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Mt. Hood Must-do Summer Hikes and Campground Recommendations

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Summer is the best time to visit the Mt. Hood area. There are so many lovely lakes, and the mountain views are outstanding! While I got my feet wet (literally) at PNW hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood is where I really got hooked on hiking, backpacking, local history and my naturalist studies. It is such a gift to be able to hike in such breathtaking surrounds and learn so much while doing it.

Mt. Hood has a lot of trails, many of which are not kid-friendly. The area can also be quite rugged with limited cell service and bad roads. The good news is that there are at least 45 kid-friendly hikes around this dormant volcano (although it is considered potentially active and could become more active at some point). Continue reading to find out my favorite hikes (and nearby campgrounds) from my third book little feet hiking: Mt. Hood. For the best information, including where to hike when the mountain is hiding, as well as almost all the details you need for a safe and fun family hike, pick up a copy on Amazon or at Vintage Books before hitting the trail.

Pro-tips for hiking in the summertime around Mt. Hood:

  • Remember that not every trail will be right for your family. I go into this more in my books, but please assess your family members’ hiking abilities and pay attention to the risks outlined so that you can determine if a trail is right for your family. Many trails in the Mt. Hood area are quite remote, and you may encounter wildlife. Thoroughly-researched trail guides will prepare you better than free apps generated by all types of users.
  • If it is warm in town, it still may be cool in the mountains. On the morning of your hike, check daytime and overnight weather conditions and make sure to bring the right gear. Often, mountain mornings start out foggy/cloudy and afternoons get sunny. It is good to plan for changing weather conditions. To find the most accurate forecast, visit NOAA, and click on the spot closest to where you’ll be hiking (check the elevation).
  • Make sure to check mountain snow levels.
  • Educate yourself on summer safety.
  • Don’t forget your mosquito repellant, sun protection, and anti-itch cream!
  • Check for wildfires and smoke, as well as air quality.
  • In summer, water can still be cold and swift or even unsafe due to toxins. Washington.gov has great tips for keeping kids safe or learn more about kids and water safety here.
  • Maintain reasonable expectations and have fun!

WEST SIDE HIKES

Old Salmon River Trail

  • 1.2 to 2.8 miles round trip
  • Shady trail with big trees and beautiful river
  • Auto break-ins can be an issue here, so plan accordingly with this advice
  • Great for a cloudy day up on the mountain
  • Learn about the old-growth trees you’ll encounter in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

Little Zigzag Canyon

  • 2.4 miles round trip
  • This hike is an excellent way to experience the alpine areas of Mt. Hood with the comfort of flush toilets inside historic Timberline Lodge
  • See if you can spot Trillium Lake and Mt. Jefferson
  • There are some drop-offs on this hike, so use caution
  • Keep an eye and ear out for marmots (learn more in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood)

Trillium Lake

  • 1.9 mile round trip loop
  • Add on a swim or boat rental after your hike, or consider camping in the adjacent campground
  • Very busy on summer weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday
  • Learn about the historical significance of this neat area in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

SOUTH SIDE HIKES

Little Crater Lake

  • 1.4 to 3.2 miles round trip
  • Barrier-free trail to a very geologically-interesting turquoise lake; less barrier-free beyond
  • Swimming isn’t allowed in the lake, and bug spray is a good idea
  • Great for a cloudy day up on the mountain
  • Learn about how Little Crater Lake was formed in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood
  • Consider making it an overnight at adjacent Crater Lake Campground

Buck Lake

  • 1 mile round trip
  • The lake destination is a great place to wade in the water, go fishing, or look for rough-skinned newts
  • The trailhead can be hard to find and there is no cell service; find directions and weblinks in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood
  • Great for a cloudy day up on the mountain

Lower Twin Lake

  • 4 miles round trip
  • This busy hike takes you along the Pacific Crest Trail to a picture-perfect lake
  • Consider bringing your overnight gear and nabbing a lakeside campsite
  • Great for a cloudy day up on the mountain
  • Nearby Frog Lake Campground and Day Use Area is fantastic for viewing frogs in summer

Anvil Lake

  • 2.9 miles round trip
  • This hike is more obscure and remote, so you’ll definitely need to arrived prepared (get all the deets in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood)
  • One of my favorites, this hike takes you through old-growth forest and through boggy meadows to a lovely lake
  • Great for a cloudy day up on the mountain
  • Keep an eye out for elk and lots of wildflowers
  • Consider booking a campsite at nearby Timothy Lake

EAST SIDE HIKES

Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District

  • 1.7 to 2.1 miles round trip
  • The view of Mt. Hood from Cloud Cap is one of the best around
  • Keep an eye out for marmots in the rock fields
  • Bring overnight gear to stay in adjacent Tilly Jane or Cloud Cap Saddle campgrounds
  • Learn about the historic Cloud Cap Inn and Tilly Jane Historic District in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

