The first thing you'll need if you're preparing to hike the 41.5-mile Timberline Trail is a robust vocabulary, because with the ever-changing scenery and awe-inspiring views, you may get tired of hearing yourself say "wow." Circumnavigating Mount Hood, the highest mountain in Oregon, the route leads hikers through lush forests, blooming alpine meadows, over rushing glacial rivers and above the treeline to rocky, lunar landscapes.
The Timberline Trail was originally completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, connecting existing trails on the north and south sides of the mountain. Today it is heavily used by outdoor enthusiasts, so expect to share the busiest sections with day hikers, dog-walkers, Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers, foragers, photographers, trail runners and possibly even horseback riders.
This beautiful route is certainly no secret, but as long as visitors continue to be respectful and leave no trace, it is a true gem and bucket list Oregon thru-hike.
The entire loop is 41.5 miles long and overlaps with the Pacific Crest Trail for about 17 miles on the west side of the mountain. It can be hiked in either direction, but most backpackers travel clockwise.
While the lowest point of the trail is at 3,480 feet and the highest is at 7,320 feet, the elevation you will hike is much more than 3,840 feet. Because of the consistent descents and climbs in and out of glacial-fed drainages around the mountain, hikers climb more than 10,000 vertical feet on this strenuous route.
This entirely depends on the hiker's style of backpacking or fitness level. If you're the type of hiker who likes to dip their toes into every creek or enjoys spending a couple hours each day reading in a meadow or taking photos, you may slow your pace to complete the trek in four or five days. On the other hand, if you like to pack ultralight and start walking before dawn, it can be done in two days. Most hikers complete the route in three to four days, and in my opinion, three days is quite challenging due to the significant elevation gain and loss.
The loop is most commonly started at Timberline Lodge, but there are several other access points with parking including Cloud Cap Saddle Campground, Top Spur trailhead (0.5 mile from the trail), and Ramona Falls trailhead (1.5 miles from the trail). The roads to Timberline Lodge and Ramona Falls trailhead are paved the entire way, but low-clearance vehicles may have to take it slowly on the dirt roads to Cloud Cap and Top Spur.
Free, self-issued wilderness permits are required between May 15 and October 15 and can be found at most access points to the trail.
Portions of the trail may still have snow on them into July, so the best time to hike it is late July through early October. Keep in mind that river levels may be high in July when the snow is melting. Go during August for wildflowers or later into the season to avoid crowds.
For the majority of the route, the trail is in great condition and is well marked. However, according to the U.S. Forest Service, the Timberline Trail is not fully maintained, and that is most apparent about two miles north of Ramona Falls, just past Yocum Ridge. There are washed out portions of the trail along steep drops and extensive blowdown which requires climbing over and under fallen trees for several miles.
There is also a very steep descent with loose footing to the Elliot Branch water crossing (from the clockwise approach) which requires the use of a provided fixed rope to lower yourself down. Take your time with these sections and only do what you're comfortable with.
There is only one official campsite with running water, picnic tables, a pit toilet and required reservations on this loop: Cloud Cap Saddle Campground. Other than that, backpackers must find pre-existing dispersed campsites on durable surfaces along the trail. There are many established tent sites to choose from near Ramona Falls, Muddy Fork, Elk Cove, Gnarl Ridge, Newton Creek and elsewhere. Keep in mind that camping is prohibited in all meadows, within the tree-covered islands of Elk Cove and Elk Meadows, and within 300 feet of Ramona Falls.
Since Mount Hood's snowpack and glaciers are constantly melting and draining down all sides of the mountain, you never go long before seeing water. The longest stretch without water is Cloud Cap to Newton Creek. I brought two liters of capacity with me and didn't have any problems.
Even over the Timberline Trail's swiftest rivers, there are no official bridges. Hikers should be prepared to scout up- and downriver, take their time, and either wade or rock-hop. Trekking poles are useful to test rock and log stability and to keep your balance while crossing. Keep an eye out for the many cairns in place to help hikers find recommended areas to cross.
If you are hiking this route during the summer, I can guarantee that there will be a fire ban in effect and for good reason! S'mores are not worth risking a wildfire. If you are hiking in the wet season, campfires are only allowed in existing fire rings and are prohibited within 500 feet of Ramona Falls and McNeil Point, within the tree-covered islands of Elk Cove and Elk Meadows, and within Paradise Park.
This was the most wonderfully diverse trek I've ever experienced. You can start your day amongst vibrant ferns, spotting banana slugs along the trail and finish the evening savoring wild huckleberries and watching the sunset turn Hood's glaciers pink far above the treeline. You can see wide, sandy basins filled with shifting fog and distant waterfalls, wide mushrooms pushing their way out of the forest floor, crystal-clear glacial streams, an explosion of brightly-colored wildflowers, gnarled whitebark pine trees, sweeping vistas of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, and of course, views of the ever-changing profile of Mount Hood as you make your way around.
Pack light where you can to save your knees, but don't skimp on the snacks and energy chews. The elevation gain is no joke and I found myself snacking constantly to fuel the climbs. Energy chews with electrolytes are great for preventing muscle cramps. A sun shirt will come in handy when hiking the east face of the mountain since it's completely exposed above the tree line.
Lastly, the difference between your trip being Type 1, 2, or 3 fun can depend on how hard you decide to push! Take the trail at your own pace and be sure to pause to take in the incredible views.