Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness (Mt. Hood)

The 65,822-acre Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness is located east of Portland, OR within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest. The north part of the Wilderness has features characteristic of the Columbia River Gorge, including basalt cliffs and multiple waterfalls. As you climb from the river, the steep cliffs and waterfalls give way to panoramic views of the Cascade Range and Columbia River Gorge. The slopes rise from near sea level to the Benson Plateau and on to mountain peaks, talus slopes, and lakes. Elevations range from approximately 100 feet near the Columbia River to 4,900 feet on Mount Defiance. Some main waterways - Herman Creek, Eagle Creek, and Tanner Creek - flow north toward the river, supporting borders of western hemlock and fir. 

Expansion to Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness in 2009 includes the Gorge Face and Larch Mountain additions. The Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness-Gorge Face includes the cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls from Oneonta Creek west to Viento Creek in Hood River County. The northern boundary of this addition is within one mile of the Columbia River. The Larch Mountain addition to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness includes Multnomah Creek, Oneonta Creek canyon, and Bell Creek. These drainages contain old-growth Douglas fir and cedar.

The southwest boundary of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness is the Bull Run Watershed, which provides drinking water to the Portland metropolitan area. To protect the water supply the watershed is closed to public entry except for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail which travels along the eastern edge of the watershed. Many of the 200 miles of trails follow drainages and often contain steep cliffs or drop offs near the trail and may be of concern for people uncomfortable with heights. Many of the trails are interconnected providing a number of loop opportunities.

• Elevation range: 100’ to 4,900’
• Key access points: Trail and trailhead access information.

At a Glance