The Timberline Trail soon follows the top of Gnarl Ridge with excellent views in every direction. Turn right and begin the long descent into the Sandy River Canyon. Office Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00AM-5:00PM . There are those who can run the forty mile length of the Timberline Trail in one day. This is the perfect spot to pitch camp and rest, stock up on water, or soak your tired feet. Hours of Operation. Just north of the Elliot Crossing we can see the historic Cloud Cap Inn. Timberline Trail is a difficult hike ranging in elevation from 3,480 to 7,300 feet. Hood in Oregon offers one of the most exciting and unique high-alpine mountain experiences in North America, a destination offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and lodging in a historic hotel. Lift / Mountain Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 9:00AM-5:00PM. Dollar Lake is 0.3 miles from the Timberline Trail and offers the only point suitable for swimming as well as a few campsites. The trail on the west side is about 0.2 miles upstream from the trail on the east side. Mount Adams, Mounts St. Helens, and Mount Rainier will come into view as the journey turns north, as will burnt forests and fields of vibrantly colored wildflowers. A route is often marked by other hikers with a series of cairns and flags. There are a number of campsites along the Elk Cove Trail, all within 0.5 miles of the Timberline Trail. Backpackers will want to start from the lodge as the parking is free. This guide is by no means the final word on how to tackle the trail. At mile 20.6 is Elk Cove and the junction with the Elk Cove Trail. The Timberline Trail around Mt. Timberline Lodge and its restaurants will continue to be open for overnight guests only. Timberline's Trail Crew have experience as trail stewards for other Mt. The historic Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood // Photo: iStock Both backpackers and day hikers will find plenty of adventure on the trail as they cross glaciers, ford streams, and climb through canyons. It's easy to miss this trail, but there are often cairns that mark its location. This places us directly in the Cascade rain shadow and is one of the most arid spots on the entire trail. Both are popular camping areas for the second night and both have plenty of water, flat tent sites, and breathtaking scenery. The elevation here is about 5100 feet. Hood provide the only year-round lift-served skiing in North America, from the beautiful Timberline Lodge. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. We reach the bottom of the canyon and the White River at mile 38.3. Ramona Falls Trail. Drinking water can be found in Wy'East Basin at mile 19.4. Timberline to Ramona Falls The starting point for the trail begins just uphill from the iconic Timberline Lodge at an elevation of 5900 feet. There are several great camping spots around the falls, making it a good place to stop for the first night. Follow his adventures and stories at betterhiker.com. The views are stupendous, from the Willamette Valley to the heart of the Cascades and east towards the high desert around Bend. From here, it’s downhill and the walking gets easier, crossing small glaciers and past the impressive Gnarl Ridge. The Timberline Trail that circumnavigates Mt. You can get drinking water from the small stream that runs through Elk Cove. Munra Point. Set up your camp and expel waste at least 200 feet away from any water source. You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy here. From this point we look can across the canyon towards the meadows at Paradise Park as well as the imposing Mississippi Head looming over the top of the canyon. After 0.6 mile, join a dirt road for the remainder of the climb to the hut. Hike the Timberline Trail. This also is a branch of Ladd Creek and is too silty to drink. Clackamas County COVID-19 risk levels have improved, allowing restaurants and bars to open with limited seating capacity starting Friday, Feb. 12th. Early-season hikers should beware of the potentially dangerous current as glacial melt is strongest in the spring. This area is accessed by a shorter trail popular with day hikers. At 1.2 miles the trail descends briefly into and out of the rocky Little Zigzag Canyon. There is a stone Shelter located here, a leftover from when the trail was created in the 1930s along with a fair number of camp sites. The final stretch from the canyon to the Timberline Lodge is a sandy, uphill slog that will drain whatever energy you have left. The Timberline Trail was the perfect hike. But to really experience everything the trail has to offer, it becomes a four day and three night undertaking. It is amazing to see how the forest recovers within this section. 100 % Area Open. The Timberline Trail is an approximate 38 mile hiking trail that circumnavigates Mt. This glacial wash is humungous, and though the river is usually shallow, it’s wide and the current can be strong. Loop around Bald Mountain then stay on the Timberline at the 4 way junction. Social distancing protocols are in place and will be enforced. (Use caution when crossing!) At the far end of Cairn Basin is another stream crossing. Timberline Mountain is open for skiing and snowboarding! At mile 39.