There are dozens of trails covering thousands of miles of terrain throughout the Mt Hood National Forest. If your summer vacation at Mt Hood is about getting out of the city and spending time in a serene and pastoral setting without crowds, we recommend these two hikes along eight trails that are at their very best for scenery and accessibility during the summer months. These trails offer wildflowers, huckleberries, Mt Hood views, mountain streams and waterfalls and there are not a lot people hiking here. Book a Mt Hood vacation rental and pack your hiking shoes to explore these gorgeous trails!
Paradise Park Trail # 778 & # 757 (starting at Timberline Lodge)
The Paradise Park Trail is along a section of the Timberline Trail which circumvents Mt Hood at about 6,000’ elevation and the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail which passes through the Mt Hood National Forest. This 12-mile roundtrip trail traverses down and back up Little Zigzag Canyon and Big Zigzag Canyon as well as other drainages for a total of 2,300’ of elevation gain. During mid-July through August you will enjoy multiple views of Mt Hood and a variety of wildflowers.
Stats:
- Elev. Gain: 2,300 feet, cumulative with elevation ranges between 5,400 – 6,240 feet
- Distance: 12-mile roundtrip
- Hiking Time: 6 hours plus lunch break and photo breaks
- Trailhead: From Timberline Lodge, take any trail on the east side of the lodge and hike for a short distance uphill to the generally well-signed Timberline Trail (no. 600), which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000) along this stretch. Head west, passing above the lodge and under chairlifts as the trail gradually descends through meadows. There are frequent views of the summit of Mt Hood as well as Mt Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south.
- Highlights: Multiple mountain views; wildflowers; streams
Umbrella Falls & Sahalie Falls Loop Trail # 600, #645, #646, #652, #667, #667C(This hike is comprised of several trails joined together.)
For a mostly shaded hike with two waterfalls and views of Mt Hood, choose the shorter 4.1 mile loop of this trail which takes you past both Umbrella Falls and Sahalie Falls. For a longer hike and panoramic views of Mt Hood hike the longer 9.7 mile loop which travels above tree-line and into full sun. Due to the higher elevation, the lower parts of this trail may have areas of snow through June. In August and September, look for wild huckleberries along the trails right around the 4,500 foot elevation for a mid-hike snack.
Stats
- Elev. Gain: 1400 feet, 5750 ft elev at Umbrella Falls
- Distance: 4.1 or 9.7 mile loop; this is actually several trails combined into two loop hikes. You can do the shorter hike to see both waterfalls, but you will miss the views of Mt Hood
- Hiking Time: about 2 hours for the shorter hike and about 5 hours for the longer hike
- Trailhead: From Government Camp, drive east on Highway 26 for 2.1 miles to the junction with Highway 35. Take Highway 35 towards Hood River for 7.8 miles. Turn left or north into the Hood River Meadows parking lot for Mt Hood Meadows ski area. The trailhead is on the right in 1/2 mile
- Highlights: Scenic hike with Mt Hood and forest views. Passes by Clark Creek, Newton Creek and Heather Creek. Two beautiful waterfalls during the hike. Lots of wildflowers during the summer and huckleberries in late August or early September
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Mt Hood Vacation Rentals in Nearby Government Camp
Tom’s Creek Haus
A charming updated 1925 cabin right on Camp Creek, this Mt Hood vacation rental is a favorite for active summer vacations. Hike out the front door of the cabin to the famous Glade Trail, Crosstown Trail and several other adjoining trails. Enjoy the hot tub on the covered creekside deck year-round or sit by the creek during the summer.
- Highlights: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, woodstove, hot tub, BBQ, covered porch, pet friendly, sleeps 6
Cedarwood Lodge:
This popular 3-level log lodge in the quiet south side of town is a long-time favorite vacation home for friend and family gatherings. You can walk to trails at Mt Hood Adventure Park or drive just a few miles to several trailheads.
- Highlights: 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, gas fireplace, hot tub, covered porch, BBQ, pet friendly, sleeps 12
Chalet am Berg:
Upscale 3-level vacation lodge next to the Glade Trail is perfect for summer hiking right out the back door. Cook awesome meals in the gourmet kitchen and gather around the dining table surrounded by a wall of windows.
- Highlights: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 2 gas fireplaces, hot tub, big patio, BBQ, game room, creekside, pet friendly, sleeps 10
Moosewood Cabin:
Cozy family cabin with lots of warmth and charm is perfect for your summer family vacation. You can walk to the trails at Mt Hood Adventure or have fun on the Alpine Slide, Bungee Jumping, Zip-lining or enjoying more than 20 other attractions.
- Highlights: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, pellet stove, hot tub, decks, BBQ, pet friendly, sleeps 10
Marshall Cabin:
Adventure awaits in this modern and rustic cabin near Summit Meadow and Trillium Lake. You will be surrounded by the national forest with hiking, running and biking trails and roads right out the front door.
- Highlights: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, woodstove, covered porch, BBQ, creekside, pet friendly, sleeps 10
