Top 5 Day Hikes in Mount Hood National Forest

Map of popular day hikes in Mount Hood National Forest

Day hikes in Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, offer stunning and diverse wilderness areas located in northern Oregon. With more than one million acres of forest, mountains, and rivers to explore, it’s no wonder that Mount Hood National Forest is a favorite among hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Mount Hood’s proximity to the Columbia River Gorge makes it possible for hikers to enjoy the mountain and the river in the same day. Planning a day trip to Wy ‘East? Make sure to check out at least one of these top 5 day hikes in Mount Hood National Forest. This list could easily turn into a Top 20 if I included the full Mount Hood National Forest. Lost Lake, Trillium Lake, Bull Run, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and more. To keep this blog under several thousand words, we’ll stick with these hikes. Each offers up-close looks at the mountain.

Ramona Falls

Distance: 8.1 mi loop
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash (and ok with crossing a river on fallen trees).
Handicap accessible: No, as noted above, this trail requires the crossing of a river over a fallen tree stump.
Recommended for kids: Yes, provided they do not fear the river crossing and can handle the round-trip distance.
Difficulty: Moderate, minimal elevation gain, with some log scaling
How’s the road in? The state recently re-paved Lolo Pass Road for a few miles after exiting Highway 26. However, the final stretch of the road is on dirt and gravel. There are substantial potholes as it passes the dispersed campground. Sedans should be able to navigate fine as long as you bob and weave a bit.

Ramona Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the shadow of Mount Hood. The trail to Ramona Falls is a moderate 7.1-mile round-trip (8.1 mi if you take the preferred back way) hike. It offers stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding forest.

What to expect on the Ramona Falls Trail

The fallen tree currently serving as the Sandy River Bridge passage at Ramona Falls

When we talk about day hikes in the Mount Hood National Forest, this one will likely take nearly a full day. This is one of the longer hikes on this list, but it’s worth every minute.

The trail is well-maintained but the bridge over the Sandy River is washed out. In its place is a large, fallen tree with a rope attached to it (pictured right). It’s wide enough that adults and children can cross just fine. However, those afraid of heights or just general scaredy-cats should probably pass on this trip. The Forest Service has said repeatedly that they currently have no plans to replace the bridge. There is a likelihood of another mudslide or flood simply washing it out again in the winter.

Once across the Sandy River hikers are treated to a glorious, up-close view of Mount Hood. Families can spend a day here with enough room for a picnic blanket and games.

A shortcut tip of the pros

This sign on the Ramona Falls Trail will point you to a less-scenic route.

Soon this trail takes you into a treeline recently thinned out by strong winter storms. While the lush trees will take some years to grow back, the scenery is still poetic. It displays nature’s power and the regional plant life’s resilience to it. Along your hike, you will see signs encouraging you to continue going straight to Ramona Falls.

If you stay straight you’ll get to the falls but the path straight ahead is along the ancient river bank. The trail is buried in the treeline and offers little in the way of plant life, flowers, and wildlife. In contrast, taking a portion of the PCT to the backside of the loop offers so much more.

The horse tie-off on the Ramona Falls Trail, one of the great day hikes in Mount Hood National Forest for horses as well as humans.

Arriving at the junction between Ramona Falls Trail and the PCT you will see a sign (pictured at right). Take the left and follow the connecting trail to the PCT. Within a short distance, maybe half a mile, you’ll come upon a horse tie-off (pictured right).

Turn right, around the tie-off, heading behind it. From here, stay on the trail. Soon a small creek will run parallel to the trail. This creek will follow you all the way to the falls nestled in the forest. This path also shows off the ancient volcanic basalt rock wall which has been eroding for centuries. The unique formations are something straight out of a fairy tale. In the springtime, this creek is filled with vibrant green moss and deep graystone boulders. Small wildflowers reaching toward the sun line its banks.

If you have other places to be after seeing the falls, complete the loop by going back down the trail I told you to skip on the way in. If you return back the same way you came in you won’t be tired of the views the second time. There is just so much to see!

McNeil Point Trail

Distance: 10.4 mi out-and-back
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash.
Handicap accessible: No, this trail features considerable elevation gain on a narrow, unpaved path that occasionally crosses flowing water.
Recommended for kids: For portions yes, I’ve seen several kids at the McNeil Point Shelter, but wouldn’t recommend going any farther than that.
Difficulty: Difficult, yeah this one’s a doozy, lots of elevation gain, sections to traverse over running water, and high elevation = thinner air.
How’s the road in? This one is also accessible via Lolo Pass Road, and the majority of the road is doable for most vehicles. During peak hiking seasons (see what I did there?) there will be a major overflow of the small Top Spur parking lot. Be careful in small spaces around other cars and people walking back to those cars.

