Hiking the Mt. Hood Area

Backcountry in the lush cascade forests of Mt. Hood is vast and green. With over 1,200 miles of hiking trails, whether it is a day hike or a 15-day backpacking trip, the options are open. Mt. Hood National Forest encompasses 1.2 million acres and has four designated Wilderness Areas

One of the trademark destinations near Mt. Hood is Multnomah Falls, the 18th largest waterfall in the world by volume of water. Visitors can stroll to the bottom or hike up to the very top of the majestic water feature that Ansel Adam captured in his famous photograph.

Mt. Hood is a dormant or "sleeping" volcano, so hikers may get a hint of a sulfur smell as there are fumarole areas that spew steam. The mountain hasn't erupted since 1907, so a hiker is more likely to see one of the 11 glaciers atop Mt. Hood's peak.

Hikers can expect heavily forested trails. Of all the states in the union, Oregon is the top seller of Christmas trees.

Before embarking on the trail, make sure valuables are secure and, if possible, safe at home. Unfortunately cameras, drugs and wallets are the usual marks.

Spring hikers may find eroded trails or fallen trees, as trails are maintained in late spring or early summer.

All Information Taken From ALLMountHood.com