MT HOOD & THE
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Mt. Hood Territory

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?  

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.

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


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.

 

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