At 11,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Hood, the highest mountain in Oregon, towers over the surrounding trees and lakes of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Take a day-hike along the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway and view this snow-covered, dormant volcano in all its frozen majesty. Hike through peaceful wetland pathways to dense evergreen forests and crystal clear mountain lakes.
The Wildwood Recreation Site, one mile west of Welches, Oregon on the western end of the byway, boasts five miles of hiking and walking paths. Stroll around picturesque marshes, peaceful wetlands, natural beaver ponds, mossy riverbanks, and tranquil forests in this 560-acre site. Experience nature first-hand from one of the many wheelchair-accessible paved pathways, or stop to enjoy your meal at a picnic table along the way. A small parking fee is charged for each vehicle that enters the recreation site.
View the byway's wetland habitats up-close and personal along the Wildwood Wetland Trail within the Wildwood Recreation Site. This one-mile loop of gravel and paved trails takes you over a bridge crossing the Salmon River. An elevated boardwalk rises out over the wetlands and observation decks extend out over the wetlands in several locations. Signs along each deck describe the waterfowl, beaver, blacktail deer, raccoons, rabbits, snakes, salamanders, and other wetland wildlife you might see along the trail.
The Wildwood Recreation Site is home to one of the only places in the world where you can observe a flowing stream from below the water and stay dry! To get a unique fish-eye view of this living underwater environment, head back across the Salmon River and walk along the paved three-quarter mile of the Cascade Streamwatch Trail to the observation chamber, which is built right into the side of the Salmon River.
For other beautiful views of Mount Hood, drive 11 miles east of Welches to the small town of Government Camp, Oregon. Government Camp offers a wide variety of exciting and easy day hikes to local landmarks like Little Zigzag River and crystal blue Little Crater Lake. One mile west of the town at milepost 51.7 is the Mirror Lake Trailhead. Walk an easy 1.5 miles to see the snow-covered image of Mt. Hood reflected in the still waters of Mirror Lake. Continue a more strenuous hike in the evergreen forest to the top of Tom Dick Mountain for even more spectacular views of Mt. Hood and the surrounding Cascade Range.
To see the thundering waters of Tamanawas Falls, continue heading east on US 26 and follow the byway onto State Road 35 for 14 miles. You'll find the trailhead just off the byway. Follow the mostly flat trail through thick Douglas Fir forest, across wooden bridges, and over a well-made log bridge spanning Cold Springs Creek. When you reach the end of this easy two-mile hike, marvel at the sight of Tamanawas Falls plunging 100 feet, churning itself into foam on the mossy rocks below.
From the diverse wetland wildlife of Wildwood to the idyllic evergreen forests of Mirror Lake and Tamanawas Falls, the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway offers a wide variety of hikes that can be completed in a few hours, but will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Mt. Hood Scenic Byway
Pacific Crest Trail