From the top of Oregon’s highest peak to the Clackamas River, Mt. Hood Territory offers a multitude of outdoor scenic beauty and adventure. The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway follows an exhilarating route around one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks, offering exposure to some of the state’s most stunning scenery. As you head up the mountain you’ll travel from agricultural valley, through sparkling temperate rainforest and reach alpine ski areas culminating at Timberline Lodge, located at 6,000 feet elevation. From cosmic tubing and snowshoeing in the winter to verdant hiking and mountain biking trails in summer, Mt. Hood beckons you for adventure.
Towns in Mt. Hood Territory | Points of Interest | Seasonal Favorites | Events
It’s hard to miss majestic Mt. Hood, but do you know the communities that dot this stunning peak? It might sound boring (wink) but it isn’t: keep reading to discover why the communities of Boring, Estacada, Sandy, Government Camp, and the Villages of Mt. Hood are worth a visit.
Boring may be a small town, but its name indicates the opposite what it has to offer. Boring is home to the North American Bigfoot Center, some pretty spectacular views of Mt. Hood, and many farms and nurseries.
Sandy is gateway to the Mt. Hood National Forest recreation area and takes its name from the nearby Sandy River. Enjoy a stop here en route to the mountain to browse Sandy’s historical museums, eateries and scenic views of Mt. Hood. The Sandy River offers excellent steelhead and salmon fishing, as well as hiking and biking trails. The Sandy Ridge Trail System is home to 16 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails for all levels including decent winter accessibility.
Sandy is also home to the Sandy Historical Society & Museum. The Museum sits on Pioneer Boulevard, part of the original Barlow Road, the final overland stretch of the famed Oregon Trail. Historic sites along the Barlow Road continue to keep the stories alive of this daunting journey.
In Estacada, recreation is centered around the Clackamas River. Located at the river banks, Estacada is the perfect hub for many recreational opportunities, from floating or paddling to fishing and camping sites along the river bank. With the Clackamas River carving a deep canyon south of town, Estacada is the perfect destination for white-water rafting.
The history of Estacada is illustrated in a series of murals created by nine professional artists. Don’t miss the 20 Artback murals in town by taking the self-guided mural walking tour through downtown, where you’ll also find unique shopping and art galleries. Just outside town, Philip Foster Farm tells the experience of early pioneers with their hands-on historic exhibits.
The village of Government Camp is an attractive alpine mountain destination for skiers, snowshoers, tubers, cross country skiers, snowboarders, hikers and mountain bikers alike. Government Camp is home to Mt. Hood Skibowl, America’s largest night ski area and the only cosmic tubing experience, plus their summer adventure park and alpine slide. You’ll also find local eateries and lodging options, including mountain resorts, vacation rental homes and inns making Government Camp hub of outdoor recreation year-round.
Make sure to stop at the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum for mountain art, culture, and history and get recreation information from their visitor center staff.
Surrounded by high mountain lakes, crisscrossed with rushing rivers and blanketed by thick fir forests, the Villages of Mt. Hood serve as the recreation hub of the south side of Mt. Hood. Welches, Zigzag, Wemme, Brightwood, and Rhododendron offer a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from riverside log cabins to resort lodging, vacation condominiums, and quaint mountain bungalows nestled in the woods.
From the villages you are never more than 20 miles away from year-round skiing, golfing, hiking or just relaxing next to the Salmon River. Culinary possibilities abound in the villages; from Mt. Hood Roasters coffee roasted on the spot to homemade soup and Japanese entrees at cozy Koya Kitchen featuring the local bounty.
Situated on the southern shores of the Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park offers everything you need for a vacation in nature: From camping, direct river access, hiking and biking opportunities, beautiful and separate trails for horseback riding, and in addition a top-level disc golf course. Be sure to bring your camera as there’s a gazebo and overlook near the entrance offering picturesque views. At the Clackamas Fish Hatchery, take the self-guided outdoor tour to see the entire life cycle of Chinook salmon and steelhead.
Located along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway near the town of Welches, the Wildwood Recreation Site is home to the Cascade Streamwatch Trail and Wildwood Wetlands Trail, where visitors can explore natural stream and wetland ecosystems. Along accessible interpretive trails and boardwalks hikers find educational displays and can observe native fish in a unique underwater fish-viewing window below stream. The site offers family picnic units and fully accessible trails as well as access to the Salmon River and an extensive system of trails in the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness.
Located in the mountain village of Government Camp, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum is home to interpretive exhibits and educational programming showcasing mountain art, the history of early exploration, pioneers, and individuals who helped shape the history of the mountain. Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum also gives insights into mountaineering history of Mt. Hood and downhill skiing on the mountain.
Learn more about local historical sites including Oregon Trail history on the Barlow Trail with the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail.
Timberline Lodge and Ski Area sits at the 6,000-foot level of Mt. Hood, Oregon's tallest peak (11,235 feet). With inspiring views of the summit, Timberline offers the longest ski season in North America and over 1,000 acres of hiking trails. Timberline Lodge was built in 1937 as a WPA project. Today, a National Historic Landmark, the hand-hewn building is a prime example of Cascadian architecture and offers intimate accommodations and fine dining.
Jonsrud Viewpoint is widely considered to have one of the best views of Mt. Hood. Visitors can stroll the brick pathways with informative plaques and look through the telescopes to enjoy up close views of Mt. Hood and the Sandy River Valley as well as the "Devil's Backbone". The ridge was named by pioneers traveling on the Barlow Trail.
One of the new amenities at the park is a special color blind-adapted scenic viewer with a new technology that enables people who are colorblind to experience the colors of nature. It's the first location in the U.S. outside of the state of Tennessee to offer this kind of an experience.
Keep your eyes peeled for a bigfoot sighting! Mt. Hood Territory has the fourth most Bigfoot sightings in North America and there are more documented sightings of Bigfoot in Clackamas County than any other part of Oregon. The first documented sighting in Oregon dates back to 1904. If you don’t get lucky while hiking in Mt. Hood National Forest, make sure to stop into the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring. This hands-on museum was started by Cliff Barackman, the famed researcher from the TV show “Finding Bigfoot” and showcases the history of the mysterious cryptid and the latest gossip on possible sightings. The museum displays historical artifacts and bigfoot evidence Barackman has collected of this elusive creature that many believe live in this area.
Guides and outfitters are ready to lead you on your next adventure year-round in Mt. Hood Territory. In the winter, Mt. Hood Outfitters offers guided snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even snowmobile guided tours. They also offer hiking tours in the summer.
During spring or summer, the Upper Clackamas River offers the closest whitewater to Portland. Blue Sky Rafting, Oregon River Experiences, River Drifters, and Clackamas River Outfitters all offer river guide trips.
