountain. Summer is going to be the busiest time of year to visit, so keep in mind if you can travel to the area during the weekday it would be most ideal.
Winter at Mount Hood is typically cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping as low as 20 degrees at times. It is the best time to be skiing or snowboarding the mountain. Some days are bluebird and beautiful with views of the mountain, others are socked in with heavy fog.
Spring at Mount Hood can change quickly from snow to rain, to 60 and sunny! The forecast this time of year can be extremely unpredictable like winter. Nonetheless, as May approaches typically the snow starts to melt. Don’t fear though, as Timberline is typically a place you can snowboard into August!
Summer at Mount Hood is arguably my favorite time to visit. More chances of the mountain being visable, flowers starting to bloom, and warmer temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Keep in mind with higher elevation that temperatures drop in the evening, so be prepared before you go camping.
Fall at Mount Hood can be extremely beautiful with the leafs changing and winter starting to make an appearance with snow. Be mindful that Oregon can experience early snowfall which can alter hiking plans quickly.
Restaurants at Mount Hood
Keep in mind that this is a wilderness area, so the options for food are minimal. However, there are some gems in the area that I always return to. For the most part, I bring groceries and cook when I visit the area.
My favorite spots: Koya Kitchen, Chicali Cantina, Timberline Lodge, Wraptitude Gourmet Wraps, Naan and Curry, Mount Hood Brewing Co. and Pub 26.
Pro-tip: Pub 26 has the best fried chicken sandwiches and Bloody Mary’s!
Places to Stay at Mount Hood
There are many vacation rentals in the Mount Hood area. Government Camp is the closest area to the mountain, which is preferable if you are skiing or snowboarding in the winter to make your trip shorter.
Personally, I love staying at cabins in Welches and Rhododendron, typically areas that are forested and not as cold and snowy. Plus, you have better access to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.
Timberline Lodge is on my bucket list of places that I want to stay in Oregon. This historic building built in 1937 at 6,000 feet of elevation. Book in advance as the rooms can sell out due to its popularity of over 2 million visitors a year.
Cabins that I have stayed at that I personally recommend: Saturday Cabin, Nisken House, this custom cabin (without wi-fi), and Cedarwood Cabin.
25 Unique Cabin Stays in the Pacific Northwest
Fun Things to do at Mount Hood
Depending on the time of year you visit, there is something for everybody to enjoy at Mount Hood National Forest. Stunning hiking, incredible skiing, charming local restaurants, and beautiful nature year round. For Oregonians, Mount Hood is the crown jewel of Oregon. If your into mountaineering, summiting the mountain holds popularity among the climbing community.
1. Drive the Scenic Loop Around Mount Hood
The best time to do this drive would be in the fall, spring, or summer because of the safety and chances of seeing more. In the winter the roads can be icy and snow covered. This scenic byway starts in Gresham and ends in Hood River. You can even add Hood River to your itinerary!
2. Ski Timberline
Timberline is arguably one of the best ski resorts in the state of Oregon. On a clear day the views from the mountain into the valleys of Oregon is something special. It takes pride in being open almost through August yearly! Rent your cabin, cozy up, and ski at Timberline Lodge.
3. Alpine Slide at Skibowl
If your visiting Oregon in the summertime, the Alpine Slide is great for all ages. Especially for those who want the views but don’t want to hike.
4. Hike the Old Salmon River Trail
This hike is outside of Welches and is great for the entire family. It is 2.7 miles with 187 feet of elevation gain through stunning old growth forest. It winds next to the Salmon River, granting gorgeous views of the blue water and green covered moss trees.
5. Summit Mount Hood
For the adventurous, summiting Mount Hood is extremely popular. Hire a guide, or going with an experienced person who knows the mountain well is highly recommended by the climbing community. Weather changes conditions quickly on Mount Hood and summiting should not be taken lightly.
6. Go Backpacking
Mount Hood National Forest is home to many backpacking trails in the summertime to visit. While I haven’t backpacked this area much, trails that are on my list are: Mirror Lake, Timberline Trail around Mount Hood, and Twin Lakes Trail. Be mindful of permits necessary before heading out onto the trail.
7. Visit Bagby Hot Springs
After being closed for two years, Bagby is reopening in May of 2024. There is a $5 before entering the hot springs. Be mindful that swimsuits are optional here. Be sure to pick up your trash and abide by closures. It is a three mile hike with 262 feet of elevation gain.
Pro Tip: Water to the tubs runs quite hot, so bringing a bucket can help so you can bring water from the river to cool it down.
8. Stay At A Cute Cabin
When in Oregon, staying at a cute cabin is a must! There are many to choose from at Government Camp, Rhododendron, and Welches. During busy season I suggest booking 3-6 months in advance if you can as the best cabins book quickly.
9. Hike the Tamawanas Falls Trail
Visit this stunning waterfall in any season-but keep in mind that snowshoes or microspikes might be necessary! Hike 3.4 miles through beautiful forest next to a gorgeous river to the basalt column waterfall.
Northwest Forest Pass, or $5 parking pass required at the trail. Be mindful and Leave No Trace when visiting!
10. Visit Trillium Lake
Sitting at 3,600 feet of elevation, Trillium Lake is a beautiful spot to visit year round at Mount Hood Oregon. In the winter, the gate is closed making the walk to the lake an additional mile in snowshoes. In the summertime the lake is flooded with people kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.
There is a 1.9 mile easy loop around the lake that is a great walk. Day use is $10 per vehicle, and camping is $23 per day. Reserve your spot for camping at Trillium Lake at Recreation.gov!
Pin For Later!
