Guide to Hiking Near Mount Hood- Best Hikes & Viewpoints

Mount Hood is one of the most beautiful spots in Oregon and a hiker’s paradise! Less famous than Mount Rainier but with equally stunning views, it is my favorite area in Oregon. Whether you are taking a road trip through Oregon or spending a few days in Portland, going on a hike near Mount Hood must be on your list! Read below for everything you need to know about visiting and hiking in Mount Hood National Forest, from how to get there, parking passes, and, of course, the best hikes near Mount Hood– from waterfalls to viewpoints!

How to Get to Mount Hood National Forest

Mount Hood from Portland

Parking on Mount Hood

All of Mount Hood’s waterfalls require a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass to be displayed at the parking lots.

• Northwest Forest Pass– All Forest Service Recreation Sites in Oregon and Washington. $30 annually or $5 for one day. Buy here
• America the Beautiful Pass– Also commonly called the National Parks Pass, it covers all National Parks and many other day-use areas. $80 annually. Buy here

I recommend buying the America the Beautiful Pass if you hike a lot and live nearby. This gives you access to everything covered by the Northwest Forest Pass, as well as all National Parks. If you don’t spend much time in the National Parks, it may benefit you only to buy the Northwest Forest Pass.

Always display your pass in your car at required trailheads regardless of what you pick. The fines for not having a pass are steep, and the money only benefits the lands you are visiting!

Mount Hood Scenic Loop

If you’re short on time and want to see a lot around Mount Hood and the surrounding area, consider driving the Mount Hood Scenic Loop! This drive is around 132 miles round trip and takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, but you’ll want to make a lot of stops on the way! This drive will allow you to see Mount Hood, visit Hood River, and see some of the best waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.

Best Stops on the Mount Hood Scenic Loop

If you start in Portland and drive up towards Government Camp first, then to Hood River, and back down the Columbia River Gorge, here are some great stops on the way!

• Timberline Lodge– visit the lodge and hike a little down the Timberline Trail
• Trillium Lake– quick stop, or you can hike around the lake
• Hood River– visit a winery, orchard, or brewery
• Starvation Creek Falls– a short walk to a stunning waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge
• Wahclella Falls– 2-mile hike, one of the easier trails
• Multnomah Falls– the tallest waterfall in Oregon and a must see!
• Latourell Falls– Latourell Falls is a short walk from the parking lot, or you can hike the 3-mile loop

Read More: Best Waterfalls Near Portland

What to Wear Hiking at Mount Hood

Don’t go hiking unprepared! Here is a quick packing list for hiking near Mount Hood.

• Raincoat- You don’t want to visit Oregon without a rain jacket. This also works as a windbreaker if needed- My Favorite Rain Jacket
• Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking, so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
• Light Day Pack– If you are planning a shorter hike or don’t bring many supplies, I recommend this smaller backpack- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
• Big Day Pack– If you are planning a longer hike and want more support, this is my favorite day pack for 8+ mile hikes- 24L Osprey Day Pack
• Beanie or Hat- You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat- Warm Beanie
• Waterproof Boots– Make sure to hike with waterproof boots with good support- My Favorite Hiking Boots
• Moisture-Wicking Pants– While they do not need to be waterproof, you will likely want either moisture-wicking or quick-drying pants- Comfortable Womens Hiking Pants
• Moisture-Wicking Tees– Quick-drying tees are perfect for hiking- My Favorite Hiking Tee
• Water Bottle– If hiking, bring a water bottle to hydrate- Water Bottle
• Sunscreen– While it may not always feel hot in the mountains, you should still make sure to wear sunscreen- SPF 50 Sunscreen
• Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera

Read More: Pacific Northwest Packing List

Where to Stay Near Mount Hood

If you are visiting Mount Hood, I would plan on staying in a cabin on the mountain or in the nearby town of Hood River to maximize your time. If you are visiting Portland, you can also drive out to Mount Hood for a day trip.

Stays Near Mount Hood

• Timberline Lodge
• Large Cabin for a Family
• Tiny Cabin Near Mount Hood

Stays in Hood River

• Hood River Hotel
• Lodge for Family Near Hood River
• Cottage Near Hood River

Read More: Best Hikes Near Hood River

Best Lake Hikes Near Mount Hood

Trillium Lake

• Length: 1.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 26 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Mount Hood National Forest, off Mount Hood Highway

This is a short and easy hike around Trillium Lake, which has one of the best views of Mount Hood! If you don’t want to do the whole hike, you can see the lake from the parking lot. Come here at sunrise or sunset for a beautiful photo!

In the Winter, the road to the lake closes, and you can snowshoe to the lake!

Little Crater Lake

• Length: 0.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: none
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Little Crater Lake Campground

You’ve probably heard of Crater Lake, Oregon’s most famous lake, but have you heard of Little Crater Lake? It is a really short hike (more of a walk) from Little Crater Lake Campground to a small but vibrant lake! And although it may be tempting, no swimming is allowed!

Mirror Lake

• Length: 4.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 672 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Mount Hood National Forest, off Mount Hood Highway

Mirror Lake is a stop along a longer hike on this list (Tom, Dick, & Harry Mountain), but it is also a beautiful destination in its own right if you are looking for a shorter trail. On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood from the right spot on the lake.

Other Lakes Near Mount Hood

• Lost Lake– No hike is required to see this lake! Lost Lake is on the East side of Mount Hood, located next to Lost Lake Resort, where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards!
• Burnt Lake– 7 miles, 1,463 feet, moderate- This hike is a little less crowded than others on this list, and you can see Mount Hood from the lake!

Waterfall Hikes Near Mount Hood

Tamanawas Falls

• Length: 3.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 580 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Mount Hood National Forest, off OR-35

Tamanawas Falls Trail is one of the best waterfall hikes in Mount Hood National Forest. It is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Portland to the trailhead. The trail is a little over 3 miles to the waterfall.