Five Mile Butte

  • 1.4 to 4.4 miles round trip
  • This hike offers up a relatively unique east-facing perspective of the drier part of the state
  • You won’t find this hike description anywhere other than little feet hiking: Mt. Hood
  • Please respect any visitors who are paying to stay at the lookout; you won’t be able to go up the stairs or in the lookout, but you can still walk underneath it

Tamawanas Falls

  • 3.8 miles round trip
  • The waterfall is pretty epic, and there are some neat rock formations seen from the trail
  • The trail has some cliffs and challenging rock fields
  • It can be quite busy on summer weekend, and is great on a cloudy day
  • Nearby Nottingham Campground is a family favorite

Umbrella Falls

  • 4.1 miles round trip
  • While the destination is a lovely waterfall, I hike it for the spectacular wildflowers blooming in summer
  • Keep an eye out for Mt. Hood views and bring bug spray
  • Great for a cloudy day up on the mountain
  • Read up on the descriptions and risks (like a few cliffs) in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

Lookout Mountain

  • 2.5 or 2.7 mile round-trip miles
  • Hike up to an amazing 360-degree mountaintop viewpoint without too much elevation gain; great for kids who want to summit a mountain
  • There are cliffs along the trail; please read up on the risks of this particular trail
  • Look for wildflowers in the meadows
  • Add in some place-based learning by reading about the rain shadow effect in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood, and then seeing if first-hand from the summit of Lookout Mountain

NORTH SIDE HIKES

Lost Lake Lakeshore Trail

  • 1.6 or 3.2 miles round trip
  • Hike through old growth forest and along one of the most picturesque lakes around
  • Consider adding on a campground, yurt, or the lodge stay at Lost Lake Resort
  • Rent a boat at the resort, or plan for some lake play

Vista Ridge to the Rockpile

  • 4 miles round trip
  • This high-elevation hike takes you through wildflower meadows to some awesome views of Mt. Hood (and without the big elevation gain normally required for this type of view)
  • Listen for pikas (learn more in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood)
  • There are cliffs and other hazards along the trail; please read up on the risks of this particular trail

Bald Mountain

  • 1.6 round-trip miles
  • Hike through amazing forest before getting to one of the best Mt. Hood views of all time
  • Look for fairies in the forest
  • There is a very dangerous cliff on this hike; read little feet hiking: Mt. Hood for details on how to prepare for that cliff and where to stop your hike before getting to it

Are you ready to plan for your next adventure? Now go out and enjoy making some summertime family memories!

Columbia River Gorge Must-do Summer Hikes

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The Columbia River Gorge is amazing year-round, but summertime seems to be most people’s favorite time to visit. The Gorge is very busy in the summer, especially on weekends, so it is best to visit in the early morning, late afternoon, or weekdays. You can also try out some lesser-known hikes and try to avoid the crowds (more on that below). It can be hard to know which hikes are appropriate for kids, especially since there are so many online resources labeling cliffy or steep hikes as kid-friendly. I’ve been hiking in the Gorge for over 15 years, and my daughter has been hiking there since she was a toddler….we’ve done the research and scouting for you! 

While most of the 50 hikes in my kids Gorge hiking book, little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge, can be hiked in summer, some are better than others. I’ve picked the must-do summertime hikes from my book, and listed them below. For the best information, including almost all the details you need for a safe and fun family hike, pick up a copy on Amazon or at Vintage Books before hitting the trail.

Pro-tips for hiking in the summertime in the Columbia River Gorge:

  • Remember that not every trail will be right for your family. I go into this more in my books, but please assess your family members’ hiking abilities and pay attention to the risks outlined so you can determine if a trail is right for your family
  • When hiking in the Gorge, especially near or east of Cascade Locks/North Bonneville, make sure you do a tick check after your hike and watch out for poison oak.
  • Rattlesnakes can be seen along some Eastern Gorge hikes, so advise kiddos not to climb on or stick their hands into rock piles. 
  • The Eastern Gorge can be quite hot in the summer, so these hikes are best done early in the morning or in the late afternoon. 
  • If it is warm in town, it still may be cool in the mountains. On the morning of your hike, check daytime and overnight weather conditions and make sure to bring the right gear.
  • Make sure to check mountain snow levels.
  • Educate yourself on summer safety.
  • Auto thefts happen
  • Don’t forget your mosquito repellant, sun protection, and anti-itch cream!
  • Check for wildfires and smoke, as well as air quality.
  • In summer, water can still be cold and swift or even unsafe due to toxins. Washington.gov has great tips for keeping kids safe or learn more about kids and water safety here.
  • Maintain reasonable expectations and have fun!

