Forest Information
The Mt. Hood National Forest is in northwest Oregon and
consists of 1,064, 573 acres. There are 81 developed
campgrounds, of which 43 meet the selection criteria.
Mt Hood National Forest, only 20 miles from Portland, OR and at
the top of Willamette Valley, is considered a "backyard" national
forest. Thousands of people visit the Forest each week from the
neighboring urban areas. Yet more visitors from all over the
world are being drawn to the majestic towering beacon of Mt Hood
National Forest by the promise of outstanding recreational
opportunities. Initially established in 1893 as the Cascade
Range Forest Reserve, Mt Hood National Forest has offered
visitors such recreational experiences as hiking, canoeing,
rafting, climbing, backpacking, mountain or road bicycling,
fishing, and more. For each of these activities there is a
developed campground nearby. Some of these campgrounds are
better-suited for tent and car campers while others are perfect
for recreational vehicles, whether travel trailer or motor home,
camping enthusiasts.
The network of trails in, over, and around Mt. Hood and its
wilderness are well known for their scenery and challenges.
Tilly Jane campground, at the edge of the Mt Hood Wilderness, is
good for tent camping and as a base camp for discovering the
magic of this ancient volcano. Less challenging but possibly as
inspiring are the hiking trails available in the Timothy Lake
area. More then twenty miles of trails play peak-a-boo with Mt.
Hood. Bicyclist and hikers will find other challenges and
solitude on the Timothy Lake trails. Horseback riding
enthusiasts will find Joe Graham Horse Camp, with its sturdy
corrals and easy access to miles and miles of trails, just great.
However, it will be difficult to get the boaters and anglers out of
one of the area's half dozen campgrounds or off the bright blue
water of Timothy Lake to explore the trails system.
While there are power boating opportunities available at several places
in Mt Hood National Forest, it is the outstanding paddle opportunities,
whether canoe or kayak, that are better known. Imagine waking up
early at Trillium Lake
campground and paddling around Trillium Lake in the reflection of
Mt Hood. It is a most memorable experience. At Lost Lake
campground, visitors can rent a non-motorized boat from the
adjacent Lost Lake Resort and enjoy a day exploring this Lake
tucked into Mt Hood's eastern side.
Whitewater enthusiasts, whether rafter or kayaker, in Mt Hood
have several options but probably the best-known water is on the
Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. Furthest from the major urban
areas, the Clackamas River corridor offers not only many
campgrounds in a semi-sub-tropical environment but it is also a
less crowded, less developed experience than found in the rest of
Mt Hood National Forest. With nine developed campgrounds
stretching along the 47 miles of this challenging river, the
Clackamas River corridor is a great spot for recreating. Miles
upon miles of hiking trails link most of the campgrounds. Clear,
fast flowing, it appears ideal for fishing, except the fish in
the Clackamas River are protected. Anglers should bring a camera
to document their success before returning their catch to the
River.
The Mt Hood National Forest has six different Wildernesses with a
variety of climbing and backpacking opportunities. There are a
few developed campgrounds, such as Green Canyons
next to Salmon-Huckleberry and Elk Lake (not included in research)
next to Bull in the Woods wildernesses, that are well suited as base
camps for exploring the wilderness areas. From either location,
visitors will find the beauty, challenge, and solitude they seek.
Bicycling may be Oregon's unofficial state sport. Mt. Hood
National Forest has provided this sport with several
opportunities. From a scenic ride along the eastern side of Mt
Hood on State 35 to the challenge of one of its many off-road
trails, bicyclists find this forest interesting, diverse, and
satisfying.
One unique opportunity found in the Mt Hood National Forest is
skiing in the middle of summer. On the south face of Mt Hood,
above Government Camp, is the historic Timberline Lodge. The
Lodge is open year-round and during the summer it is the base
camp for several "Performance Camps" for young people. Each
morning the glacier slopes above the Lodge are dotted with young
adventurers improving their skiing skills. After lunch the ski-lift and
slopes are opened to the public. Not interested in skiing, ride the
lift up the mountain and enjoy a spectacular view of Mt Jefferson
and the surrounding area.
While Government Camp area does offer recreational opportunities,
it also has an interesting history. Beside the story of
Government Camp's origin, it was the resting area before the last
major obstacle on the Oregon Trail. Barlow Road was an alternate
to the expansive and dangerous Columbia River passage for western
bound emigrants. This Road passes under the shadow of Mt Hood,
through Summit Meadow, a welcomed spot along Barlow Road,
and the Pioneer Woman's Grave, located next to the meadow, before
the final stretch and Laurel Hill. Just how important this
Summit Meadow was for getting the party back into "good
shape" can be appreciated with a visit to [terrifying] Laurel Hill
which is a chute requiring the pioneers to lower their
wagons using a system of pulleys.
More recent history can be found at the Clackamas Lake Ranger
Station. With the charming District Ranger's Residence (available
for rent through the National Reservation System) - the restored
District Ranger's Office, and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built
out buildings, this Ranger Station gives visitors a chance to
experience more than 100 years of Mt Hood's National Forest history.
Perhaps one of best things Mt Hood National Forest offers
visitors is relief from the stress of modern life. A few days in
the quiet and tranquil, found at such places as Lost Creek,
Hideaway Lake, and Indian Henry campgrounds, are just what many
people need to "recharge their batteries."
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
16400 Champion Way
Sandy, Oregon 97055
503-668-1700
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Barlow
780 NE Court Street
Dufur, Oregon 97021
541-467-2291
Clackamas
595 NW Industrial Way
Estacada, Oregon 97023
503-630-6861
Hood River
6780 Highway 35 South
Parkdale, Oregon 97041
541-352-6002
Zigzag
70220 E. Hwy. 26
Zigzag, Oregon 97049
503-622-3191
|