Getting to McNeil Point Trailhead

The McNeil Point Trail is on the northeastern side of Mount Hood. The trail is approximately 10 miles long and is considered a moderate-to-strenuous hike. The elevation gain of over 2,500 feet. The trailhead is located at the Top Spur Trailhead parking lot which can be accessed via Forest Road 1825.

The McNeil Point Trail is known for its stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding wilderness. Several connecting trails merge with it including the PCT. In the spring, hikers can expect to see an abundance of wildflowers, including lupine, paintbrush, and Indian paintbrush. As you ascend the trail you are treated to views of the Zigzag Glacier. This glacier has unfortunately receded quite a bit over the years, but it’s still undoubtedly impressive. More on Mount Hood glaciers in a bit.

Things to see on the McNeil Point Trail

As you near McNeil Point, the landscape opens up to reveal stunning vistas of Mount Hood and the surrounding mountains. From the McNeil Point Shelter, you can see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier on a clear day. The trail also passes through a picturesque alpine meadow, which is a great spot to rest.

The McNeil Point Trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Mount Hood National Forest. It can get crowded during peak season. However, the trail continues onward toward the mountain and the crowd starts thinning out the moment you pass the shelter. Planning to hike the trail in the spring? Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear. Remember that the atmosphere at the higher altitude on the mountain contains less oxygen, so pace yourself. The trail can also be snow-covered until mid-July. It’s important to check current trail conditions before setting out and bring a pair of micro-spikes just in case. McNeil Point and Cooper Spur, detailed below, are by far the closest to Mount Hood’s peak on this list.

Overall, the McNeil Point Trail is a beautiful and rewarding hike. It offers stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk in nature, the McNeil Point Trail is definitely worth exploring.

Cooper Spur Trail

Distance: There are multiple starting points for this trail. From Cloud Cap Saddle Campground (the route I take) it’s a 3-mi loop, but the full trail to the shelter and up to Cooper Spur from the mountain resort is over 12 miles.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash
Handicap accessible: This hike features some significant elevation gain, but portions of it are handicap accessible with specialized assistance. Toward the end of this hike, the wind has grown down the hard stone to sandy pebbles, and that portion might be difficult.
Recommended for kids: Yes, this is a great hike for kids to get up close to the mountain, especially if starting from the Cloud Cap Campground, which doesn’t open until late spring.
Difficulty: Moderate, there is some elevation gain and the soil turns to sand as you approach the ridgeline and glacier.
How’s the road in? Probably the most treacherous on this list. There is about a 6-mile stretch of dirt road that has deep grooves and massive potholes. It winds back and forth up the mountain before reaching the Cloud Cap Campground. However, if you can leg it out from the ski resort area, you can skip all of that and hike a moderate trail with added elevation gain. I’ve pulled Priuses (Pruii? Pri-well no one cares) out of these ruts on more than one occasion. 4×4 vehicles are highly recommended!

The Cooper Spur Trail is named after the Cooper Spur, a prominent rock formation that is visible from the summit of Mount Hood. You’ve undoubtedly seen it in Mount Hood photos. The trail itself is a challenging 7.8-mile round-trip hike from the ski area, with a 2,600-foot elevation gain.

Fascinating human and geological history

The human history of the Cooper Spur Trail dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American presence in the area. In the late 1800s, the trail was used by early mountaineers as a route to the summit of Mount Hood. Today, the trail is a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Geologically, the entire Mount Hood surrounding area, including the Cooper Spur Trail, is rich in volcanic history. Mount Hood itself is a dormant volcano, and the surrounding landscape is shaped by volcanic activity. The Cooper Spur Trail offers hikers the opportunity to see, firsthand, the unique geological formations of the area. This includes lava flows and volcanic ash deposits.

When to hike the Cooper Spur Trail

The best time to hike the Cooper Spur Trail is from mid-June to mid-September. During this time, the trail is typically free of snow and ice, and the weather is mild. Hikers should still be prepared for changing weather conditions, as storms can move in quickly in the mountains (I’ve seen it firsthand!).

While hiking the Cooper Spur Trail, hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and possibly even black bears. The trail also offers stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding wilderness, including alpine meadows, glaciers, and the Hood River Valley.

In addition to the natural beauty of the area, hikers on the Cooper Spur Trail can also enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of the wilderness. The trail is less crowded than some of the more popular hikes in the area. Hikers a chance to connect with nature and experience the wilderness in a more intimate way.

