Surveyor's Ridge Trail #688

This trail overlooks the Hood River Valley and offers views of Mt. Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. This is open to horses, hiking and mountain biking.

From the northern trailhead (2,200’), the trail begins on the 17-630 spur below powerlines off Pinemont Drive (Forest Road 17) and ends at the junction with Dog River Trail #675 and Zigzag Trail #678 (4,240’). The trail generally rolls along a ridge top with steep climbs and downhill sections mixed with flat sections. From the trailhead, the trail heads mainly south on a mix of single track and old road bed. After 2.6 miles the trail reaches Bald Butte, which offers views of Mount Hood and Upper Hood River Valley. From Bald Butte, travel south another 0.8 mile to Forest Road 1700-630.  This makes an excellent alternate access point.  Continue south 0.8 mile to the junction with Forest Road 1700-640.  0.1 mile beyond Forest Road 1700-640, the trail reaches the junction with Oak Ridge Trail #688A (3,680’).

From Oak Ridge Trail #688A, the trail continues south 1.6 miles and crosses Forest Road 1700-670. A further 0.3 mile south, the trail crosses Forest Road 1700-671. Continue south through the Rim Rock area and after 2.3 miles the trail passes Shellrock Mountain (4,450’) to the east. Another 3 miles south of Shellrock Mountain, the trail joins Forest Road 1700-014, which follows an old aqueduct that once distributed water to The Dalles Watershed. Follow the trail/road 2.2 miles and cross Dog River. Continue south 0.2 mile to the junction with Cooks Meadow Trail #639. The trail heads west here and after 1.4 miles it reaches the junction with Forest Road 44 near Clinger Spring.  This is a good place to leave a shuttle car. The trail continues west 0.9 mile to the junction with Dog River Trail #675 and Zigzag Trail #678 (4,240’)

Trail Description and Map (.pdf)

At a Glance

Current Conditions: May 2024: Trail cleared of downed trees.
Closest Towns: Hood River, OR
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Hood River Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

From Hood River, OR - travel south 10 miles on Oregon Hwy 35, approximately 0.7 mile south of milepost 92, to Pinemont Drive (Forest Road 17).  Turn left (east) on Pinemont Road and travel 1.8 miles to a road heading south.  Follow this road 0.2 mile to the trailhead (middle of the switchback).  The trail leaves from the south side of the road and heads east-northeast


Activities

Mountain Biking

See day hiking description

Day Hiking

Highlights include magnificent glimpses of Mt. Hood and the Hood River Valley. Landscape varies from open grassy slopes and meadows, to rocky outcropping, to abandoned logging roads. If you wish to car shuttle the one way trip is 11.7 miles.

Backpacking

See day hiking description

Horse Riding

See day hiking description

Viewing Scenery

See day hiking description

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
16.4 miles

  Elevation : 
2240' - 4280'