This is a great hike any time of year. You will hike over several bridges and through a boulder field to get to the massive waterfall. In the Winter, icicles form around the falls, and you can snowshoe or hike with crampons or microspikes to get to the waterfall.

Read More: Snowshoeing to Tamanawas Falls

Umbrella Falls

• Length: 0.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 95 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Mount Hood Meadows Parking Lot

Umbrella Falls is a quick 0.5-mile round-trip hike, perfect if you are short on time and looking for a waterfall around Mount Hood! A bridge passes over East Fork Hood River right in front of the falls.

Sahalie Falls

• Length: 3.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 711 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Mount Hood Meadows Parking Lot

If you hike further past Umbrella Falls, you will reach Sahalie Falls! This trail is not too difficult until the very end when it is a very steep climb down to the bottom of the falls. This felt more like a scramble than a hike to me, and it would be difficult and dangerous for some people.

You can also hike up the Sahalie Falls from Elk Meadows Trailhead for a 1.2-mile round-trip hike. The end of the trail is the same difficult climb down, though!

Ramona Falls

• Length: 7.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1066 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Muddy Fork Road, Off US Hwy 26

Ramona Falls Trail is one of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon. This trail loops around the PCT and Ramona Falls trail, catching up with the Timberline Trail for a section. The beginning of this trail has a stream crossing that can be quite dangerous for much of the year. Make sure you are prepared before attempting this trail.

On a clear day, Mount Hood may even be visible from this section of the trail! When you reach Ramona Falls, be prepared for one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon. The water cascades down in front of a bridge, which makes for the perfect spot to stop and see the waterfall.

Mount Hood Hikes With Viewpoints

Lolo Pass via Top Spur or Bald Mountain

• Length: 1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 600 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location:  Off NF Road 118

This is my favorite short hike for fantastic views! Top Spur Loop is only a 2-mile hike, with the main viewpoint a little over half a mile in. The road up to this trail is a little rough, so if your car can’t handle it, there is also a longer 6.7-mile round-trip hike up Bald Mountain that reaches the same viewpoint!

McNeil Point

• Length: 8.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,657 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location:  Off NF Road 118

If you continue past Top Spur, the trail leads up to McNeil Point, which offers another closer view of Mount Hood.

Timberline to Zigzag Falls

• Length: 4.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 885 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location:  Timberline Lodge

If you are feeling really adventurous, you can hike the entire 42-mile Loop around Mount Hood, called the Timberline Trail, over the course of several days. However, if you are looking for just a day hike while still getting great views of Mount Hood, hike from Timberline to ZigZag Canyon!

Paradise Park

• Length: 9.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,408 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location:  Timberline Lodge

Another option that follows much of the Timberline is hiking to Paradise Park– this is a little longer, but worth it to see the wildflowers that bloom in summer!

Elk Meadows

• Length: 5.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,085 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location:  Off Mount Hood Highway

Elk Meadows Trail is on the East side of the mountain. As you hike through the forest, you can catch glimpses of Mount Hood through the meadow.

Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain

• Length: 8.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1715 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Mount Hood National Forest, off Mount Hood Highway

Many consider this to be the Best hiking in Mount Hood National Forest, and you can’t blame them! Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Trail is longer but leads to a spectacular view of Mount Hood from the top! And remember to stop at Mirror Lake on the way!

Mount Hood Views With Little or No Hiking

• Timberline Lodge– You can see Mount Hood without hiking by driving up to the Timberline Lodge!
• Trillium Lake– As mentioned above, you can hike around Trillium Lake, but there is also a great view from the Parking Lot.
• Lolo Pass Road- As you drive to the Lolo Pass trailhead, Mount Hood is visible along much of Lolo Pass Road! However, it is hard to get a clear picture without some power lines!

The Timberline Trail

• Length: 42 miles
• Elevation Gain: 9852 feet
• Difficulty: Very Difficult
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Number of Days: 3 or 4 Days

It feels wrong to talk about Mount Hood without mentioning THE Mount Hood hike- The Timberline Trail. The Timberline Trail is a multi-day backpacking route that encircles the entirety of Mount Hood. You can start and end anywhere along the trail, although most people probably start near the Timberline Lodge.

This is not an easy trek, crossing several streams and requiring you to take all your food along the way, but if you love backpacking and a challenge, this hike will likely appeal to you!

Mount Hood National Forest Hikes by Difficulty

Below are most of the Mount Hood hikes mentioned above, sorted by easy, moderate, and difficult. Use this if you are looking for easy hikes near Mount Hood or a challenge!

Easy Hikes Near Mount Hood

• Trillium Lake
• Little Crater Lake
• Umbrella Falls

Moderate Hikes Near Mount Hood

• Mirror Lake
• Burnt Lake
• Sahalie Falls
• Ramona Falls
• Tamanawas Falls
• Top Spur
• Bald Mountain
• Timberline to ZigZag
• Elk Meadow

Difficult Hikes Near Mount Hood

• McNeil Point
• Paradise Park
• Tom, Dick, & Harry Mountain
• Timberline Trail

When to Visit Mount Hood

Summer is by far the best time to visit Mount Hood! The snow does not usually fully melt off the higher-elevation trails until July, but there are still a few trail options if you want to visit in Spring.

Early Fall can also be a good time to visit, as the bugs are gone, and the snow usually does not come back until October. Mount Hood also usually gets a beautiful display of Fall foliage in September, so it is a great place to go leaf-peeping!

In Winter, snow covers most of the trails, but many are available for snowshoeing! Snowshoeing Tamanawas Falls is very popular, as is Trillium Lake, Mirror Lake, and near West River Snow Park.

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