Timberline Trail — Mt. Hood

Route Details

Best Season

July through September. Glacial stream crossings dangerous in June. Sandy River can require rope in early July.

About This Route

The Timberline Trail is a 41-mile loop circumnavigating Mount Hood in Oregon, staying high on the volcano's flanks between 5,400 and 7,300 feet. The trail passes through alpine meadows, crosses glacial streams, and skirts the lower edges of Mount Hood's multiple glaciers—offering a complete perspective of the volcano from every angle. Stream crossings are the defining challenge. Sandy River, Eliot Branch, and Ladd Creek can be dangerous in early season snowmelt, typically peaking in late June. By August, most crossings are manageable. Some years, Sandy River requires a rope system as late as July. The trail passes the historic Timberline Lodge on the south side—an excellent mid-route resupply and rest stop. The Paradise Park section on the southwest offers some of the best wildflower meadows in the Pacific Northwest, peaking in July and August. Most hikers complete the loop in 3-5 days. Some ambitious runners do it in a single day (under 24 hours). The Eliot Glacier crossing on the north side can require an ice axe in early season. Views of Hood's summit are spectacular from all sides, weather permitting.