Cooper Spur is a member of the day hikes in the Mount Hood National Forest list because you could spend nearly a full day exploring. Just relaxing on the mountainside is also very tempting. If you’re up for a challenge and looking to experience the natural beauty of Mount Hood, the Cooper Spur Trail is definitely worth adding to your hiking itinerary.

Tamanawas Falls

Distance: 3.6 mi out-and-back
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash.
Handicap accessible: No. This hike requires the traversing of steps over multiple bridges and becomes very narrow between large volcanic boulders the size of elephants.
Recommended for kids: Yes, this is a great hike for kids with no technical training required.
Difficulty: Moderate, some elevation gain but not significant.
How’s the road in? Definitely the easiest road on this list. Paved highway all the way to the trailhead. Bring tire chains and microspikes in the winter though.

Tamanawas Falls is possibly the most popular waterfall hike in the Mount Hood National Forest area. That’s one of the main reasons I covered Tamanawas Falls in a prior blog. That blog will have more in-depth details as well.

Located on the northwest side of Mount Hood, the parking lot is accessible directly off Highway 35. The highway runs between the Gorge and Highway 26. The hike to the waterfall is approximately 3.6 miles round trip. It features stunning views of the forest, as well as the beautiful Tamanawas Falls.

What to expect at Tamanawas Falls

The trail to Tamanawas Falls is considered moderate difficulty, with some uphill sections and rocky terrain. The trail winds through the forest, following the Cold Spring Creek before reaching the waterfall.

Once you reach Tamanawas Falls, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of a 100-foot-tall waterfall. The falls cascade down a rocky cliff into a crystal-clear pool below. The area around the waterfall is a popular spot for photography, picnics, and enjoying the natural beauty of the forest.

Make sure to turn right immediately after the first bridge just beyond the parking lot!

As for how the waterfall formed, Tamanawas Falls was created over thousands of years as the Cold Spring Creek gradually eroded away the basalt rock that makes up the surrounding cliff face. The waterfall is fed by snowmelt and rainfall, which flow down the creek and over the rocky cliff, creating the stunning waterfall that visitors enjoy today. Did basalt sound familiar? If you don’t know, basalt is an igneous rock formed by volcanic activity. Mount Hood, being a volcano as mentioned earlier, is surrounded by basalt that gets carved away over millennia. Some of my favorite waterfalls in the state are ones that tumble over basalt shelves.

Overall, the hike to Tamanawas Falls is a must-do for anyone visiting the Mount Hood area and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Little Zigzag Falls

Distance: 0.7 mi round trip
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash. However, this is a very short trail, so I would suggest planning additional activities for your pup to get them a full day of exercise.
Handicap accessible: In the summer this one is probably doable with only minor assistance.
Recommended for kids: Yes, this is a great hike for kids. It’s a short hike, the waterfall isn’t terribly dangerous, and it’s surrounded by canyon walls.
Difficulty: Probably the easiest trail in the Mount Hood area. Less than 100 ft of elevation gain.
How’s the road in? Completely paved from Highway 26 to the trailhead parking lot.

The Little Zigzag Falls trail is a short and easy hiking trail that is approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) round trip. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including families with children. If you are planning several day hikes in Mount Hood National Forest, you can easily fit Little Zigzag in with plenty of time to spare for another hike on the same day.

Little Zigzag Falls requires a parking pass

To get to the parking lot for the Little Zigzag Falls trailhead, you will need to take Highway 26. From Portland, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If coming from east of Mount Hood, you’ll pass through Government Camp, and start heading down the mountain. It will be therefore on the right-hand side and a sharp turn back into the road.

Signs for the Little Zigzag Falls trailhead are located near milepost 40. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead that can accommodate a limited number of vehicles.

It’s important to note that the parking lot can fill up quickly in the summer months due to the ease of the hike and the shade the canyon offers. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Additionally, you will need to display a Northwest Forest Pass or pay a day-use fee to park at the trailhead.

I visited Little Zigzag Falls in mid-February and had the place mostly to myself.

There is certainly a seemingly never-ending stream of activities and things to do in this area. If you are talking about day hikes in Mount Hood National Forest, these five are tough to beat. If you are planning a visit, I’d recommend 7-10 days to see it all. A stay in the Timberline Lodge, a visit to Trillium Lake, and the Meadows Ski Resort are musts. Happy Trails!

PS – Make sure to always follow Leave No Trace Principles, especially in my favorite stomping grounds!