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail which joins from the left. Follow the pathway behind the lodge westward until it joins the Pacific Crest Trail. A U.S. Forest Service employee discovered the falls on August 8, 1933, and named it after a romantic song popular at that time titled “Ramona”. We’ve hiked through a variety of Arizona canyon country over the last few years. A reroute of the trail is currently under construction and will be open in time for the 2017 season. Paradise Park only adds 400 feet elevation gain and is well worth the effort. If this is the case, stick to the PCT and rejoin the Timberline near Bald Mountain. We hiked past Ramona Falls, forded rivers, and passed through the remnants of a forest fire. Much of the trail here passes through the Dollar Lake burn area. This route takes about 30 minutes longer. Stay right on #2000 and travel 1.5 miles to Zigzag River. At 2.4 miles the trail takes an abrupt left at the edge of the gaping Zigzag Canyon Overlook. With over 2,000 waterfalls scattered throughout the state, Washington is certainly not falling short. Unload your gear in the car then head up to the lodge for a good meal and an icy beverage before heading home. 600), which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (no. Morning crossings are advised if possible. Want a walking tour of some of Oregon’s finest scenery? The basin was formed by the Coe Glacier that once pushed through the valley, but disappeared as the glacier retreated. Mammoth is home to some of the finest trails in the entire Sierra Nevada. Waterfalls, alpine lakes, mountain basin, mountain peaks, panoramic vistas, Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, skiing, snowshoeing. The Timberline Trail on Mt. Sign up for our free email to join 50,000+ readers getting epic travel, hiking, and camping ideas every month. But our recent trip through Aravaipa Canyon was in a league all its own. Hours of Operation. At about mile 17 are several viewpoints that look up to Mount Hood and down into the Sandy River Canyon. Walking atop the snow, you can move quickly for a bit of a work out or simply go for a leisurely stroll while you explore the unique high-alpine terrain surrounding Timberline Lodge. Slippery Slope Bar & Grill Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11:00AM-6:00PM Thursday-Saturday 11:00AM-9:00PM (food) / 11:00AM-10:00PM (drinks) SNOW REPORT. There is also another stone shelter here, located near the intersection of the Timberline and Cooper Spur trails. At the 5.1 mile mark we cross Lost Creek. Please do not camp near or otherwise disturb these vital headwaters. This stream is too silty to drink from. Starting from behind the Timberline Lodge, hikers have a few choices of route. Around mile 15, you’ll see a cut-off trail, which cuts off some of the mileage as the actual trail loops and backtracks for a few miles. The next half mile holds several river crossings, as the river finds its own pathway amongst the boulders. Hood is routinely described as one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world. Timberline Trail Around Mount Hood is a 41.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Rhododendron, Oregon that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. At 1.2 miles the trail descends briefly into and out of the rocky Little Zigzag Canyon. An alternative and more scenic route will have you stay on I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge until you get to the town of Hood River. Hood is one of Oregon’s most iconic and scenic trails. We loved experiencing the different terrain on all sides of Mt. Of all the descriptors we uttered while navigating the canyon, I think my buddy Dustin came up with the best one: “Underrated.”. To hike there, walk past the right-hand side of Timberline Lodge and follow a paved walkway uphill 200 yards. The clockwise option starts relatively easy and ends with a challenging uphill climb through sand; the counterclockwise route is the reverse. Eagle Creek Trail Head. Dogs are also … The trip starts on the Pacific Crest Trail. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. The trail crosses a second branch of Lost Creek. At mile 24.2 is another fork of Compass Creek that is good for drinking water. Dogs are also able to use this trail. It can be difficult locating where the trail exits the canyon on the West side, but it should be almost directly across from where we came down on the east side. This is a beautiful trail and a great way to see the scenery around the mountain. The river is mostly shallow, but can be wide and quite swift, use extreme caution. Some of it crowded, like our mob-infested mid-October foray through Havasu Canyon. The following section of trail is infamously known as “the beach” as it’s the driest section. 