Mt. Hood Scenic Byway
Laurel Hill Chute, OR

Laurel Hill was once the site of a horrific descent off the southern slopes of Mt. Hood. The hill was a series of three declines, the worst of which was reported to be a 60 percent slope. The current highway is a six percent grade. Pioneers used ropes and sheer strength to lower their wagons down the near-vertical slopes on their way to make land claims in Oregon City. Travelers can walk a short trail up the steep path to view the steep rocky chute and an interpretive sign.