Contact Info
70220 E. Hwy. 26
Zigzag, OR 97049
- Phone:
- 503-622-3191
Basics
- Length:
- 40.7 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- Multi-Day
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 3480 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 3480 feet to 7300 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 3820 feet
- Season:
- Mid-July to early October
Description
The Timberline Trail is a classic Pacific Northwest trail with alpine vistas, waterfalls, alpine meadows and west side Cascade forest. It was constructed primarily by Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s and encircles Mt. Hood primarily near treeline. Most of the trail is within the 47,160-acre Mt Hood Wilderness Area, part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This trail is climbs in and out of glacial fed drainages throughout its length. Its elevation ranges from 3480’ to 7300’. Most hikers find the fast moving river fords to be the most challenging part of the trail. Newton, Coe, Muddy Fork, Sandy and White Rivers are typically the most challenging ones but are typically not more than knee deep. The only river that is bridged is the Elliot and that bridge is removed early each fall.
Regulations & Leave No Trace Information: Leave No Trace Principles: ?? Plan Ahead and Prepare – Have your 10 essentials? ?? Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces- This is the key LNT concept to be aware of on this trail. Avoid areas where impacts are just beginning. Use existing campsites. ?? Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack out even the smallest food scrapes (yes apple cores) ?? Leave What You Find – Please do not pick wildflowers, even if abundant. ?? Minimize Campfire Impacts – If you choose to have a campfire at lower elevations, build a "leave no trace campfire. ?? Respect Wildlife – Don’t give wildlife a chance to be habituated to human food. ?? Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Keep your dog close to you and in control.
Regulations: ?? Wilderness Permits are required between May 15 and Oct 15, but are free and self-issuing at a permit box station where the trail enters wilderness. ?? Group size is limited to 12. On trails that allow stock, stock are counted in the group size. For example, 3 people each riding their own horse plus a spare horse in the group for packing would make a group of 7. ?? Unproccessed livestock feed is prohibited, preventing non-native plant spread. ?? Campfires are prohibited in these areas: o Within 500 feet of Ramona Falls and McNeil Point o Within the tree covered island in Elk Cove and Elk Meadows o Within Paradise Park ?? Camping is prohibited in the following locations: o Within any meadow. o Within the tree covered islands of Elk Cove and Elk Meadows o Within 500 feet of Ramona Falls. ?? Mechanized transportation is prohibited including bikes and strollers. (Wheelchairs are allowed for visitors who live in wheelchairs.)
Details
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Timberline Lodge: Northwest Forest Pass not required. Take Hwy 26 to Government Camp. ¼ mile east of Government Camp is Timberline Road, take this to Timberline and park in the main parking lot. A few access trails near the historic lodge lead to the Timberline Trail a short distance above the lodge. Ramona Falls Trailhead: Northwest Forest Pass required. Follow US Highway 26 to Zigzag. Turn north on Lolo Pass Road (Road 18). Follow it four miles. Turn east (right) onto Road 1825 and continue 0.6 miles, cross a bridge and then continue 1.7 miles to a road junction. Bear left at the junction onto Road 1825-100 and drive 0.3 mile. Take a left onto spur Road 1825-024 to a large open parking lot (0.2 mile). Hike a total of 3 miles on the Sandy River Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail to the Timberline Trail. Top Spur: Northwest Forest Pass required. Take Hwy 26 eastward, 17 miles east of Sandy you will come to Lolo Pass Rd just before the Zigzag Ranger Station. Follow Lolo Pass Road north about 4 miles to its intersection with Road #1825 and turn right. Approximately 0.6 mile later the road forks, stay left onto Road #1828. Stay on 1828 for about 6.5 miles, then turn right at the intersection with Road 1828118. Take Rd 1828118 for almost 1 ½ miles to the well marked trailhead. Please park “head in” at trailhead. Not recommended for trailers. Hike the Top Spur Trail 0.5 mile to the Pacific Crest and turn south(right). The Timberline trail is only a 100’ the trail.