2000) along this … You could take this trail, loop around to the Vista Ridge Trail and then back up to the Timberline Trail adding an extra 0.5 miles. Snowshoeing is fun, easy, and there is no better place than Timberline to try it out. This is the permanent home of the Crag Rats, a search and rescue unit based out of Hood River. Hood, alpine meadows, and views of cascade forest. I crossed Paradise Park’s display of fuchsia Indian paintbrushes and violet lupines and the silky veil of 120-foot Ramona Falls. Turn left onto the twisty road to the lodge and keep driving until you get to the parking lot. Hood in the Oregon Cascades. At mile 29.3, look for the remains of another stone shelter. Cascade Locks, OR. Located just outside of Portland, this route features alpine vistas, waterfalls, countless views of Mt. Plan out your day before heading to Timberline Lodge or navigate the mountain while you're at the resort with the latest Timberline Lodge trail maps. The view includes the meadows of Paradise Park, across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi … I have done it in 2011 and 2012 in one day (approximately 10.5 hours both times), and in 2013 in two days (with camping in between). The official trail however crosses the face of Bald Mountain with some excellent views. The starting point for the trail begins just uphill from the iconic Timberline Lodge at an elevation of 5900 feet. There is a maze of trails surrounding Timberline Lodge, all connecting to the Timberline Trail (no. Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail - Bridge of the Gods Trailhead. Use caution — most Timberline trail guides will advise that you not rush this crossing. Just to prove that I could do it, I myself have backpacked it in two days. Just across the Ramona Falls foot bridge is a trail junction. At mile 27.4 is the extremely difficult crossing at Eliot Creek. Timberline Lodge, OR. Arthur loves to walk. Built in 1937, Timberline Lodge has always been a grand refuge for visitors wanting to experience the magnificent and expansive high-alpine environment of Mt. Around 39 miles in length, the Timberline Trail travels around Mt Hood providing breathtaking views of the volcano and the surrounding area. Crossing and filtering water from rivers and creeks will vary depending on when the trip is made. It is in mostly wilderness but also goes near Timberline Lodge, Cloud Cap Inn, and Mount Hood Meadows ski area. Leaving the ski slopes and civilization behind, you’ll descend around 2.5 miles into the verdant Zigzag Canyon, made lush by the melting glaciers. People often refer to the entire loop, including this part of the PCT, as the Timberline Trail. From here, the difficulty gets dialed up a notch. Timberline Trail is a hiking trail around Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets — he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. As always, don’t forget to follow Leave No Trace principles when hiking, like minimizing your impact and properly disposing of waste. The PCT is one-third of the entire loop around the mountain, connecting the southern and northwestern points of the Timberline Trail. Hikers must climb over several miles of gravel and soft sand to reach the trail’s high point, Lamberson Spur, at 7,350 feet. At the bottom of the canyon is the crossing of Newton Creek. The trail leaves the junction and continues to climb north for 1.2 miles to Timberline Lodge. This is where you’ll discover the best view: a grand vista of all the state’s  famous peaks, stretching east to Oregon’s high desert. A quick glance upstream from the crossing offers dramatic views of Zigzag falls. Moving clockwise from the path’s de-facto starting point at the luxe Timberline Lodge, I started my route up the west side. Hood, in Oregon. Different Timberline trail guides may advise that one is better than the other, but really, it just comes down to whether you want to add on the extra miles to reach Elk Cove on day two. Hood bike trails. From the Shasta–Trinity National Forest to Castle Crags State Park, there’s a wealth of trail for hikers of all skill levels to uncover. Curb your cravings for tall trees and get really, really high on these majestic overnight treks into the heart of the Great Western Divide. Hood. Learn more here. The trail drops down towards the White River over a series of switchbacks. Trailhead: West of Timberline Lodge ; Plan & Prepare . We cross Coe Creek at mile 22.5. This is one of the more difficult stream crossings around Mount Hood. They work closely with Timberline's own Environmental Coordinator and the US Forest Service to make the Timberline Bike Park a sustainable and environmentally-conscious project. The last leg of the trip holds a steady climb from the White River up to the Timberline Lodge where we first started. It begins at approximately 27 miles in. