Timberline National Historic Trail #600


Timberline Trail #600 vicinity map.

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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Access to Timberline Trail may be impacted by work occurring on the Mt. Hood Express (MHX) lift replacement and upgrade project. For more information, visit Mt. Hood Meadows' website: skihood.com/explore/The-Mountain/Trail-Detour
  • June 2023: Significant blowdown between Muddy Fork and Yocum Ridge remains. It is recommended that thru-hikers bypass this area. It's navigable, but not easy to hike. 
  • Timberline to Ramona Falls cleared in June 2022. Despite trail crews clearing downed logs, an estimated 100 trees are still down between Muddy Fork and Yocum Ridge as of Fall 2022. Please use caution.
Permit Info:
  • Wilderness permits are required from May 15 to October 15 when provided at a portal. Not all trails will have Wilderness portals. 
  • Wilderness permits are free and self-issued by the visitor and are available at multiple trailheads leading into these wildernesses, as well as at ranger district offices. 
Open Season: July - October
Busiest Season: Summer
Restrictions: Wilderness regulations apply. Campfires are prohibited in these areas:
  • Within 500 feet of Ramona Falls and McNeil Point
  • Within the tree covered island in Elk Cove and Elk Meadows
  • Within Paradise Park
Camping is prohibited in the following locations:
  • Within any meadow
  • Within the tree covered islands of Elk Cove and Elk Meadows
  • Within 500 feet of Ramona Falls       
Closest Towns: Government Camp, OR; Hood River, OR
Water: Please treat all water before drinking.
Restroom: Bury all human waste 6-8 inches deep and 100' from water & trails.
Passes: Some trailheads require a day use fee. Check our Recreation Passes and Permits page for details.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:
  • Hood River Ranger District: (541) 352-6002
  • Zigzag Ranger District: (503) 622-3191
Mt. Hood National Forest offices

General Information

Directions:

The trail begins at a junction with Pacific Crest Trail #2000 north of the Sandy River and ends at a junction with Pacific Crest Trail #2000 1 mile east of Timberline Lodge. This National Historic Trail is located within the Zigzag and Hood River Ranger Districts.


Activities

Day Hiking

This trail contour's just below the timberline and is a scenic combination of fragile alpine meadows, woods and canyons. The diversity of plant life, and the geologic features make this a very interesting and challenging hike around the mountain.
 

Areas for Day Hiking at Timberline National Historic Trail #600

Backpacking

See also: day hiking description.

The Timberline Trail begins and ends at the Timberline Lodge, and most people go clockwise and take 3 to 4 days to complete the loop. Some people choose to start at other trailheads that access the Timberline Trail along the route.

This trail climbs in and out of glacial fed drainages throughout its length. Its elevation ranges from 3480’ to 7300’. 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 ones but are typically not more than knee deep.

Areas for Backpacking at Timberline National Historic Trail #600

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Plants

Viewing Scenery

The hike around Mount Hood has some of the greatest expansive views of the surrounding territory including Mt. Saint Helen's, Mt. Adams, Mt Rainier, Mt.Jefferson and Three Sisters.

Alerts & Warnings

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Quick Links

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
24.5 miles; loop is 41.5 miles

  Elevation : 
3480' - 7320'

 

How to extinguish a campfire

How to put out a campfire

No drones near wildfires

Drone use on Mt. Hood NF

Winter Recreation Essentials Safety Flyer

Winter Recreation Essentials