Brooke’s Mount Hood Guidebook
Hiking/Ski Trails
Keep going up on E Blossom Trail and you'll run into Glade Trail. You can either start hiking up and then peel off at the fork on one of the side trails (you'll see signs for "sno-park"), which are flatter and great for cross country skiing. Or, you can hike up and up and up all the way to Timberline Lodge if conditions allow. Be aware that the hike up to Timberline takes about 2-2.5 hours up and 2-2.5 hours down. Prepare well as there's nowhere to stop for bathrooms, snacks, or water along the way.
The Glade Trail
The Glade TrailKeep going up on E Blossom Trail and you'll run into Glade Trail. You can either start hiking up and then peel off at the fork on one of the side trails (you'll see signs for "sno-park"), which are flatter and great for cross country skiing. Or, you can hike up and up and up all the way to Timberline Lodge if conditions allow. Be aware that the hike up to Timberline takes about 2-2.5 hours up and 2-2.5 hours down. Prepare well as there's nowhere to stop for bathrooms, snacks, or water along the way.
Beautiful (but challenging) hike that leads to a waterfall. Be aware that this hike is not suitable for all -- it requires some balancing and one area where you'll need to ford a river, which can be dangerous at certain times of year.
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Ramona Falls
Beautiful (but challenging) hike that leads to a waterfall. Be aware that this hike is not suitable for all -- it requires some balancing and one area where you'll need to ford a river, which can be dangerous at certain times of year.
A great area for snowshoeing in the winter or lounging by the lake during the summer. (And slightly less crowded than Trillium Lake!)
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Frog Lake
A great area for snowshoeing in the winter or lounging by the lake during the summer. (And slightly less crowded than Trillium Lake!)
A great area for snow shoeing in the winter or lounging by the lake during the summer. Be aware that parking can be difficult -- especially in the warm summer months, you'll want to arrive probably before 9am in order to secure a spot (possibly earlier).
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Trillium Lake
A great area for snow shoeing in the winter or lounging by the lake during the summer. Be aware that parking can be difficult -- especially in the warm summer months, you'll want to arrive probably before 9am in order to secure a spot (possibly earlier).
This trail goes on forever but you don't have to do all of it. Just start at the beginning and hike until you're ready to turn around. Note that the directions on the AllTrails link below should take you right there but because we often see people getting confused as to where the trailhead is and pulling over too early, we recommend looking for the bridge, which will signal you've arrived to the trailhead. There should be a handful of cars and a bulletin board, too.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/salmon-river-trail
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Salmon River Trail
E Welches RdThis trail goes on forever but you don't have to do all of it. Just start at the beginning and hike until you're ready to turn around. Note that the directions on the AllTrails link below should take you right there but because we often see people getting confused as to where the trailhead is and pulling over too early, we recommend looking for the bridge, which will signal you've arrived to the trailhead. There should be a handful of cars and a bulletin board, too.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/salmon-river-trail
A shorter hike through with scenic views of Mt. Hood, and two crystal clear lakes. Both lakes have availability for camping and light backpacking which can serve as a basecamp for other treks in the area. Snow can linger throughout June despite warmer weather but makes for great snowshoeing earlier in the year. Add an extra two miles to the trip by circling both lakes (or keep it shorter with just Lower Twin Lake).
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/lower-upper-twin-lakes-via-pct
Upper Twin Lake Campground
Trail #495 Spur 1A shorter hike through with scenic views of Mt. Hood, and two crystal clear lakes. Both lakes have availability for camping and light backpacking which can serve as a basecamp for other treks in the area. Snow can linger throughout June despite warmer weather but makes for great snowshoeing earlier in the year. Add an extra two miles to the trip by circling both lakes (or keep it shorter with just Lower Twin Lake).
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/lower-upper-twin-lakes-via-pct
Though I haven't done this one myself, I have heard from previous guests that it is a wonderful walk/"lite hike" that's particularly well suited for folks traveling with very young kids or toddlers.
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Little Zigzag Falls Trailhead
39 RoadThough I haven't done this one myself, I have heard from previous guests that it is a wonderful walk/"lite hike" that's particularly well suited for folks traveling with very young kids or toddlers.
