Viewing Wildlife

Pileated Woodpecker Many species of amphibians, birds, butterflies, mammals and more can be found in Mt. Hood National Forest. Some species may occur in migration; and some breed locally.

Note: The species listed on the linked pages above are not an exhaustive list based on all records of accidental or rare species sightings but more of a general list based on occasional sightings and habitat associations.

The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail (http://www.oregonbirdingtrails.org/cascades.htm) is among several birding trails throughout the state, designed to showcase the region’s birds and spectacular scenery. The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail website provides comprehensive resources on the trail, including the complete trail guide, with detailed maps and information on how the trail can be accessed and the birds you are likely to see while visiting it.

Viewing Wildlife Areas

Barlow Ranger District
Barlow Ranger District is on the East side of Mount Hood.
Fivemile Butte Lookout
Flag Point Lookout
Little Badger Campground
White River Station Campground
Clackamas River Ranger District
Clackamas River Ranger District is southwest of Mt. Hood. In 2020, the district was heavily impacted by the 140,000-acre Riverside Fire that was propelled by the historic Labor Day windstorm. Visitors can see the Riverside Fire burn scar along Highway 224/Clackamas River.
Clackamas Lake Historic House
Olallie Lake Resort
Cabins, yurts, camping, fishing, boating, and hiking available at this beautiful scenic and quiet privately operated resort on Mt. Hood National Forest. Please be mindful of the remote nature of the Olallie Lake Scenic Area. There is no cell phone service. The roads are rough and there are no gas stations or auto repair shops, so have your gas tank full and come prepared.
Hood River Ranger District
Hood River Ranger District spans the North, East, and part of the South side of Mt Hood.
Clear Lake Butte Lookout
Timberline Trail #600
This trail enters the Mount Hood Wilderness and circumnavigates Mt. Hood with vistas, waterfalls, alpine meadows and west side Cascade forests. It was constructed primarily by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and encircles Mt. Hood at or near treeline. The segment of trail between Timberline Lodge and Yocum Ridge overlaps the Pacific Crest Trail #2000.

This trail can be accessed from many different points. The trail climbs in and out of glacial fed drainages throughout its length. Most hikers find the fast moving river fords to be the most challenging part of the trail. Newton, Coe, Muddy Fork, Sandy and White Rivers are typically the most challenging fords but are typically not more than knee deep.

View a printable Trail Description and Map (.pdf)

Crossing glacial streams and rivers safety info

Hood River Ranger District sections:
Zigzag Ranger District sections:

The Timberline Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail are the same on the Zigzag district except for the section between Ramona Falls and Top Spur.
Zigzag Ranger District
Zigzag Ranger District spans 250,000 acres on the south and west side of Mt Hood and is about an hour from Portland.

The district manages one of the region's largest recreation programs including 550 summer homes, 30 developed campgrounds, three ski areas including Timberline Lodge, over 300 miles of trails, and two wilderness areas.

The district also manages the Bull Run Watershed cooperatively with the City of Portland, which supplies drinking water to the Portland metro area.

The Zigzag Ranger District offices are historic, constructed in the 1930s by the CCC.

Scroll down for a list of Zigzag Ranger District recreation sites, sorted by activity.
Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761
Vehicle access is affected by recreational gate closures on December 1 through April 1 annually. Closures may be impacted by weather and close earlier or open later. Please see our Roads Table for current information.

This is a very kid-friendly trail, as it's mostly level for the entire length. The trail goes around Trillium Lake and through Trillium Lake Campground and near Trillium Lake Day Use Area. There are great views of Mt. Hood along this trail. The trail crosses wetlands that provide bird watching opportunities. Its distance and easy terrain make it a great family hike, particularly for those with strollers or with limited mobility.

This trail was built to be barrier free. The trail surface is a combination of wooden boardwalk and very finely compacted rock. There are a few benches along the trail. The trail begins and ends at the Trillium Lake dam.

Winter: Trillium Lake Loop Trail is a 3.6-mile loop from the Trillium Access Hill. It's a 4.4-mile round trip from Trillium Sno-Park. The trail is popular and is mostly gentle terrain with a picturesque lake, meadow, and a view of Mt. Hood. The access trail is steep and it recommended that beginner and intermediate skiers walk down it. Dogs must on a leash on the Trillium area ski trails.

Summer: The 2-mile trail begins and ends on the east side of the dam at Trillium Lake Campground.

Trail Description and Map (.pdf)

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Wildlife Areas

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Recreation Areas

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