Dusty Devas

The WhoopDee Trail, is located off the Old Dalles Road on the east side of Hood River, Oregon. Outstanding single track, approximately 10 mile loop. Fantastic downhill through variable terrain, finishing with a fairly easy three mile switchback back to the parking lot. Most people ride the trail from the parking lot (upper left hand corner) counterclockwise.

The trailhead up to the Gumjuwac Saddle can be hard to find if one does not know where it starts off Highway 35. We had hiked and snowshoed this trail. The trail number for this trail is #480. There are a few lookouts towards Mt Adams and Mt Hood before reaching the saddle. Once you arrive at the saddle, you can continue on to Lookout Mountain or Gunsight Butte trail #685.

Mitchell Point from the bottom of Post Canyon

The Tilly Jane Trailhead starts just west of the Cooper Spur ski area. The Northwest Forest Pass is required. This trail first reaches the A-Frame, the Tilly Jane Guard Station, and continues on to various other trails leading up the slopes of Mt Hood. This track takes us to the Cloud Cap Lodge.

This trail starts in the sno-park off of Highway 35, near Mt Hood Meadows. A sno-park permit is required in the winter months. This is a very popular trail for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. It is an old abandoned road that has a mild elevation trail on it. The first part is protected by tall trees but can get very icy. Bring your microspikes if you don't have snowshoes. You can go quite a ways on the trail and connect up with other trails farther on.

Riley Creek Trail on Mt Adams

White River is a very popular place for winter activity. Weekends are very busy with families playing in the snow, outdoor groups snowshoeing and back-country skiing, and Boy Scout Troops building snow forts for overnight events.

There are a few ways to hike to Tomlike Mountain. This is one of the ways. From the Wahtum Lake parking lot, find the trail that goes down to the lake (about 250 steps). Don't forget to pick up a wilderness permit at the permit station. Near the lake, find the lowest trail that heads north. This is the official Pacific Crest Trail. Continue on the trail as it rounds the lake and slightly gains altitude. You will come to an intersection that points the way to Rainy Lake (West Fork Herman Creek Trail). the trail will continue slightly uphill and then will go downhill. Here comes the tricky part - go past the Anthill trail and at the very next bend on the trail, you will see a little used trail. THIS TRAIL IS NOT MAINTAINED and takes some navigation skills to find the trail through the rocks and trees. Once you find yourself at a small tent site, you will easily see the trail heading up the final steep hill of Tomlike Mountain. Beautiful views of Mt Hood. On the return trip you can take the Anthill Trail junction which will lead you up and over the hill, with views of Wahtum Lake, and it will deposit you back at the parking lot, just behind the restroom.

As one of the most difficult trails in the Gorge, one is rewarded with outstanding views at the top of the Bonneville Dam, the flowing Columbia River, and mountain views of Mt Hood, Mt Adams, and Mt Rainier (and Mt St Helens from the north end). With a 3,300 elevation gain, it is not a hike for the faint hearted. Both uphill and downhill can be treacherous, with brutal rock and slippery terrain. This track displays an alternate uphill route with magnificent views to the east and south. Some navigation skills are required to reach the top. On the way down, the west side is difficult, steep, and slow going. This trip was done counter clock wise. UPDATE 01-18-19: Parking under the power lines is not allowed any longer. One must park near Hwy 14 and basically take the Pacific Crest Trail up to Table Mountain, dramatically increasing the mileage.

There are many entry points into Indian Heaven and this is just one of them from the Thomas Lake Trailhead, located on the west side of the Wilderness. It is also one of the easiest hikes into the interior. You must have a Northwest Forest Pass to park here due to the well maintained pit toilet facility at the parking lot. Fill out a wilderness permit at the trailhead. This is one of our favorite fall hikes as the huckleberry bushes will have turned a beautiful red color and the mosquitoes are few and far between. This track description is from the Thomas Lake Trailhead to Junction Lake and back. The elevation is fairly mild and you may find yourself stopping frequently to take snapshots of all the lakes on both sides of the trail. When you reach Blue Lake on your right (it's mighty blue), turn left onto the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail will mosey along, then go uphill, and then downhill to Junction Lake.

In comparison to other trails in our area, the Trapper Creek Wilderness is one of the lighter traveled trails in the Gorge area. The 13 mile loop gains 2,600 vertical feet and there are creeks to cross and a waterfall to gaze at. There are giant trees to gawk at, huckleberries to eat (when in season), and the simple fact that it is a beautiful place to be in. If 13 miles is too long of a hike, there are shortcuts to make smaller loops, although the shortcuts can be steep as they connect to the other side.

Located on Highway 14 east of Bingen, Washington, Catherine Creek is a highly popular day hiking area. There are many trails to choose from and most of them go up in elevation. The views from the higher elevation is spectacular with views of the Columbia River and Mt Hood. Very popular in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Be cautious of rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak. Know what each look like and know how to treat. How to get there: Catherine Creek is located approximately 7.5 miles from the Hood River Bridge. From the Bridge, go east through Bingen, driving 5.9 miles on Highway 14 and then turn left onto Old Highway No. 8. Follow the old highway about 1.5 miles and pull into a large parking pullout area on the left hand side of the highway. Because this is a very popular place to hike, parking will be at a premium on the weekends. Caution: State Patrol will give you a ticket if you park on the highway.

This trail takes you up the Oak Ridge Trail to the Surveyors Ridge trail. One can continue up to Bald Butte but that is an additional four miles (round trip). Beautiful views are to be had of Mt Hood and the surrounding upper Hood River Valley. This is a fairly popular hike, just be cautious of poison oak and ticks.

This is a beautiful hike to the viewpoint 3.25 miles one way from the trail head. On a sunny day, Mt Hood stands out in all its glory against a bright blue sky. Bring a lunch and a camera and enjoy the view!

