Mount Hood Scenic Drive

This Drive Comes From...

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National Geographic's Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways

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Making a half circle around Oregon's highest peak—volcanic, snow-mantled Mount Hood—the drive then cruises through the rich orchard country of the Hood River Valley. CONTINUED

(Continued From Top)

Mount Hood reflected in Trillium Lake

Photograph © Brett Patterson/Corbis

Begin in the town of Sandy, "gateway to Mount Hood," where the classic cone of the 11,235-foot [3,425 meter] volcano dominates the eastern sky. As you head east on U.S. 26, you move into a forested landscape. After about 15 miles [24 kilometers], you come to the Mount Hood Information Center (+1 503 622 4822), which offers regional information. Half a mile [800 meters] past the center, the aptly named Wildwood Recreation Site (+1 503 622 3696. Mid-May-Sept.) contains forests of Douglas-fir, red alder, and big leaf maple, threaded by hiking trails beside the Salmon River.
In 2 miles [3.2 kilometers] you reach the Zig Zag Ranger Station(+1 503 622 3191) for the Mount Hood National Forest. The ranger station features the Wy' East Rhododendron Gardens, showcasing the plants that create a lush under story in these Oregon forests.
Heading into the national forest, the highway curves past some sizable trees and along the sides of some strapping mountains. The stark, rocky southwest flank of Mount Hood can be seen from time to time through the trees. Many trails lead into the forest from the highway; the Mirror Lake Trail, about 10 miles [16 kilometers] from the ZigZag Ranger Station, is a justifiably popular 1.4-mile [2.25 kilometer] hike to a lovely lake. The trail continues up Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain.
A mile or two past the Mirror Lake trail head, you may want to turn north onto FR 2645 (Timberline Road) and proceed 6 miles [10 kilometers] up to Timberline Lodge (+1 503 272 3311). A 1930s WPA project, the finely crafted timber-and-stone lodge sits above treeline, high on the side of Mount Hood. Besides its breathtaking views, it has a perpetual snowfield that attracts skiers year-round.

Back on U.S. 26, go 2 miles [3.2 kilometers] to the junction with Rte. 35 and head north toward the town of Hood River. Almost immediately you come to the intersection with FR 3531, which leads to a pioneer woman's grave site. If that makes you curious about what crossing these mountains in a covered wagon was like, take the 1-mile [1.6 kilometer] trail from here to Barlow Pass along a remnant of the Barlow Road. Built in the 1840s, this dirt track was the first road across the Cascades.
For the next 20 miles [32 kilometers] you descend through a forest of Douglas-fir, hemlock, and pine, catching glimpses of Mount Hood as you play tag with the East Fork of the Hood River. The road finally emerges into the Hood River Valley, Oregon's premier fruit-growing district, with pears and apples leading the way. The profusion of fruit stands along the roadside here also sell cherries, nectarines, marionberries, peaches, and apricots—and often ladle out free homemade cider as well.
The drive ends in the town of Hood River, where the Hood River itself and its 15-mile-long [24 kilometer] valley run into the Columbia River. You can get a different perspective on the valley by taking the tourist train operated by the Mount Hood Railroad (+1 541 386 1377 or 800 872 4661. Mid-April—Oct.; fare).