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Mile 11 brings us to the junction with the Yocum Ridge Trail, pass it on bye as We want to continue straight towards the Muddy Fork. Near Government Camp, Oregon. Hood from every angle. Face masks are required in all public areas for guests and employees. It offers breathtaking scenery and paints an excellent picture of the Oregon Cascades and the surrounding forests. There are several short stretches where the trail crosses a slide. Seen in: Backpacking, Oregon, Oregon Backpacking, Oregon Hiking, Pacific Northwest. Timberline Lodge’s Snowshoe Trail Timberline has a designated snowshoeing trail that is very easy and only about 2 miles start to finish. Standing majestically over the city, Mt Hood is the most prominent peak in the Oregon cascades. Slippery Slope Bar & Grill Hours: You’ll begin the ascent to the Timberline Trail’s high point, but not before crossing another tricky glacial melt stream at Elliot Creek. Its foundations sit within a grove of ancient mountain hemlock. You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy, Marmots & Minarets: 10 Best Hikes In Mammoth Lakes, California, 15 Easy Camping Meals You Can Make Super Fast, 8 Epic Backpacking Trips in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness: an Underrated Desert Oasis, 14 Fun Things to Do in Lincoln City, Oregon, Hit the Trail on These 12 Epic Waterfall Hikes in Washington, 14 Wow-Worthy Hikes at Mount Shasta, California, The 10 Best Airbnbs in Leavenworth, Washington. The trail passes directly through Mount Hood Meadows as you wind around the hillside with silent chairlifts overhead. Right after the Eden Park Trail junction we come to Cairn Basin. Timberline Lodge to Zig Zag Canyon is a 4.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Government Camp, Oregon that features a river and is rated as moderate. At mile 18.2 is the junction with the Eden Park Trail which leads to a scenic meadow. At mile 17.9 is a stream crossing for one of the branches of Ladd Creek, flowing directly from the Glisan Glacier above. Some of it desolate, like the rugged solitude of the Eastern Superstitions. Make sure to head to the right and stay on the Timberline Trail. This spot offers great views of Barret Spur and Mount Hood as well as the Coe Glacier. A popular destination for hiking, camping, and climbing, the glaciers atop Mt. Oglesby, IL. Exercise caution at these points. Turn right on the Pacific Crest Trail across a snow gully for 100 feet and then turn uphill onto the Mountaineer Trail, a braided path through wind-gnarled firs and August-blooming blue lupine. From wooded valleys to sandy hillsides, there is a rich display of mountain views and key spots along the way. Just before the 10-mile mark, you’ll meet your first difficult water crossing at the Sandy River (around Ramona Falls.) When the project was announced publically in 1935, bonds were sold by the three sponsors of the project which were the State of Oregon, Mount Hood Recreation Association of Portland, and the Regional office of the Forest Service. This is a reliable source of drinking water year-round and is just down slope from the remains of the Paradise Park shelter. Hood is a 40-ish mile route that I have covered three times now. It’s one of the more beautiful trails in the Pacific Northwest with spectacular meadows, waterfalls and views of Mt. LEARN MORE Saturday, March 6, 2021 . Looking eastward we can see rolling desert far in the distance. It’s as simple as that. At mile 9.4 the trail crosses the Sandy River. The route continues through exceptionally scenic meadows, punctuated by rocky bluffs and Mount Hood towering above. I pull into the luxuriously large lot at Timberline Lodge, then set out quickly. Offering sweeping vistas, stunning mountain views, and a great variety of alpine terrain, the Timberline Trail is a veritable feast for the eyes — and the soul. I think, vaguely, of Ulysses and the sirens. Fill up here. Then, you can cut south around the eastern side of Mount Hood on OR-35 until you reach the Timberline Highway. This area is renowned for its thick patches of devils club, a thorny shrub covered in dense spines that irritate the skin. The next 2.5 miles bring a number of small streams and waterfalls as well as several campsites. This 40-mile loop is a fantastic way to experience the immense size and beauty of Mt. Just past this is a small path leading down to the site of an old lookout. From here the trail quickly descends into the shaded slopes of the canyon towards the Zigzag river crossing at mile 3.5. The trail soon leaves the meadow and re-enters the forest. Day hikers can visit any time of the year as the lodge is open year-round. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Trip Overview: The 40 mile Timberline Trail Loop in the Mount Hood Wilderness is a classic route that circumnavigates Oregon’s highest peak, Mount Hood. At mile 19.3 is the junction with the Vista Ridge Trail, and is the return path from the loop through Eden Park. There is no bridge. Mount Hood’s regal summit will be in plain view at the starting point — and for most of the hike — and you’ll see Oregon’s other iconic Cascade peaks standing like giants to the south. This section of trail is prone to washouts and periodic closures, especially early in the season. From grilled chicken to dutch oven lasagna to loaded potatoes roasted over the campfire, there's a wide variety to recipes to chose from here. The guide presented here breaks the Timberline up into four sections of approximately ten miles per day. Arthur and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike. Rhododendron, OR. Follow the pathway behind the lodge westward until it joins the Pacific Crest Trail. Mile 40.1 is the end of your trip, back at the Timberline Lodge parking area. The trail is commonly started from Timberline Lodge on the southern side of Mount Hood, but there are a number of different trailheads that provide access to the Timberline Trail; two of which, Cloud Cap Trailhead and Top Spur Trailhead, are practically on the trail. Cascade Locks, OR The White River is too silty to drink from as its name comes from the milky color of the water caused by fine grains of sand. The Forest Service has officially closed this section of the Timberline Trail since 2006 when it was washed out in a November storm. It’s the responsibility of every hiker and visitor to protect the mountain. