Which cities are in our sub-region?  

Boring

Boring may be a small town, but it’s big on community pride. Every August they celebrate their unique name (which came from one of the town’s early pioneers) along with Dull, Scotland on Boring-Dull Day. The rest of the year it’s home to the Boring Winery, the recently opened North American Bigfoot Center and some pretty spectacular views of Mt. Hood and the many farms and nurseries. 

Estacada

The town of Estacada rests on the banks of the Clackamas River, and serves as a gateway to many recreational opportunities – rafting, kayaking, camping, and fishing, to name a few.  The history of Estacada is illustrated in a series of murals in the downtown area.  Estacada also marks the beginning of the West Cascades Scenic Byway and Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway, which winds south through the mountains to Detroit and Oakridge.

Sandy

Sandy, the gateway to the Mt. Hood National Forest recreation area, takes its name from the nearby Sandy River.  Many visitors enjoy a stop here en route to the mountain to browse Sandy’s unique shops, art galleries, historical museums and scenic view of Mt. Hood at Jonsrud Viewpoint. The Sandy River offers excellent steelhead and salmon fishing and hiking and biking trails.  

Villages of Mt. Hood (Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron)

This is the outdoor enthusiast’s playground, with numerous vacation rentals, shopping and culinary delights. Surrounded by high mountain lakes, crisscrossed with rushing rivers and blanketed by thick fir forests, the Villages of Mt Hood serve as the commercial hub of the south side of Mt Hood.  Here you will find one of Oregon’s oldest and most memorable golf resorts – The Resort at the Mountain. The Villages 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 here 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 coffee roasted on the spot to homemade soup and entrees featuring the local bounty.

Government Camp

The village of Government Camp has transformed itself into an attractive alpine mountain destination, serving as a recreational hub for visiting skiers, snowshoers, tubers, cross country skiers, snowboarders, hikers and mountain bikers.  The village is the point of departure for many trails, accessible through Mt. Hood Adventure guides.  A number of eateries and lodging options are here, including mountain resorts, vacation rental homes and inns.  The Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum showcases mountain art, the natural history of Mt. Hood and the history of explorers and downhill skiing on the mountain.

What are the major destinations in Mt. Hood Territory?  

