The Timberline Trail is a 40-mile circumnavigation of Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest volcano at 11,249 feet, traversing Mt. Hood National Forest through Hood River and Clackamas counties. The trail runs between 5,500 and 7,300 feet elevation and is accessible from multiple trailheads; the most popular starting point is Timberline Lodge at 27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp, approximately 1 hour from Portland via US-26. The Mt. Hood Express bus connects Sandy Transit Center to Government Camp for $5 round-trip, though most day-section hikers arrive by car.
The full 40-mile loop is typically completed as a 3–5 day backpacking trip, passing through eight distinct forest, meadow, and alpine zones as it encircles every aspect of the volcano. Notable sections include the Paradise Park wildflower meadow complex on the southwest slope — one of the most expansive subalpine flower displays in the Pacific Northwest, peaking in late July — the Eliot Branch crossing on the north side requiring a ford of glacial meltwater, the Cloud Cap Inn historic viewpoint on the northeast rim, and the Eden Park wildflower meadow above Cooper Spur.
The trail crosses multiple glacier-fed creeks that must be forded on foot; high water in early season makes some crossings genuinely dangerous. The Sandy River crossing on the southwest side can reach waist depth before August and is the most challenging ford historically. Overnight camping is permitted throughout the wilderness with sites placed 200 feet from water sources; no fee permit is currently required for overnight use, though regulations may change. A bear canister or proper hang system is required for all backcountry food storage.
Day-use sections are very popular — the Paradise Park loop (approximately 12 miles, accessible from Timberline Lodge) is a full-day hike in its own right. The trail surface ranges from groomed dirt near Timberline Lodge to exposed volcanic pumice, glacial moraine, and snow on the upper slopes. Crampons or microspikes and an ice axe are essential for early-season travel above 6,500 feet. The trail is typically snowfree between 5,500 and 6,000 feet from mid-July through September. No cell service exists anywhere on the full loop; offline topographic maps are essential.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Mt. Hood National Forest, Hood River & Clackamas Counties
- Best season
- July–September (snow covers trail above 6,000 ft until early July)
What to bring
- Mountaineering boots for summit attempt
- Ice axe and crampons for early season
- Bear canister for overnight
- Topographic map
Location
Timberline Lodge, 27500 E Timberline Rd, Government Camp, OR 97028
45.3311, -121.7107 View on map
Highlights
- 40-mile circumnavigation of Mt. Hood traversing eight distinct forest, meadow, and alpine zones around Oregon's highest volcano
- Paradise Park wildflower meadows — one of the largest subalpine wildflower displays in the Pacific Northwest, peaking late July
- Eliot Glacier viewpoint on the northeast slope with close-range views of active glacial recession and moraine fields
- Historic Timberline Lodge starting point — a WPA-era National Historic Landmark with year-round skiing above it
- 360-degree perspectives on every aspect of Mt. Hood and the surrounding wilderness from the high trail corridor
Tips for visiting
- Carry an ice axe and crampons for any section above 6,500 ft before mid-August — snow bridges over creek crossings are unpredictable and can collapse.
- Time creek fords for early morning when glacial meltwater levels are at their lowest; the Sandy River and Eliot Branch crossings can be dangerous by afternoon.
- A bear canister or hang system is required for all overnight camping in the Mt. Hood Wilderness.
- Download offline topographic maps and GPX routes before departure — no cell service exists anywhere on the full loop.
- The Paradise Park section from Timberline Lodge (6 miles one-way) delivers wilderness-quality scenery as a day hike without the multi-day commitment.
When to visit
Mid-July through mid-September offers the most reliable conditions for the full loop, with major creek crossings manageable and high-elevation snowfields reduced. The Paradise Park wildflowers peak in late July to early August.
Accessibility
The paved path at Timberline Lodge — a National Historic Landmark — provides wheelchair-accessible access to the lodge building and upper terrace views of Mt. Hood. The Timberline Trail itself is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers due to rugged backcountry terrain, unbridged creek crossings, and snow travel requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to hike the Timberline Trail?
No overnight permit is currently required for the Timberline Trail within the Mt. Hood Wilderness. A free self-issue Wilderness Permit is available at major trailheads. Day hiking requires no permit. Check the Mt. Hood National Forest website before travel as regulations may change seasonally.
How long does it take to complete the full Timberline Trail loop?
The 40-mile loop is typically completed in 3–5 days depending on fitness, pace, and conditions. Fit backpackers with light loads complete it in 3 days; a relaxed pace exploring meadow sections and side viewpoints takes 4–5 days.
What are the most difficult sections of the Timberline Trail?
The Eliot Branch crossing on the north side and the Sandy River ford on the southwest side are the most challenging, with glacial meltwater reaching waist depth before August. Both should be timed for early morning when flows are at their lowest. In early July, these crossings can be genuinely dangerous.
Can day hikers access the Timberline Trail in sections?
Yes. Popular day-hike sections include the Paradise Park loop from Timberline Lodge (approximately 12 miles), the Elk Cove segment from Cloud Cap Trailhead (5 miles one-way), and the section from Timberline Lodge toward Ramona Falls (8 miles one-way). Each provides access to different wilderness terrain.