7 Best Things to Do Around Mt Hood Oregon in Summer


7 Best Things to Do Around Mt Hood Oregon in the Summer

60 miles east of downtown Portland is the most popular mountain in Oregon. Depending on your interests, Mt Hood is perfect for summer activities, making it the ideal summer vacation destination. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best things to do around Mt Hood, OR to make your vacation planning easier. Book a Mt Hood vacation rental to feel at home and enjoy the hiking, scenery, and even skiing (yes, skiing!) that await!

7 Best Things to Do Around Mt Hood Oregon at a Glance

#1 – Trillium Lake
#2 – Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum
#3 – Hike Timberline Trail
#4 – Barlow Road and Laurel Hill Chute
#5 – Mount Hood Wilderness
#6 – Mt Hood Scenic Loop
#7 – Mt Hood Adventure Park

7 Best Things to Do Around Mt Hood Oregon in the Summer

#1 Trilium Lake

Located in the Mt Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake is a popular place that offers spectacular views of Oregon’s highest point, Mt. Hood. A 5-minute drive from Government Camp vacation rentals, Trillium Lake is an extremely popular place in the summer time for cooling off and offers a wide variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming and more. Trillium Lake’s small sandy beaches provides picnic tables which makes it perfect for an afternoon lunch and is also bike friendly and dog-friendly though dogs must remain on leash at all times.

#2 – Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum

Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum can be found in the heart of Government Camp and is a perfect place to stop by and visit when in Mt Hood. The museum displays the history of skiing, snowboarding, early exploration, settlement and the natural history of Mt Hood. Find exhibits like the Mt Hood Gallery which includes an interactive 3D mountain model, an exhibit on the evolution of skiing at Mt Hood, a miniature replica of a fire lookout, and more! Open 9 am to 3 pm Wed-Sun   /   closed Thanksgiving & Christmas.

#3 – Hike Timberline Trail

The Timberline Trail circles Mt Hood at or near timberline and is near 39 miles. For those who are looking for a challenge, the 39-mile hike crosses multiple glacial creeks and rivers that flow from the mountain. This intermediate to difficult hike provides rewarding views of Mt Hood and the trails are well maintained. A multi-day hike for backpackers, you can choose shorter sections of the trail for day hikes. The most popular sections of the trail for hikers are accessed at Timberline Lodge.

#4 – Barlow Road and Laurel Hill Chute

Barlow Road, a portion of the Oregon Trail, was built in 1846 by Sam Barlow and Philip Foster allowing wagons to cross the Cascade Range and reach the end of the Oregon Trail in Oregon City in the Willamette Valley. Today, a portion of the road can still be driven on, but most of it is a trail. Trace the steps of pioneers from the Historic Barlow Road and enjoy highlights such as a replica of the old tollgate between mileposts 44 and 45 in Rhododendron where pioneers were charged $5 to cross. You can also see where settlers used to lower their wagons down an almost vertical slope at Laurel Hill Chute near Government Camp! 

#5 – Mount Hood Wilderness

The Mount Hood Wilderness was designated by the US Congress in 1964 and now has a total of 64,742 acres. Oregon’s highest summit, Mt Hood, (11,240 feet) is a dormant volcano covered with 11 active glaciers. More than 10,000 climbers a year come to Mt Hood making it the most visited peak in America. The most popular time to climb Mt Hood is April – June. You can find dozens of trails ranging from moderate to advanced levels of hiking within the Mt Hood Wilderness. Still wanting to ski during the summer? Head to the Timberline Ski Area where intermediate and advanced skiers can take the Palmer Express to ski the snowfield June through September. 

 #6 – Mt Hood Scenic Loop

If cruising around Oregon’s stunning views sounds like your type of thing, then hop in your car and drive around Mt Hood connecting the Mt Hood Scenic Byway and the Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway. The 105-mile drive takes three to four hours, but you will want to make it a day trip that winds you around the mountain, fruit valleys, thick fir forest, and along the Columbia River. Photographers, this is one thing you don’t want to miss as the drive provides views of Mt Hood from all sides! 

#7 – Mt Hood Adventure Park

Mt Hood Outfitters formerly known as Mt Hood Adventure Park offers an abundance of thrilling activities for those seeking adventure. Try out over 20 attractions such as zip lining, bungee jumping, miniature golf, GoKarts, Malibu Racing, rock climbing and more! One of the most popular attractions that kids and adults alike love is the Alpine Slide. The park is home to multiple attractions including a guide company that takes you on kayak tours at Trilium Lake and the Mountain Bike Park. 

Plan Your Mt Hood Trip Now

Let Mt Hood Vacation Rentals help you plan your mountain getaway. Choose from pet-friendly homes, riverfront homes, log cabins, homes with a hot tub, and more for your Mt Hood vacation.

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