Escape to Mt Hood with cozy cabins, romantic cottages and beautiful chalets!
Fall is one of our favorite seasons around Mt Hood. The weather is still sunny, but not too hot with crisp, cool nights and ever-changing gold and red colors on the big leaf maples, vine maples, alders and cottonwoods surrounded by the deep greens of the Douglas fir and cedar trees. And because this is Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Quiet Season, the rates are reduced, especially when you stay midweek.
Fall is the best time for hiking. The trails are less crowded and the fall colors on the trees are vibrant making for an eye-popping scenic adventure. Some of our favorite trails are:
Little Zigzag River Trail: A short 1.2 mile out and back hike that is easily accessed by most people including small children and less-abled walkers alike
Old Salmon River Trail: A relatively flat trail that follows the Salmon River for 5 miles total, out and back. Or you can hike the Salmon River Trail (trailhead is at the bridge) for up to 9 miles one-way!
Trillium Lake: Not only will you see a spectacular view of Mt Hood at the lake, but you will also see lots of fall colors. You can hike, run or bike around the lake on forest roads or hike the 1.9 mile trail that goes around a portion of the lake.
Castle Canyon Trail: This 2.2 mile out and back hike is rated moderate, but feels difficult and is not for the less fit, however it you want to get a workout and spectacular pinnacle views, this is a must-do hike. Watch for chantrelles along the trail, too.
Timberline Trail and Pacific Crest Trail from Timberline Lodge: These two trails are popular for summer hiking and should be considered for fall hiking before the snow falls. You can do as little or as much as you like from Timberline Lodge with amazing views of Mt Hood. Then head into the lodge for a snack and hot beverage.
Check out all of the hiking trails in the Mt Hood National Forest. For trails near your Mt Hood Vacation Rental, we are surrounded by the Zigzag Ranger District.
Salmon will be spawning in the rivers around the Villages of Mt Hood during the fall. The exact timing is different every year based on weather (rainfall and temperatures), but once they arrive to spawn, the show lasts for a few weeks. The salmon run is when the salmon swim upstream from the ocean back to the rivers to lay eggs for the next year’s new fish. In our case, the salmon have a long trip from the Pacific Ocean up the Columbia River to the Sandy River, then on up to the Salmon River and other tributaries like Still Creek. After this arduous and tiring trip, the eggs are laid and fertilized, then the salmon die. When the salmon eggs develop into new fish, these fish will eventually swim back to the ocean, only to return to the same river they were born in to spawn and then die just as their parents did. The aptly named Salmon River is the best place to see the salmon spawning, but check out this video of salmon in Still Creek from a few years ago.
Just a short drive to the east side of Mt Hood, you can visit the Hood River County Fruit Loop when vacationing at Mt Hood. Fall is apple and pear season in the Hood River Valley and their are many farm stands open with freshly picked apples and pears of multiple varieties as well as fresh-pressed apple cider. They will also be selling pumpkins and other squash and late season vegetables just harvested from their farms. Bring the apples back to your vacation rental and make an apple pie with the kids (all of our vacation rentals include pie pans). Our favorite recipe is Martha Stewart’s Mile-High Apple Pie. Of course, you an buy a pre-made pie crust and just make the filling to make things easier. The adults may want to do a little wine tasting at one of several wineries in the Hood River region as well.
As the nighttime air chills down during the fall, the warm and bubbly private hot tub at your vacation rental becomes more inviting. Soothe tired muscles and share stories of the day’s adventures while planning where you want to go next.
The best part about visiting Mt Hood during the fall is that it is our Quiet Season, so there are less crowded trails, restaurants and stores and less traffic on the roads plus you can stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental at reduced rates especially midweek. When is your trip? For friendly, personalized assistance in finding the best vacation rental to meet and exceed your expectations, call a Vacation Planner at 888-424-9168.
Mt Hood Vacation Planning Outdoor Activities
