Route guide · Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood's 40-mile loop, usually started at Timberline Lodge and walked clockwise. The crux is its glacial river crossings — the Sandy, Muddy Fork and Eliot Branch run highest on hot afternoons — and the reward is a different face of the mountain every day, with Paradise Park and McNeil Point the headline camps.
no permit lottery · self-register at the trailhead · the whole crew on one page
No permit quota — Free self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead; no quota. Northwest Forest Pass for parking at some trailheads. Official info
No quota permit. Free self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead; no quota. Northwest Forest Pass for parking at some trailheads.
Most groups take 3–5 days. The reference itinerary here plans 3 nights, camp to camp.
late July – September. Outside that window expect snow, storm damage or closures to change the plan.
Dates, camps, gear split, meals and the crew — planned together on one page instead of forty threads.
Start a trip — it’s free29 campsites
Expand map ↓Mount Hood, Oregon · updated daily
Route profile · camps
Day by day
Camps below are mapped campsites spaced to balance the daily miles — the same planner that builds a Trailmix trip. Your dates, pace and direction reshape it live.
Trailhead → Cloud Cap Saddle Campground
Starting clockwise from Timberline Lodge, this leg involves descending into and climbing out of the White River and Newton Creek canyons before reaching Cloud Cap.
major river crossings
passes unnamed site (2.6 mi) · unnamed site (2.9 mi) · unnamed site (3.0 mi) · unnamed site (3.5 mi) · unnamed site (3.6 mi) · unnamed site (4.5 mi) · unnamed site (4.7 mi) · unnamed site (5.0 mi) · unnamed site (5.6 mi) · unnamed site (5.7 mi) · unnamed site (5.9 mi) · unnamed site (6.0 mi)
Cloud Cap Saddle Campground → Camp 2
passes unnamed site (13.5 mi) · unnamed site (13.7 mi) · unnamed site (14.0 mi) · unnamed site (14.2 mi) · unnamed site (14.5 mi) · unnamed site (15.2 mi) · unnamed site (17.4 mi)
Camp 2 → Camp 3
passes unnamed site (29.8 mi)
Camp 3 → Back to trailhead
This segment returns to the trailhead from the west side of the mountain, passing through the meadows of Paradise Park.
wildflower meadows
passes unnamed site (30.6 mi) · unnamed site (33.7 mi) · unnamed site (33.8 mi) · unnamed site (34.2 mi)
RIVER CROSSINGS — The most challenging aspect of the trail is its numerous unbridged, fast-moving glacial rivers. The Sandy, Eliot, and White Rivers are particularly notable.
TRAIL CONDITIONS — The trail is not fully maintained and hikers should be prepared for challenges like significant blowdown, especially between Muddy Fork and Yocum Ridge.
usda.gov · cleverhiker.com · exploringwild.com · nwhiker.com
A fire closure is in place for the Grasshopper Fire, which may affect portions of the Timberline Trail on the east side of Mount Hood. Always check the latest alerts before your trip. US Forest Service · current season
All advisories →Best months
share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead
TRAILHEAD
The loop is commonly started at Timberline Lodge, though it can be accessed from many points like Cloud Cap Saddle Campground.
US Forest Service
PERMITS
A free, self-issued wilderness permit is required between May 15 and October 15, available at trailheads; some trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass for parking.
US Forest Service
WATER
Water sources are generally abundant from streams and rivers, but all water should be treated before drinking.
US Forest Service
RIVER CROSSINGS
Most glacial river crossings are unbridged and can be dangerous; plan to cross early in the day when water levels are lowest.
US Forest Service
CAMPING
Dispersed camping is allowed following Leave No Trace principles, but specific areas like Paradise Park and Ramona Falls have campfire and camping restrictions.
US Forest Service
DOGS
Dogs must be leashed in developed areas, and otherwise within sight and under complete voice control on the trail.
US Forest Service
They can be hazardous. Water levels are highest on hot afternoons. It's safest to cross in the early morning and be prepared to turn back or find an alternative crossing if conditions appear unsafe.
Campfires are prohibited in several areas, including Paradise Park, within 500 feet of Ramona Falls and McNeil Point, and within the tree islands at Elk Cove and Elk Meadows.
Dispersed camping is common, but camping is prohibited within any meadow, within 500 feet of Ramona Falls, and in other signed restoration areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
SAT 08·22
60° / 49°
cloud · 9%
SUN 08·23
60° / 47°
showers · 7%
MON 08·24
82° / 52°
cloud · 0%
TUE 08·25
82° / 54°
part sun · 1%
WED 08·26
69° / 47°
cloud · 3%