• Mt. Hood Scenic Byway - 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 and sought after recreational destinations. Moving south from the lush agritourism of the Hood River Valley, you’ll approach the alpine environs of Mt. Hood, experienced at Timberline Lodge at the 6,000 ft. elevation, drop down into temperate rainforests along the Villages of Mt. Hood, and finally return to the verdant farmlands of eastern Multnomah County and the cities of Woodville and Troutdale, the Gateway to the Gorge. Four-season recreational activities and rich pioneer history await you the distance of the Byway, along with ever-shifting vistas of Oregon’s highest peak.
• Clackamas River Recreation Area - In Estacada, recreation is centered around the Clackamas River, which carves a deep canyon south of town.  Clackamas River is a premier fishing, white-water rafting and kayaking river with camping sites along the river bank.  The upper Clackamas whitewater festival takes place here each May, the largest white-water rafting event on the West Coast. The West Cascades Scenic Byway and Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway wind along the rushing river.
• Milo McIver State Park - Situated on the southern shores of the Clackamas River, this state park has just about everything you could want to do on your vacation, including camping, river access, beautiful and separate trails for horseback riding, hiking or biking, and a top-level disc golf course. Be sure to bring your camera as well, there’s a gazebo and overlook near the entrance that offers quite the picturesque view. Another treat, take the self-guided tour of the Clackamas Fish Hatchery where you’ll be able to see the entire life cycle of Chinook salmon and Steelhead. 
• Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway – This is a 70 plus mile ride winding through towering forests alongside the Clackamas and Breitenbush rivers. This isn’t busy highway riding, you’ll be on roads that move with the land, following the course of the two rivers. Listen to breeze blowing through trees above and whitewater below as you make your way from the town of Estacada all the way south to Detroit, with amazing scenery along the entire way. 
• Mountain Biking (Sandy Ridge, Mt. Hood Skibowl) - Ride in the shadow of Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood. The Mt. Hood National Forest is home to 140 miles of mountain biking trails and multi-use trails open to bikes. To the west of the mountain, Sandy Ridge contains 15 outstanding miles of flow single-track and decent winter accessibility due to its location. On Mt. Hood itself, check out 40 miles of lift-serviced riding, a free-ride park and a skills park at Mt. Hood Skibowl.
• Wildwood Recreation Site/Cascade Streamwatch - The Wildwood Recreation Site is a day-use area that is home to the Cascade Streamwatch Trail and Wildwood Wetlands Trail. Visitors have a chance to explore natural stream and wetland ecosystems along accessible interpretive trails and boardwalks and observe native fish in a unique underwater fish-viewing chamber. The site offers family picnic units and fully accessible trails. It also provides access to the Salmon River and an extensive system of trails in the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness.
• Timberline Lodge & Ski Area - Timberline Lodge and Ski Area sits at the 6,000-foot level of Mt. Hood, Oregon's tallest peak at 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. A National Historic Landmark, Timberline Lodge was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937 as part of a make-work project during the Great Depression. The hand-hewn building is a prime example of Cascadian architecture and offers intimate accommodations and fine dining
•  Mt. Hood Skibowl and Summer Adventure Park - Mt. Hood Skibowl is America’s largest night ski area and the closest ski resort to Portland. The Snow Tube and Adventure Park at Skibowl East is fun for all ages and offers the only Cosmic Tubing experience. The summer adventure park offers over 20 attractions for adrenaline junkies or the family. Try bungee jumping, race cars, zip lines, mountain biking, and alpine slides, plus amazing scenic views.

WINTER IN MT. HOOD TERRITORY

Skiing – From North America’s longest ski season at Timberline Lodge & Ski Area to the largest night skiing area at Mt. Hood Skibowl, there’s a reason why Mt. Hood Territory is a top snow sports destination. 

Cosmic Tubing – For a truly unique experience on the mountain, try speeding down the tube hill beneath a laser light show with hit music blasting overhead, Cosmic Tubing is a must-try experience for any family at Mt. Hood Skibowl. 

Tubing – You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the snow. Grab a tube or sled and head over to Snow Bunny Snow Play Area. For dedicated tube hills offering rentals, try Mt. Hood Skibowl or Summit Ski Area. 

Experience some of the most beautiful winter views around Mt. Hood with a guided snowshoe adventure from Mt. Hood Outfitters. 

To see the true hidden gems, sometimes you have to strap on a pair of cross country skis. Guided tours are available to show you the best trails with the best sights. 

Skiing or snowboarding isn’t the only way to go fast in Mt. Hood Territory. Let the only licensed snowmobile operator on Mt. Hood take you out on an adrenaline-rushing tour of the winter landscape. 

HIKING IN MT. HOOD TERRITORY

Add some color to your hike with these trails perfect for spotting spring and early summer wildflowers. 

To truly get away from it all, and everyone else on the trails, try one of these 12 lesser-known hikes. 

Mt. Hood Territory has some great fall color, check out these hikes to catch some fall foliage this autumn. 

Little Zigzag Falls is a perfect trail for a family with young kids. It’s a short, easy hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end. 

The Clackamas River Trail is a moderate trail generally open year-round. The midpoint of the trail features the stunning, three-tiered Pup Creek Falls. 

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MT. HOOD TERRITORY 

Mt. Hood is known as one of the top snow sports destinations in the country, but it’s also gaining a reputation as a top mountain biking destination with several world-class options, making for some excellent multi-day riding tips.

