Mount Hood National Forest offers a raw wilderness experience in the Pacific Northwest, where towering evergreens and rugged peaks engage hikers on routes stretching multiple days. These trails command respect, with each step pulling you deeper into forests that breathe and rivers that challenge with their ceaseless rush. For those ready to trade urban noise for pine-scented silence, here are top backpacking routes that balance demanding terrain with unforgettable vistas.

1. Timberline Trail Loop — 41 miles, ~7,000 ft elevation gain This legendary circuit courts Mount Hood’s flanks, threading volcanic landscapes, circling crater lakes, and crossing snow-fed streams daring you onward. The route negotiates moderate to strenuous climbs, sometimes rocky or muddy underfoot, requiring steady footing. Campsites are spaced to encourage pacing over 4 to 6 days. Prepare for variable weather and steep ascents around McNeil Point.

2. Ramona Falls Loop — 7 miles, 800 ft elevation gain (extendable with side routes) Great for a shorter multi-day introduction, this loop delivers powerful waterfall spray and dense Douglas-fir forests that seem to lean in and watch as you pass. Camp near Ramona Falls to wake to water’s persistent whisper. Extend your trek by connecting to the surrounding Zigzag or Paradise Park trails for a longer experience.

3. Elk Meadows to Vista Ridge Trail — 12 miles one way, ~3,000 ft elevation gain This route rewards with sweeping views of Mount Hood’s north face and the Columbia River Gorge carving below. Elk Meadows’ high alpine meadows bloom vibrantly in summer, while the trail leads through open ridges exposed to sun and wind. Camp under stars here, but be prepared for exposed sections and a steady uphill push.

4. Big Spring Camp via Eagle Creek Loop — 15 miles, ~2,500 ft elevation gain Winding through old-growth forests, this lesser-known trail offers quiet solitude far from busier corridors. Streams on each side tug at your attention, and the diversity of flora invites careful observation. The loop is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, suitable for 2–3 days of immersive trekking.

Preparation Highlights:

• Hydration is critical—streams are plentiful but purification is a must.
• Footwear should be broken-in, waterproof, with reliable traction for mixed terrain.
• Start early to maximize daylight and observe wildlife activity.
• Weather can shift quickly; layering is your best defense.

This wilderness resists easy conquest; it demands patience, respect, and readiness to adapt. But the reward is unfiltered immersion in an environment fiercely itself, where the pulse of the forest and mountain becomes your own.