The Salmon River Canyon trail is usually snow-free in the winter, with higher water levels in the river and streams – and the forest at this time of year is lush with many shades of green.
In late October to early November, western larches turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold before dropping their needles. This loop hike on the east side of Mount Hood has masses of them.
On this two night backpacking trip, we hiked in to Burnt Lake to setup camp and day hiked to East Zigzag Mountain and Cast Lake.
Located on the east side of Mount Hood, this trail begins at the Mount Hood Meadows ski area and features a former lookout at Elk Mountain and spacious meadows with a view of the mountain.
Surveyors Ridge is popular with mountain bikers but it’s also a great trail for hikers. We started at the Shellrock Mountain trailhead and hiked to the Yellowjacket viewpoint as an out and back hike.
McNeil Point, located on the northwest side of Mount Hood, is a subalpine and alpine area filled with meadows and great views of the mountain and surrounding ridges.
On this three day backpacking trip, the forecast called for rain, so we took a few tarps and waterproof gear and setup a basecamp at Goat Creek.
The Old Salmon River Trail is a great place to introduce hikers to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s lush, mossy forests and scenic rivers. An easy trail that’s relatively flat, woodland wildflowers add to the beauty in early spring.
Hike beside the Salmon River through a mossy forest with old-growth cedar and fir, primitive campsites, and spring wildflowers to a canyon viewpoint above the river.