Menu
Day Hikes Around Mt Hood
By Kelsey Samsel | Hiking
If you are visiting from out of town or just down the road, there’s a huge variety of day hikes around Mt Hood for you to experience. Every year, hikers come from all over the world to enjoy the Mt. Hood scenic area. The area is popular due to its variety, amazing scenery, and its proximity to Portland. There is a hike for everyone and anyone.
There are hundreds of miles of trails that are perfect for every skill level. Some local trails are handicap accessible, allowing easy access to the beauty our landscape provides. Hikers will quickly find lush forests, grand views, sparkling streams, cascading waterfalls, and glistening mountain lakes. Below are a few of the many hikes found around and near Whispering Woods Resort.
Photo: View of the Columbia River Gorge (by Discover Mt. Hood)
Wildwood Park is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) park located about 1 mile from Whispering Woods Resort. This park is great for all ages. The trails are paved, gravel, or board walk, all of which are relatively flat, highly marked, and well maintained.
There is a picnic area which consists of a playground, athletic fields, and picnic shelters. The Cascade Streamwatch trail meanders long the local Salmon River and side channels. Be sure and check out the underwater fish viewing window. Here you can see all the fish and water critters swimming around the stream. There is also a wetland trail and boardwalk where you might see a heron or a few salamanders. This park will definitely keep you busy for a while.
Lastly, there is an option to exit the park onto Forest Service land via the Boulder Ridge Trail. This trail is a little more challenging as it is fairly steep, and about 7.4 miles round trip, but the views on the way to the top make it worth the struggle. On a clear day, you can see Mt Hood, the surrounding mountains and ridges, and the town of Welches.
Photo: A Bridge in Wildwood Park (by Discover Mt. Hood)
The Mt Hood Wilderness area is 47,000 acres. No cars or motorized machinery are allowed in this area. The area is peaceful for hiking and for those looking to feel isolated from civilization. You can find short, easy hikes and also long extensive hikes, where you will truly be in the middle of the wilderness. Mount Hood Info has provided a list of trails in the Mount Hood National Forest. The trails are listed alphabetical, and include trail lengths and the specific districts. Another list provided by the Forest Service, includes the day hiking options found in the whole National Forest.
Photo: Burnt Lake (by Discover Mt. Hood)
The Pacific Crest Trail, is 2,650 miles in length, starting at the border of Mexico in Southern California, up into Oregon and Washington, ending just within the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Though this trail is incredibly long, it can be broken up into segments. Leaving from Timberline Lodge, heading north for roughly four miles, you’ll reach Zigzag Canyon, which is a popular destination. Another option is to continue into the canyon and out to Paradise Park. Both are excellent for someone looking to hike the well known trail. In the later summer months these routes are usually snow free. There are many amazing panoramic views of Mt Hood, the surrounding valleys, and beautiful alpine wildflowers.
Photo: Timberline Trail (by Discover Mt. Hood)
The Columbia River Gorge is an 80 mile long canyon acting as a boundary between Oregon to the north and Washington to the south. There are many waterfalls, spectacular views, and lots of hikes within this portion of Oregon. It is a popular destination and a must see, whether through the many hikes or the beautiful drive along Historic Route 30. Some of our favorite day hikes include Mosier Plateau, Multnomah Falls, and Latourell Falls.
Photo: Latourell Falls (by Discover Mt. Hood)
Whichever trail or trails you decide to visit during your day hike around Mt Hood, we hope you have a great adventure. Tag us in your photos on Instagram with #discovermthood!
Check out our Hiking page to find more trail ideas.