Latourell Falls

  • 2.2 round-trip miles
  • This is one of a handful of kid-friendly Gorge waterfall hikes unaffected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire
  • There is easy creek access for a bit of splashing
  • The rock formations on this hike are amazing
  • Visit during off hours or on weekdays in order to find parking

Larch Mountain Environmental Education Site

  • 0.9 to 1.8 miles round-trip
  • Practically unknown hike, so it shouldn’t be busy
  • Visit this site for solitude, shade, and creek play
  • Look for Oregon Slender Salamanders (learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)

Emerald Falls

  • 1.2 round-trip miles
  • This is a more obscure hike that isn’t written about in too many places
  • The hike to Emerald Falls is less crowded than other kid-friendly Gorge waterfall hikes
  • Keep an eye out for water ouzels

Starvation Creek State Park

  • 0.6 – 4 round-trip miles
  • Paved and stroller-friendly way to access up to three waterfalls
  • Can be noisy due to proximity to the interstate
  • Lots of spots for water-splashing

St. Cloud Day Use Area

  • 1 to 1.5 miles round-trip
  • Great spot for animal tracking when water is low (learn more about the bear and beavers that live there in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)
  • Rocky beach is great for river access
  • Use caution near the river

Larch Mountain

  • 0.6 mile or 4.2 round-trip miles
  • Amazing mountaintop view of 5 volcanoes
  • Wildflowers abound in summer
  • The amazing forest here is unlike any other
  • The 4.2 mile route isn’t described anywhere else other than little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge

Nellie Corser Wildlife Unit

  • 0.85 round-trip mile
  • This short hike is lesser-known and lovely
  • The creek offers cool water to splash in on a warm day
  • Pay special attention to directions in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge so you can avoid private property and ledges

Hood River Waterfront Trail

  • 2.8 miles out-and back (but you can do less)
  • Paved, stroller-friendly trail takes you past a playground and river access
  • The trail is fun for watching kiteboarders and windsurfers in the summer

Dry Creek Falls

  • 3.8 mile round-trip miles
  • Hike through shady forest, right up to a waterfall
  • There is good parking at the trailhead
  • Look for wildflowers along the way

Nick Eaton Falls

  • 4.4 round-trip miles
  • This hike has shade, wildflowers, and a nice waterfall you can walk right up to
  • The hike was impacted by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire (learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)
  • This trail is cliffy and best for older hikers

Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail

Mosier Tunnels

  • 2+ round-trip miles
  • Paved and stroller-friendly walk in and out of historical tunnels
  • Great place in the eastern Gorge to hike on a hot day due to its shade

Hope you found this helpful! Now go out and enjoy making some summertime family memories!

How and Where to Hike in Spring around Portland, Vancouver, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge

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Hiking at Lucia Falls during the camas bloom

Spring is such a mixed bag around here. In a given year, we can have snow, ice, rain, hail, and sunshine. Spring in the PNW means wildflowers are popping up everywhere, the waterways are full, and temperatures are (should be??) warming up.

Looking for migratory birds at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

It can be hard to know where to hike in the spring since the weather is constantly changing and snow levels are still quite low. Urban trails, as well as the local national wildlife refuges are usually a good bet with their low elevation and migratory bird excitement. Hikes in the Gorge, as well as most hikes below 2,000 feet are a good bet in spring.

Admiring Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge

While I can’t fully prepare you for spring hiking, below are a few tips on how to hike with your kids in spring:

  • Plan for quickly changing weather. Check the weather the morning of your hike, but make sure you have extra layers for rain, wind, or hail.
  • Dress in layers and avoid cotton. The combination of cool spring temperatures and rain can still put you in hypothermia territory.
  • If you are going up into the area’s national forests, check conditions on trailhead pages (included in book descriptions), as well as here for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and here for the Mt. Hood National Forest
  • Assume you will encounter mud and bring a change of clothes for kiddos!
  • Make sure you do a tick check after your hike and watch out for poison oak, especially when hiking through oak woodlands and east of the Cascades. Learn about how to hike in tick country.
  • Keep an eye out for rainbows.
  • Maintain reasonable expectations and have fun!
  • Check out these great spring hiking tips from the Washington Trails Association.
  • Consider an after-dinner hike as sunset gets later.
Checking out the Willamette River at Canemah Bluff

Now that you know how to hike in spring, how do you know where to hike with your family? No worries, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled my favorite spring hikes by book. Check them out below.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Portland area, visit this page.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Mt. St. Helens, Southwest Washington, Vancouver, and Clark County areas, visit this page.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, visit this page.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Mt. Hood area, stay tuned for a future post.