Situated to the south of Hood River are Mt. Hood and the Mt. Hood National Forest, where you and your guests can experience stunning natural sights and an abundance of outdoor recreation in a gorgeous alpine forest locale. Find out more information about Mt. Hood National Forest below!
A Serene Natural Setting near Hood River at Mt. Hood National Forest
Mt. Hood National Forest is located about an hour’s drive south of Hood River, making it an easy daytrip destination to visit during your vacation.
Upwards of four million visitors make the trip to Mt. Hood National Forest each year, making this national forest one of the most popular in the nation for sightseeing. Within its expansive 60-mile, over 1,650 square-mile, and nearly 1.1 million-acre boundaries that extend from the Columbia River Gorge southwards across eight different wilderness areas, you and your guests can enjoy a range of outside activities.
Traverse the forest’s extensive trail network by hiking (the trails include a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail), berry and mushroom picking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. We recommend popular hiking trails such as the Old Oregon Trail (and Barlow Road within it), Twin Lakes, Lookout Mountain, Vista Ridge, and Tamanawas Falls.
Enjoy water sports like boating, rafting, and fishing along the rivers, lakes, and streams within the forest. Famous lakes within Mt. Hood National Forest include Timothy Lake, Burnt Lake, Lost Lake, Trillium Lake, and Rock Creek Reservoir. Sites like Punch Bowl Falls and Multnomah Falls (the tallest waterfalls in Oregon and among the tallest year-round waterfalls in the country) are iconic hiking destinations as well.
Skiing, snowboarding, and mountain climbing are also popular on its namesake stratovolcano mountain, Mt. Hood. Mt. Hood was named in 1792 for Lord Samuel Hood, an admiral of the British Royal Navy. Mt. Hood’s elevation of over 11,000 feet and its year-round glaciers and snowfields mean that you can find snow in every season. The mountain is also the highest point in the state.
No matter how you spend your time within Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon, it’s sure to be memorable.
Things to Do Nearby
Making the journey to Mt. Hood National Forest is only the start of the incredible time you will experience in the area. Perhaps the most exciting time to visit Mt. Hood to get more out of your Hood River getaway is to visit in the winter. The Pacific Northwest is known for some incredible ski conditions that make winter sports very popular in the area. You can find the best trails over at the many ski resorts on Mt Hood. You will be able to purchase single day chair lift passes so you can easily spend hours on the trails before realizing what time it is.
Mt. Hood Skibowl features 65 ski runs that range from beginner slopes to more advance runs with vertical drops. If it has been a few years since your last ski trip, or if you have never been before, make sure you get the professionals to teach you in a thorough practice lesson. Mt. Hood Skibowl will also make sure you have all the gear you need with their gear shop. Purchase all the newest gear of the season or rent a pair of skis or snowboard for the day. Once you have your pass and gear, you are ready to take on everything Mt. Hood’s trails can throw at you!
Restaurants Nearby
Fret not if you are concerned that you will be unable to find food when venturing out to the Mt. Hood National Forest; many of the local restaurants provide quick eating and comfort food that is sure to be a hit with your family after spending hours in the forest. Stop at Mazot Eatery for incredible food, local craft beer, and delicious food. Some locals say it can be hard to get to during the winter, but it’s worth the effort. Another good spot for great food is Schuss Grill Mt. Hood Meadows. Expect to find perfectly grilled hamburgers and sandwiches with all the fixin’s.
Entry into Mt. Hood National Forest
Mt. Hood National Forest can be found 20 miles east of Portland, Oregon, making it easy to get to from Hood River. A National Forest Recreation Day Pass is needed for the summer season and runs $5 per day. Winter guests will want to get the Sno*Park Permit if they plan on enjoying the mountain for winter activities. Permits are $10 for three days and $7 for a single day.
Adventure is Waiting with Hood River Vacation Rentals by Arrived
To learn more about Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon and other one-of-a-kind natural attractions waiting for you in Hood River, contact our reservation agents and discuss reserving your stay in one of our beautiful vacation rental properties today!