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  •  Timberline Bike Park – The newest bike park on Mt. Hood is actually located at one of its oldest attractions. Timberline Lodge first opened their lift-assisted bike park in the summer of 2019 and have plans to continue to add to the inventory of trails. There’s a great mix of beginner to expert level trails, so it’s a prime spot for families and enthusiasts alike. 
  • Mt. Hood Skibowl – When it comes to selection, few places offer as many choices as Skibowl’s lift assisted mountain biking trails. There’s more than 40 miles of trails with 1,500 feet of elevation. As if that wasn’t enough, they even have an aerial park for those looking to really get an adrenaline rush. 
  • Sandy Ridge Trail System – If you’re in to free, year-round riding opportunities, then Sandy Ridge is a great choice for you. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), they offer 17 miles of well-maintained singletrack trails of varying difficulty making their way through the Mt. Hood National Forest. 

And each one of these mountain bike destinations is a stop for Mt. Hood Express, public transportation along Hwy 26 which has room to haul your gear during bike season. 

WATER PLAY IN MT. HOOD TERRITORY

White water – The Upper Clackamas River offers the closest whitewater rafting to Portland, less than an hour from Portland International Airport (PDX). Take a guided trip down the river for an amazing experience. 

Flat water – To enjoy the flatter stretches of the Clackamas River via kayak or standup paddleboard (SUP), book a trip from Clackamas River Outfitters. They have three locations around Estacada where you can pick up your rental. 

Kayaking – Mt. Hood Territory has many lakes and reservoirs to explore. The best way is via guided kayak tour with Mt. Hood Outfitters. 

Fishing – The rivers and lakes throughout Mt. Hood Territory have numerous species of fish. Book a trip with one of our experienced guides who know every inch of the waterways. Be sure and check out ODFW for licenses and fishing regulations.

Lakes – Is there anything better than a break at the lake? Check out our favorite lakes in Mt. Hood Territory.

HERITAGE IN MT. HOOD TERRITORY

• 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. Key sites to explore (Barlow Pass, Pioneer Women’s Grave, Laurel Hill, Tollgate, Philip Foster Farm)
  • Pioneer Woman’s Grave/Barlow Pass – A one mile hike from the Barlow Pass kiosk showcases both the beauty of the area and the dangers pioneers faced, ending near this unnamed woman’s grave, serving as a somber reminder of the latter.
  • Laurel Hill – Get a real idea of just how arduous the journey was at Laurel Hill Chute, where you’ll see how pioneers used little more than ropes and willpower to lower their wagons and livestock down an almost vertical drop.
  • Barlow Road Tollgate – To make their way down the last stretch of the trail, pioneers had to pay a toll. A replica of the tollgate sits on the very spot where pioneers made that payment and continued on the final leg of their journey. 
  • Philip Foster Farm – Much of the original farm from the 1840s remains here today. Now a living history interpretive site, it used to be where pioneers could rest and purchase any provisions needed for the final push into Oregon City.
• Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum – From the geology and biology of the ecologically diverse area to the history of skiing on Mt. Hood, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum tells the many stories of this famous mountain. 
• Sandy Historical Museum – Located along the former Barlow Road, this museum showcases the area’s history through exhibits and historical records. It also serves as a repository with a huge selection of historical photos. 
• North America Bigfoot Center – There are more documented sightings of Bigfoot in Clackamas County than any other part of Oregon. Famed researcher from TV show Finding Bigfoot Cliff Barrackman created this museum to display the mountains of evidence he’s collected of this elusive creature many believe live in this area. 
• Heritage Trail App – Take the stories of Mt. Hood Territory’s rich history with you on the free Heritage Trail app. Hear the past told via narrated stories paired with images of more than two dozen historic sites throughout the region. 
• Estacada Murals – Tour the story of Estacada told from numerous artists’ perspectives with more than 20 murals located on buildings throughout this historic city’s downtown area.

Don’t forget to visit  Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory for more information about the region’s attractions and lodging before your vacation or road trip to Mt. Hood Territory.