Mount Hood Wilderness Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful state of Oregon, Mount Hood Wilderness is a nature preserve that offers stunning landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Nestled in the majestic Mount Hood, this wilderness area is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and wildlife lovers.

With its snow-capped peaks and lush forests, Mount Hood Wilderness is a haven for outdoor adventurers. The area boasts over 40 miles of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, allowing visitors to explore the diverse terrain and breathtaking views. From easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, there is something for everyone.

One of the highlights of Mount Hood Wilderness is the opportunity to climb Mount Hood itself. Standing at an impressive 11,250 feet, Mount Hood is the tallest peak in Oregon and a popular destination for mountaineers. Experienced climbers can tackle the challenging routes, while less experienced adventurers can opt for guided tours to safely summit this iconic mountain.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the wilderness area offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for the elusive Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain goats, and a variety of bird species that call this area home. Nature photographers will find endless inspiration in the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment.

During the winter months, Mount Hood Wilderness transforms into a winter wonderland. With its abundant snowfall, the area becomes a playground for snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowboarders. The nearby ski resorts offer world-class slopes and facilities for downhill skiing and snowboarding, attracting enthusiasts from all over the country.

When visiting Mount Hood Wilderness, be sure to explore the surrounding communities that offer charming accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and opportunities to learn about the region's rich history and culture. From cozy mountain lodges to rustic cabins, there are plenty of options for a comfortable stay.

Alternative names: Established: 1964 (60 years ago)Elevation: 4514 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°22'15"N, 121°45'0"W

Location

OregonUnited States

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Mount Hood Wilderness Top Attractions

Mount Hood Wilderness Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mount Hood Wilderness offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wallalute Falls, Coalman Glacier, Little Zigzag River, White River Glacier. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Wallalute Falls
Wallalute Falls is a large waterfall located on Compass Creek on the north slopes of Mount Hood in the Hood River County, Oregon, at an elevation of 4,879 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Coalman Glacier
The Coalman Glacier is a glacier located on the upper slopes of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the mountain's highest glacier ranging from about 11,200 to 10,500 ft, located within the crater rim, southwest of the peak.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Little Zigzag River
The Little Zigzag River is a tributary, about 5 miles long, of the Zigzag River in the U.S. state of Oregon. The Zigzag and Little Zigzag drain the Zigzag Glacier on Mount Hood, a high volcanic peak in the Cascade Range.

Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
White River Glacier
White River Glacier is an alpine glacier located on the south slopes of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. It ranges in elevation from about 10,000 to 6,200 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Sandy Glacier
Sandy Glacier is an alpine glacier located on the west slope of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. It extends in elevation from about 8,800 to 6,000 feet. The glacier is the source of Muddy Fork, a tributary of the Sandy River. The upper extent of the glacier is known for extensive crevasses.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Reid Glacier
Reid Glacier is an alpine glacier located on the west slope of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. It ranges in elevation from about 9,800 to 6,000 feet. The glacier is the source of the Sandy River. The upper extent of the glacier is known for extensive crevasses.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Ladd Glacier
Ladd Glacier is an alpine glacier on the north slope of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. It lies at an average elevation of 7,500 feet. The glacier lies entirely within Mount Hood Wilderness.
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Bull Run National Forest
Bull Run National Forest was established as the Bull Run Forest Reserve by the General Land Office in Oregon on June 17, 1892, with 142,080 acres. After the transfer of federal forests to the U.S. Forest Service in 1905, it became a National Forest on March 4, 1907.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Zigzag Glacier
Zigzag Glacier is an alpine glacier located on the upper southwest slopes of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. It ranges in elevation from 10,200 to 7,200 feet with fingers in canyons extending to about 6,400 feet, and lies almost entirely within Mount Hood Wilderness.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Sandy Glacier Caves
The Sandy Glacier Caves are a system of glacier caves within the ice of Sandy Glacier on Mount Hood, Oregon. They are thought to be the largest glacier caves in the lower 48 states of the United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Newton Clark Glacier
Newton Clark Glacier is an alpine glacier on the southeast slope of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. The glacier extends from 10,400 to 6,500 feet. The glacier lies entirely within Mount Hood Wilderness.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Eliot Glacier
Eliot Glacier is a glacier on the northeastern slopes of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. Researchers have reported that Eliot Glacier covered an area of 395 acres in 2004 but had retreated 680 meters since 1901, though that decline was less than all but one other glacier on Mount Hood.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Coe Glacier
Coe Glacier is in the U.S. state of Oregon. The glacier is situated in the Cascade Range on the north slope of Mount Hood, at an elevation between 10,500 and 6,400 ft. Between 1907 and 2004, Coe Glacier lost 15% of its surface area. The glacier terminus retreated 390 metres over the same time period.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Langille Glacier
Langille Glacier is an alpine glacier on the north slope of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. It lies at an average elevation of about 7,500 feet. The glacier lies entirely within Mount Hood Wilderness and is connected to Eliot Glacier to the south. Langille glacier is named after William Alexander Langille.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Glisan Glacier
Glisan Glacier is an alpine glacier located on the northwest slope of Mount Hood in the US state of Oregon. It lies at an average altitude of 7,500 feet.
Interesting neighbourhood
Upper Sandy Guard Station Cabin
The Upper Sandy Guard Station Cabin is a log and stone building built in 1935. It was funded as part of the Federal work relief Emergency Relief Appropriations Act of that year, and also by funds from the City of Portland, Oregon.
Volcanic mountain with Timberline Lodge
Mount Hood
Mount Hood is a potentially active stratovolcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. It was formed by a subduction zone on the Pacific coast and rests in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Day trips

Mount Hood Wilderness – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mount Hood Wilderness, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Portland Art Museum (Portland), Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland), Washington Park (Portland).

46 milesW
Asian, American and Native American art
Portland Art Museum, Portland
Nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, the Portland Art Museum is a cultural beacon that attracts art enthusiasts from around the world. Established in 1892, it is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and boasts an impressive collection that spans across...
45 milesW
Museum, Science museum
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland
Nestled in the heart of Portland, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, commonly known as OMSI, stands as a beacon of learning and discovery. This premier science center in the Pacific Northwest offers a rich tapestry of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities...
48 milesW
Park
Washington Park, Portland
Nestled in the verdant heart of Portland, Oregon, Washington Park stands as a tranquil refuge and a hub of outdoor activity for locals and tourists alike. Encompassing over 410 acres, this urban oasis offers a blend of nature, history, and recreation.
23 milesNW
Scenic natural area with steep falls
Multnomah Falls, Washougal
Nestled in the lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest, Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws visitors from around the globe. This majestic waterfall is located in the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive east of Portland, Oregon, and within...
46 milesW
Museum, Art museum, History museum
Oregon Historical Society, Portland
Nestled in the heart of Portland, the Oregon Historical Society is a cultural gem that offers visitors a profound journey through the rich tapestry of Oregon's past. This esteemed museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse history of the state, stands...