Climbing and Caving
The biggest climbing opportunity on Mt. Hood National Forest is - you guessed it! - summiting the mountain itself. Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon at 11,240 feet and climbing it is very technical.
There are also a handful of rock climbing opportunities on the Forest. However, there is only one developed rock climbing location, French's Dome.
If you're looking for caving opportunities, consider checking out recreation on other national forests in Oregon and Washington.
Mountain Climbing
Mt. Hood is a technical climb - there are no trails to the summit. Climbers traveling above 9,500 feet elevation must purchase and carry a climbing permit. The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit is available for purchase as a single trip 3-day pass for $20 or an annual pass for $50. Purchase on Recreation.gov any time before the start of your climb. Permit fees will fund additional climbing rangers, climbing safety information, and natural resources protection.
As you ascend Mt. Hood, you enter the Mt. Hood Wilderness & wilderness restrictions apply. The wilderness is heavily visited, so please do your part and Leave No Trace of your visit!
Northwest Avalanche Center provides vital conditions reports for Mt Hood during the winter months.
Learn More About Climbing Mt. Hood
Rock Climbing
There are several popular rock climbing spots in Mt. Hood National Forest. The best known are:
- French's Dome - a small, volcanic dome with bolted routes just a short hike from Forest Road 18 (Lolo Pass Road) in Clackamas County (Lat/Long: 45.39788, -121.86013).
- Bulo Point - a crag with 15+ bolted routes just north of Badger Creek Wilderness in Wasco County (Lat/Long: 45.37820, -121.47010).
- Pete’s Pile - a popular climbing area along Hwy 35 in Hood River County (Lat/Long: 45.39950, -121.57079).
Search for Climbing and Caving Opportunities
French's Dome Trailhead