Grocery Stores
This grocery is located in Welches (on your way up from Portland) and has everything you could need -- pantry staples, good meat selection, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, gluten free options, toiletries, beer, and even a place to fill your growler for fresh tap beer if you have one! *Sells firewood*
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Hoodland Thriftway
68280 US-26This grocery is located in Welches (on your way up from Portland) and has everything you could need -- pantry staples, good meat selection, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, gluten free options, toiletries, beer, and even a place to fill your growler for fresh tap beer if you have one! *Sells firewood*
Has all the basics but a good bit pricier than the Hoodland Thriftway in Welches. (Located in Government Camp, near skiing etc.)
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Govy General Store
30521 E Meldrum StHas all the basics but a good bit pricier than the Hoodland Thriftway in Welches. (Located in Government Camp, near skiing etc.)
Food scene
One of our favorite restaurants on the mountain! Located in Rhododendron. Often has live music on Fridays and Saturdays (though Covid has changed some things.) They have an amazing outdoor forest setting and good Covid protocols in place. Great BBQ with all the classic sides (Mac N Cheese; coleslaw, etc) and good beer options. Be prepared for a wait of sometimes up to 1 hour for a table.
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Skyway Bar & Grill
71545 E US-26One of our favorite restaurants on the mountain! Located in Rhododendron. Often has live music on Fridays and Saturdays (though Covid has changed some things.) They have an amazing outdoor forest setting and good Covid protocols in place. Great BBQ with all the classic sides (Mac N Cheese; coleslaw, etc) and good beer options. Be prepared for a wait of sometimes up to 1 hour for a table.
A cute little mountain restaurant with diner-ish food. Known for their Huckleberry Milkshakes!
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Huckleberry Inn
88611 Government Camp LoopA cute little mountain restaurant with diner-ish food. Known for their Huckleberry Milkshakes!
A bar/restaurant with an outside area in the warmer months. Has a variety of options but we like the Rat Pizza and their clam chowder.
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Ratskeller
88335 Government Camp LoopA bar/restaurant with an outside area in the warmer months. Has a variety of options but we like the Rat Pizza and their clam chowder.
Brunch at Timberline's Cascade Lodge is pretty fantastic and a great way to start the day. Recommended that you make a reservation in advance: https://www.timberlinelodge.com/lodge/dining
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Timberline Lodge Ski Area
27500 E Timberline RoadBrunch at Timberline's Cascade Lodge is pretty fantastic and a great way to start the day. Recommended that you make a reservation in advance: https://www.timberlinelodge.com/lodge/dining
Some of the best pizza (and salads) on the mountain! Located in Rhododendron. They have a nice indoor and outdoor area. The one downside is that they often run WAY behind on their takeout orders (like 45 minutes behind what they'll promise.) But, if you don't mind you can have a drink while you wait. They'll also deliver from time to time when slow.
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AL FORNO FERRUZZA
73285 US-26Some of the best pizza (and salads) on the mountain! Located in Rhododendron. They have a nice indoor and outdoor area. The one downside is that they often run WAY behind on their takeout orders (like 45 minutes behind what they'll promise.) But, if you don't mind you can have a drink while you wait. They'll also deliver from time to time when slow.
Great little place to pick up wraps or a grain bowl for lunch, especially if you're down in Rhododendron for hiking or something.
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Wraptitude Gourmet Wraps, Burgers & Beers
67441 Sunset HwyGreat little place to pick up wraps or a grain bowl for lunch, especially if you're down in Rhododendron for hiking or something.
Cute little pub-type of place for beer, snacks, and simple foods (sandwiches, etc).
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Glacier Haus Bistro
88817 Government Camp LoopCute little pub-type of place for beer, snacks, and simple foods (sandwiches, etc).
A bar/restaurant with lots of food and drink options. A favorite local stop for drinks apres ski.
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Charlies Mountain View
88462 Government Camp LoopA bar/restaurant with lots of food and drink options. A favorite local stop for drinks apres ski.
The only brewery on the mountain! (Well, this side of the mountain.) Very good beer, snacks/food are just okay. But a nice way to spend an afternoon with a flight of brews.
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Mt. Hood Brewing Co.
87304 Government Camp LoopThe only brewery on the mountain! (Well, this side of the mountain.) Very good beer, snacks/food are just okay. But a nice way to spend an afternoon with a flight of brews.
Sightseeing
Cute little museum showing the history of Government Camp -- from early skis to the locally known Steiner cabins.
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Mt Hood Cultural Center and Museum
88900 Government Camp LoopCute little museum showing the history of Government Camp -- from early skis to the locally known Steiner cabins.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Cars are the best way to get around
In the winter months, you'll likely need chains/snow tires and/or 4WD on many of the roads, especially once you get further up the mountain from road 35-ish (on Hwy 26).