The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway follows an exhilarating route around Mt. Hood, offering outlooks of striking geologic diversity. Landscapes unfold from valleys and rainforest into semi-arid uplands. History is embedded and alive: this is the same route traveled for thousands of years by local Native Americans. Pioneers on the Oregon Trail followed the path up Barlow Road, and now you can pioneer your own adventures at Mt. Hood.
The Mt. Hood Byway makes a natural loop around the mountain, and offers access to three of Oregon's unique natural wonders: Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. Small family farms and nurseries where trees, shrubs and flowers are grown for shipment all over the world dot the route. From this idyllic scene of life, the route suddenly changes to a world of primeval forest, complete with canopies of huge old growth fir, small waterfalls, wild rivers and national forest lands. All along the route, Mt. Hood looms as the backdrop.
The many faces of Mt. Hood change as you loop around the route and you truly have to experience the view from all angles. Timberline Lodge sits at the 6,000-foot level of Mt. Hood, perched right at the timber line on the southern flank of Mt. Hood with inspiring views of the summit. When you descend the mountain on one of the many trails, the landscape changes once again to gives glimpses of a patchwork of small farms, vineyards and fertile orchards, into the dramatic Columbia River Gorge.
The Byway provides access to the most popular recreation destination in Oregon. From year-round skiing on Mt. Hood at Timberline to world-class wind surfing in Hood River, the route is known around the world for top-notch recreation with a distinctive array of outdoor settings.
Nowhere else can visitors experience the fantastic range of geology and nature entwined with human history, all within a few miles.
Short and Exciting Day Hikes on the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway
Pacific Crest Trail