Day Trip to Mt. Hood Near Portland

If you’re vacationing in Portland, plan on spending some time exploring the beautiful Oregon scenery surrounding the city. Mt. Hood is just an hour’s drive away and offers adventure galore. From year-round snow play at the ski resorts, fly fishing, hiking the mountain, rock or ice climbing, or simply enjoying the scenic drive along the Columbia River gorge, this day trip is a sure fire delight.

Mt. Hood rises 11,237 feet, making it the tallest mountain in Oregon. You’ll travel along the famous Columbia gorge before reaching the town of Hood River and turning south on Highway 35. As you follow the river gorge, be sure to stop for a break at the breath-taking Multnomah Falls. This waterfall is the second highest year-round waterfall in America with the water dropping an impressive 620 feet.

While in Hood River, check out the windsurfers. This area is a world-class windsurfing destination with winds that reach, and often exceed, speeds of thirty miles per hour. The high winds combine with the river’s currents to create waves that the windsurfers use as ramps to launch themselves to incredible heights. You’ll see the pros doing incredible maneuvers like complete flips. They reach unbelievable speeds too. The conditions here are intense and you’ll mainly see expert sailors on the water. There are a few sheltered areas of the river suitable for beginners and intermediate sailors. Rentals and lessons are available at selection locations.

A unique way to take in the scenery is to climb aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad. A steam powered train will take you along the gorge, through the forest, and across meadows and fruit orchards until you reach the layover destination of either Parkdale or Odell depending on which train you take. You’ll then get off the train and be able to explore these charming towns. During the train ride, you’ll hear a lively narration explaining the area’s history and pointing out interesting points along the way.

The railroad also offers a vintage dinner or brunch train serving up delicious meals prepared on-board. These trains are a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the glory days of train travel. Occasionally, murder mystery and comedy dinner trains are on the menu.

Snow covers Mt. Hood most of the year and its ski resorts are even open in the heat of summer. Bring your snowboard or skis or rent them on the mountain and hit the slopes! Timberline is a historic resort offering lodging, dining, and ski runs. You’ll find everything from beginning runs, freestyle terrain runs, to black diamond trails. With over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, you’ll have plenty of snow to explore. If that’s not enough, Mt. Hood has several other ski resorts to choose from.

If time allows, during your Mt. Hood day trip, head out to the Maryhill Museum of Art. The museum sits on the Washington side of the Columbia River and offers spectacular views as well as a gorgeous art collection within its walls.

Your day trip to Mt. Hood will go fast, slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Helpful Links of Interest.

Hood River Hotels
Mt. Hood Information
Mt. Hood Adventure Tours
Mt. Hood Railroad
Mt. Hood Skibowl
Hood River County
Maryhill Museum of Art

For the convenience of our users, we've included common misspellings and
abbreviations such as oragon, oregan, origon, or, ore, oreg, oregon and oregone.