Mount Hood Outdoor Activities: Year-round Adventure Is Waiting

Mount Hood is one of the most climbed mountains in the world right behind Mount Fujiama in Japan. However, many travelers may not know this is not a mountain. Mount Hood is actually a stratovolcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. That doesn’t stop outdoor lovers, though. In fact, Mount Hood is a top place for year-round recreation in Oregon. Find some new things to do and read about the top Mount Hood outdoor activities and adventures.

Popular Mount Hood Outdoor Activities and Recreational Sites

Hike the Trails

The Mt. Hood recreation area features more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails suitable for most skill levels. Depending on the season, hikers may see wildflowers blooming, wildlife, and urban retreats perfect for a mid-day break.

For an easy, short hike try Camassia Nature Preserve and Hidden Falls Nature Park, both less than 2 miles. Hikers looking for more distance enjoy Wildwood Recreation Site, Mount Talbert Nature Park and Cool Creek to Devil’s Peak. A few trails longer than 10 miles include Milo McIver State Park and Horseshoe Ridge. Read about the top hikes for waterfalls.

Ski the Slopes

Wintertime brings another season of adventure. Skiing ranks among the top Mount Hood outdoor activities as the area offers access to slopes and snowy wonderlands. Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, also featured in Stephen King’s The Shining, has the longest ski season in North America. Timberline’s Summit Pass has great options for beginners as well. For more fun, try night skiing at Mt. Hood Skibowl and snow tubing at Skibowl’s Snow Tube and Adventure Park.

Not a skier? No problem. Visitors also enjoy snowshoeing, snowboarding, ice skating, winter hiking and whale-watching on Oregon’s coast.

Relax in a Private Cabin

In addition, Mount Hood provides the perfect place to chill. Visitors are welcome to book a private vacation home in Mt. Hood where they relax, get cozy by the fire pit, soak in hot tubs, and plan outdoor dining with loved ones. Many rentals offer quiet escapes in the wilderness combined with the amenities and comforts of home.

Ride Mountain Bikes

The area also welcomes mountain bikers. Multiple biking trails are available, including beginner to expert. Those starting out may enjoy the 5.5-mile Timberline to Town Trail. More experienced riders should try Timberline Bike Park’s downhill trails and Freeride Bike Park with its bridges and jumps. Other options include Sandy Ride Trail System and Oregon Trail Timber.

Fish With Local Guides

Fishing ranks among the best Mount Hood outdoor activities because anglers have access to lakes, rivers and streams any time of year. For a memorable local experience, book a guided fishing trip. These trips enable visitors to fish from boats or land, and fly-fishing is a must-do for anglers. Possible catches include rainbow trout, winter steelhead and chinook. For an expert trip, top-rated charters include Portland Fishing Adventures, Always Catching Fishing Charters and Marvin’s Guide Service and Total Fisherman Guide Service.

Try Other Water Recreation

Mount Hood also offers the ideal place for boating, kayaking and whitewater rafting. The territory has seven rivers and more than 40 lakes, which provides options for canoeing, riding class III and IV rapids, and renting pontoon boats. Stand-up paddleboarding is another popular activity.

Play Golf or Disc Golf

Additionally, the Mt. Hood territory has 25 spots for golf. All types of golf are present as well as public and private courses, disc golf, and mini golf. Mt Hood Resort has 27 holes, and Stone Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course. Players will also find a children’s course, mini-golf at Family Fun Center in Wilsonville and five disc golf courses.

Take a Drive

Those who want to take in all the scenery should drive Mt. Hood Scenic Byway. This road measures about 105 miles (169 kilometers) and takes about four hours. During the drive, travelers enjoy sites of Mount Hood, volcanic soil, farms, river basins, the original Oregon Trail, and other sightseeing options. During the trip, visitors are encouraged to stop at towns along the byway and sample local food. To get started, explore wines in Hood River Valley, food in Rhododendron and stroll historic Gresham.

Don’t wait! Experience these Mount Hood outdoor activities today! Then find more things to do in Oregon.