The Salmon River Trail at in Rhododendron Oregon is easily one of the most gorgeous wooded trails in the area. If your visiting the Mount Hood area and looking for the most gorgeous trail to hike, add this one to your list.
While this trail is quite long, I will share with you ways to do sections of the trail and parts that I have found over the years that are my personal favorites! I will also share with you how to plan your perfect trip to the area on this post.
Mount Hood is truly such a gorgeous area to travel to anytime of the year. Many aren’t as encouraged to drive on the snow during winter months, so this trail and itinerary would be perfect for those wanting to stick to lower elevation, snow-free zones.
Where is the Salmon River Trail located?
Just at the foothills of Mount Hood Oregon the town of Welches is where you find the road for the Salmon River. After driving past some neighborhoods, you will start to see multiple trailhead signs.
Dependent on how much of the trail you want to hike, or what section, that can help better plan!
From Portland: 1 hour
From Seattle: 3.5 hours
Where Should I Stay?
Anytime I am adventuring in the Mount Hood area, I find cabins in Welches and Rhododendron are the best ones to stay at. There are quite a few to choose from, many dog friendly, and all close to the highway making it easy to drive up to Mount Hood.
Here are my favorites that I have personally stayed at and would rent again!
Saturday Cabin: This cabin is extremely beautiful, in a safe family neighborhood, and has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, and a hot tub. Plus the wood burning fireplace is gorgeous.
Fir Tree Haus: Located in the Timberline Rim neighborhood, this cabin is a brand new A-Frame cabin with 3 bedrooms and 2 bath with a hot tub. If you like to cook-this is for you, the kitchen is huge and incredible to cook in.
Cedarwood Cabin: this is a rustic, and much smaller option for a couple or two people. This is a historic cabin though, and is one of my favorite all time stays. It has a wood burning stove, the only way to keep the cabin warm. It’s tucked in the forest just right that it feels more private than it is.
Old Salmon River Trail
If your looking for a hike for the entire family, this is a great one! This is the first trailhead that you will pass after driving up the Salmon River road for about 15 miles.
This is an out and back trail, so it is easy to hike as little or as much as you want to! The entire section is 2.7 miles with 187 feet of elevation gain. It is mostly flat with gorgeous old growth trees. Plus, the trail takes you along the river and you can see Salmon spawning during certain times of the year.
Salmon River Trailhead
If you drive up the Salmon River road a bit more this trailhead is my favorite section to hike from. It offers a bit more decline and incline, and the forest gets thicker here. Plus, the access to the river changes from being above it, to right next to it.
I’ve hiked this trail in the winter and spring months with my dogs and barley ever see anybody else out here. It is truly stunning. As you hike along this portion of the trail, there are many epic places to go swimming!
This trail is extremely gorgeous in any season. I’ve only hiked it in the winter months, and it is a bright green color! Hike as little or as far as you want, keep track of time, and go out and back from where you parked your car.
If your bringing your dogs, keep in mind that this trail does have cougar sightings. Be mindful in the early and later hours. I’ve never had an issue!
In the summertime, this trail is a great trail for backpacking. There are many designated campsites along the riverbank along the way, and gets better and more secluded the further you hike. Find more details on how to make it a loop trail through the forest service.
Post Hike Fuel
Wanting to fuel up on yummy food after your hike on the Salmon River Trail? These spots are local and great places to visit.
- Fernie’s Coffee is the best place to visit for coffee before or after your hike. It’s the best coffee in the area, hands down.
- Zigzag Mountain Cafe: want the classic breakfast of hash browns and eggs? This is the spot. It’s a delicious hole in the wall and the ultimate hangover cure.
- Chicali Cantina: craving tacos and margaritas? This is the spot. Incredible food and service, great post hike fuel.
- Pub 26: in my opinion, this is the best bar in the area. Their fried chicken sandwich is to die for! Plus, they use fresh fruit in their margaritas and make a mean bloody mary. Love sitting outside with the dogs in the summertime.
- Koya Kitchen: if your craving asian food, this is the spot. Sushi, ramen, and incredible pad thai dishes to warm the heart after a long hike. Plus, the cocktail bar and small shop is a great place to hang out!
- Wraptitude Gourmet Wraps: delicious burgers, beers, and wraps! Everything is freshly made and really yummy.
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