The Timberline Trail is a 40-mile loop around Oregon’s Mt. Hood that can be hiked in 2-4 days
Region: Pacific West (Mount Hood Wilderness, Oregon)
Length: 40 miles (2-4 days)
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
- 10,000 feet of elevation gain throughout whole trail
- Some challenging stream crossings
- Some sections of high elevation with late-season snow
Logistical Difficulty: Easy
- No advance permit required
- Loop trail with no resupply
- Plenty of dispersed camping
Season: Summer
Elevation (Average): ~6,000 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 10,000 feet
How to Get to the Timberline Trail
Nearest City: Portland, Oregon (62 miles)
Timberline Lodge is the simplest place to start, although there is hike-in access from Lolo Pass and Cloud Camp Saddle Campground. Some of the trailhead parking areas require a Northwest Forest pass to leave your vehicle. Parking is free at Timberline Lodge.
About the Timberline Trail
The Timberline Trail is a 40-mile loop circling the highest point in Oregon. Mount Hood is one of 13 volcanoes in the Cascade Range. Of the 13, 11 have erupted at least once in the last 4,000 years. Most of the giant peaks have incredible prominence and are home to multiple glaciers. Mount Hood is home to the only year-round ski resort in North America directly above the easiest access point to the Timberline Trail. We did the trail in late July and still found multiple stubborn patches of snow clinging to the trail. The varied alpine zones of and striking glaciers and river sources create a packed 40-mile route that is unlike the features on most longer thru-hikes.
The Timberline Trail is best completed over 3-4 days, but can be conceivably done in one long day. The major time constraint in hiking this in (at most) four days is that resupply is really not feasible, unless food is cached or someone meets you along the way.
When to Hike the Timberline Trail
In a broad sense, the Timberline Trail is best completed between late spring to early fall. But within that window it is best to have flexibility built in. The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain, snow, and inclement weather that brings storms lasting for multiple days. Earlier in the year will mean more lingering snow. Later in the year will mean shorter days and colder nights. July and August are likely the best seasons, because any earlier the mosquitoes can be quite bad and the snow will be substantial.
Which Direction Should You Hike?
The trail is a loop, and therefore can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. The benefits of each direction are related to both the time of day when each climb is completed, and what time of day each exposed section is crossed. The two climbs to pay attention to when planning the route are the climb up the sandy ridge to Timberline Lodge and the climb up from the Sandy River to Paradise Park. Neither direction is better or worse, but avoiding the east side of the mountain when the sun is directly overhead will leave a much more comfortable hiking temperature. The eastern side of the loop is higher up and much more exposed than the rest of the loop.
Timberline Trail Terrain
The terrain on the Timberline Trail is as diverse as the state that it lives in. From the southeast side to the northern side, the trail is higher up and much more open. It flirts with the alpine zone constantly and crosses lingering snowfields and volcanic remnants of dry dirt mixed ash. Gaiters are helpful in this section. But after winding through an old burn, the trail changes abruptly when it drops to the Muddy Fork. It stays below treeline, passing waterfalls, crossing larger rivers, and passing in front of Ramona Falls. It meanders slowly along ridges with views of creeks and rivers before crossing the Sandy River. After the crossing, the trail ascends up a hot ridge to Paradise Park. The remaining portion of the loop to Timberline lodge is relatively tame, with some small stream crossings and a rock hop across the source of the Zig Zag River.
Logistics: Camping, Permits, and Resupply
Camping: Dispersed camping is permitted with the following exceptions: no camping in meadows, within the tree-covered islands of Elk Cove and Elk Meadows, and within 500 feet of Ramona Falls.
Permits: Permits are free and self-issues at numerous trailheads around the peak. These wilderness permits are required for overnight travel from May 15 to October 15.
Resupply / Water: The best way to do this trail is without a resupply. Whether it is completed in one difficult day or four casual days, this trail can easily be completed without resupplying. Water is plentiful for the most part. The best way to treat and maintain water supply is with a filter. Some of the sources are cloudy with snow debris and silt, and a water filter will remove this better than chemical treatment.
Adding Mount Hood
Coupled with the 40-mile loop hike, Mount Hood is a relatively basic climb. With the right equipment, this can be tacked on the end of the loop, departing from the trailhead at Timberline Lodge.
The tallest peak in Oregon is home to North America’s only year-round ski resort. The mountain is glaciated, but still relatively easy to climb. Keep in mind this is known for the quick changes in weather. Climbing the mountain is a great way to put an exclamation point on an epic 40-mile loop around one of the most prominent mountains in the United States, but caution should be taken. An ice axe and crampons are the minimum recommended gear.
As with any alpine climb, ascending with a group and having ropes and helmets is advisable. The weather and the conditions present the biggest challenges in summiting Mount Hood. The challenges of mileage, camping, and climbing create an amazing challenge and adventure, only an hour from Portland.
Know Before You Go
Bugs: The western half of the Timberline Trail is largely below treeline and in dense forests. Because of this, there are often mosquitoes from May through July. The mosquitoes are most dense at the lower elevations, near bodies of water.
Weather: Mount Hood is one of the more dangerous mountains, not because of the technical nature of the climb, but because weather can change so quickly. Clouds often move in from the west and can encircle the peak very quickly. Some of the most notorious mountain rescues have taken place here. For this reason, we recommend carrying the gear to weather any possible conditions.
Stream Crossings: With glacial melt feeding the source of multiple rivers on the mountain, the streams flow strongly and change drastically with the weather and the seasons. In July the strongest among them reached mid thigh and were ice cold. There have been reports of very dangerous crossings in the late spring when the flow is peaking. A peaking flow means that is the highest the stream will be flowing for the year.
Resources
Mt. Hood National Forest Wilderness Use Information
