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Hiking

There are roughly 1,000 miles of trail in Mt. Hood National Forest. Please observe rules and regulations, stay on designated trails, be alert and courteous, minimize your impact, and avoid muddy areas.

Trail etiquette for hikers generally calls for yielding to horses/pack animals, allowing equestrians and bicyclists to pass. Please resist the urge to cut switchbacks and create (or further establish) social trails. Tread Lightly and practice Leave No Trace ethics.

Backpacking

Backpacking is essentially a more advanced level of hiking. Generally speaking, backpacking is hiking for a longer period of time over a further distance, and typically includes at least one night of camping. Backpacking means you're bringing everything you need on your adventure in your pack, including clothes, food, and camping gear. 
Those who want to backpack are most often interested in exploring the deeper, more remote parts of the national forest off the beaten path. Wilderness is an excellent place for backpacking. Mt. Hood National Forest offers many opportunities for both short- and long-distance backpackers.

Day Hikes

Day hikes vary from just 30 minutes to a few hours. With more than 1,000 miles of trail on the Forest, there are plenty of day hiking options for visitors to choose from.

Search for Hiking Opportunities

Showing: 11 - 20 of 309 results

Barlow Butte Trail #670

Hiking
This trail enters the Mount Hood Wilderness. The trail offers views of Mount Hood to the northeast, and Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south. Views are beautiful although trees are…

Barlow Pass Sno-Park & Trailhead

Winter Sports Hiking
Barlow Pass Trailhead/Sno-Park is located along the Historic Barlow Road. There are several old-fashioned interpretive signs along the path. This trail also provides major access to the Pacific…

Barlow Trail #601A

Hiking Biking
This trail was once a part of the Historic Barlow Road, one of the last legs of the Historic Oregon Trail. Near where the trail meets Still Creek Campground, there are remnants of a former historic…

Bear Lake Trail #413A

Hiking
This easier trail is within Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Bear Lake Trail is a short hike through timber to a nice sub-alpine lake. The lake is deep enough for fish to thrive. There are good views of…

Bennett Pass Sno-Park & Trailhead

Hiking Winter Sports
This Sno-Park is a great option for recreating early in the winter season due to the higher elevation. Follow direction of Mt. Hood Meadows parking staff for access on busy days. This parking lot…

Benson Spur Trail #405C

Hiking
This is a short easy trail on the Benson Plateau within Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. There are several scenic meadows and dispersed campsites on Benson Plateau. This trail is an important connecting…

Blue Box Trail #483

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Biking
This is a popular trail to access Clear Lake. Blue Box Trail begins at Frog Lake Sno-Park at US Hwy 26 (3,920’) and ends at Clear Lake (3,560’). The trail path leads through nicely wooded…

Bluegrass Ridge Trail #647

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trail is in the Mount Hood Wilderness on the east side of Mount Hood. The trail offers views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. This trail weaves in and out of Wilderness with great…

Bonanza Trail #786

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trail enters the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. There are outstanding views near Huckleberry Mountain.This trail begins mid-way down East Grove Ave in the town of Welches and ends at its…

Bonney Crossing Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Located on beautiful Badger Creek, at the foot of the Badger Creek Wilderness, this popular campground appeals to those who enjoy fishing, hiking, or horseback riding. This quiet campground is…

Last updated March 12th, 2025