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. The trail usually gets crowded at Ramona Falls. The trail can get somewhat overgrown at places and require some scrambling to navigate over boulders. Lincoln City, Oregon is a coastal beach town the entire family will enjoy – but it has much more than just beautiful beaches. About 11 miles of the loop follows the Pacific Crest Trail, so you may notice more traffic from Timberline Lodge to the Bald Mountain area. There are several campsites located nearby. These consist of steep scrambles on unconsolidated slopes with the aid of climbing ropes. We start at the Timberline Lodge and hike in a clockwise direction. At mile 34 is a stream crossing at Clark Creek, then another near a waterfall in Heather Canyon at mile 34.9. As you enter the canyon, you’ll see a sign advising you to aim for a copse (thicket) of trees directly across the river. Shortly after reentering the forest there are several campsites as well as the head of a small spring. Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, if Oregon’s biggest treasure is Mount Hood’s snow-capped peak, then the Timberline Trail is its shining tiara. The Timberline Lodge is the center of outdoor recreation on the mountain and where most hikers begin and end their journeys. The Timberline Trail is a 42-mile trek that starts at the lodge and circumnavigates Mount Hood, Oregon’s most famous peak. The 120-foot cascade drapes across a stair-stepped cliff of columnar basalt left over from an ancient lava flow. Hood. Over the next few miles, up to Eliot Creek, you can see some of the areas burned by the Dollar Lake fire of 2012. Starvation Creek State Park. At mile 10.4 is Ramona Falls. I’m usually the king of lollygagging at the trailhead—I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen people complete relatively ambitious, multi-day treks in the time it takes me to put on my shoes—but, this time, I go all at once, like pulling off a Band-Aid. There is so much to see. Look out, Yosemite. As we leave Elk Cove, prepare for a rigorous third day as we approach the notorious crossing at the Elliot washout. The trail represents the best of the Pacific Northwest: lush biodiversity, beautiful views, and diverse landscapes. Timberline Lodge is a venerable Depression-era masterpiece on the south slope of Mount Hood. The stream is normally easy to cross but can become difficult during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt. The trail starts to head northwest from the lodge and after 1.6 miles the trail reaches the junction with Hidden Lake Trail #779 (5,720’). Government Camp, OR. Just the starting point is worth visiting: Timberline Lodge was built in the 1930s and remains a must-visit location in Oregon. At mile 9.8 is the junction with the Ramona Falls Trail. At mile 13.1 is the beginning of the Muddy Fork and a good drinking water stream. The Timberline Lodge is the center of outdoor recreation on the mountain and where most hikers begin and end their journeys. Dodson, OR. At just over 40 miles in length, it completely circles Oregon's tallest … We started on the marked trail and hiked for about a quarter of a mile until we decided to cut off the trail to the left and make our own path. Mount Hood is the primary source of drinking water for one-third of all Oregonians, and its glacial flows provide essential nutrients and habitat to spawning salmon and other area wildlife. This helps keep our waterways clean and healthy for the wildlife who depend on them. Learn more about important Leave No Trace principles here. The Ramona Falls Loop is a great access point for the trail, as are the Top Spur Trail and the Cloud Cap – Tilly Jane North Trailhead. Sitting on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains with its rocky backdrop and dramatic peaks, this charming Washington town looks like it could be in the European Alps. Expect about 90 minutes of driving. At mile 19.9 is an unmarked side trail going uphill towards Dollar Lake. About 500 feet southeast of this junction stands the remains of an abandoned guard station that was erected in 1935. After the creek is a steep climb to the Cloud Cap Saddle Campground, which rewards your efforts with picnic tables and the only toilet on the trail. Mitchel Creek, near mile 37 is the last good place for drinking water. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Timberline Lodge is set on the edge of the snowfields in the Cascade mountains. This is the highest point, at 7350 feet, along the Timberline Trail. There is often some flagging that marks the trail location.