This loop on the southeast side of Mt Hood is spectacular in the late fall when the huckleberry leaves are red and other bushes have changed color. It's about a 12 mile loop and we usually tackle it going counterclockwise. Part of the trail is considered wilderness, but most is forest land. Park at the Elk Meadows trailhead and have your Northwest Forest Pass hanging in your front window. Follow the Elk Meadows trail, cross the bridge over Clark Creek, and then at the Newton ridge sign, turn left up the hill. If you get to Newton Creek, you've gone to far. After a nice long uphill with views of Newton Creek far below you, turn left onto the Timberline Trail 600 and continue hiking south. Making your way into the Clark Creek area (advanced downhill skiers know the area as Heather Canyon at Mt Hood Meadows), you will have to find a way across Clark Creek. Luckily, in the fall one can jump rock to rock to get over the rushing creek. Continuing through Heather Canyon you will see beautiful waterfalls and once you meander up the hill, you will be walking underneath ski lifts. You will come to an intersection where you need to take the left fork and head downhill. Cross the Mt Hood Meadows access road and continue down, passing a couple of waterfalls. After 12 miles you will arrive back at your car.

McNeil Point is one of the most popular hikes on Mt Hood. For a complete description of the route up to the McNeil Point Shelter, please visit the Oregon Hiker's website at [url=http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/McNeil_Point_Hike]http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/McNeil_Point_Hike[/url] Please be aware that car break-ins do happen at popular trailheads. Never leave anything valuable in your car. We usually take the car registration out of our cars and carry them with us on the hike. You don't want someone breaking in and then finding out where you live.

This is a fun loop with a side trail up to the Timberline Trail via Mt Hood Meadows. The loop can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise, but the preference is to hike it counterclockwise. Start at the Elk Meadows trailhead and if you time it right in August, you will enjoy ripe hickleberries as you make your way up to the left turnoff at trail #667 which leads to Umbrella Falls. After visiting the falls, you can take the 1.7 mile optional trail up to the Timberline Trail by crossing over the paved road that leads to the Mt Hood Meadows upper ski area. Find the trail that leads to the Timberline Trail just north of the new maintenance building hidden in the woods. When you return back to Umbrella Falls, look for the sign that is marked #667C that will lead you down to Sahalie Falls and back to your vehicle.

This trail combo is usually either hiked or mountain biked as it is almost 13 miles one way. We usually have a vehicle on both ends of the trail and ride it from south to north. Take Smullen Road off of Hwy 35 and look for the sign that takes you to the trailhead parking lot. Drop one vehicle here. Return to Hwy 35 and go south (past the "S" curves and turn left on Forest Road 44. The trailhead (#688) is about 3.5 miles up on the left hand side. About nine miles north, you will see the turn off for the Oak Ridge Trail. Be warned: this is a fairly steep downhill trail. The top part is in the trees with switchbacks, but the middle part is the gnarly nasty part. If you fall, you will hurt. The last third of the Oak Ridge trail is back in the trees with a few switchbacks. Be careful of poison oak and ticks on this trail.

This is a short but gorgeous loop starting at the trailhead parking lot by the Cloud Cap Inn. From Hwy 35 take the Cooper Spur Road and follow the signs to the Cooper Spur Ski Resort. Continue past the ski area and the road will turn from paved to gravel. Follow the gravel road for about 9.5 miles. Be aware of the water diversions starting halfway up. Go slow or you may lose your car bumper. The very last half mile can be rough but most cars make it without too much issue. The Northwest Forest Pass is required here. Make sure you bring water with you as there is no water available here. There are two ways to get to the Cooper Spur Hut - after filling out your required wilderness pass, you will have an option of taking the left or right trail. The left trail weaves up in the trees and misses the amazing Mt Hood Views. If you have a terrible fear of heights, take the left trail. The trail on the right takes you up to the moraine where after a nice steep section you will have an outstanding view of Eliot Glacier and Mt Hood. Follow the moraine trail all the way up and then catch the trail that leads off to the left to the Cooper Spur Hut. At this point you have an option to continue up the Cooper Spur trail to the highest point on the mountain, or follow the trail that makes a loop where you can visit the Tilly Jane A-Frame, the old cook building, the no longer used amphitheater, and the Tilly Jane Guard Station. Right after the Tilly Jane Guard Station, look for the trail on the left which will lead you back to Cloud Cap trailhead in about 1/2 mile.

Knebel Springs is a multi-use trail with both hikers and mountain bikers using it. When the snow finally melts in late spring/early summer, the wildflowers are beautiful to see. Knebel Springs is a more challenging trail and has one water crossing. Finding the Knebel Springs trailheads can be kind of tricky. There are two places to park - either at the Knebel Springs campground or start at the trailhead where 8 Mile trail starts. We never find it the first time off as there is no sign telling you where to turn left. To get to the 8 Mile trailhead: from Hwy 35, turn onto Forest Road 44. Drive to the top bearing right at the paved intersection. This is still FR 44. If you see the sign for 8 Mile Campground, you've gone too far. It's really best to have a map or to go with someone who knows where to go. Once you've finally found the little parking area, look for the trailhead and the Knebal Springs sign. You can go either clockwise or counterclockwise. We prefer clockwise.

Ramona Falls is a hugely popular hike, especially during the weekends. Located off of Road 18 up from Zig Zag (or for the Devas, from Hood River, travel towards Lost Lake and then take a left and travel Forest Road 18 over Lolo Pass), one finally ends up in a large parking lot. Approximately one mile from the trailhead, you will need to cross over the Sandy River. This can be a dangerous river to cross, especially any time during spring melt off. This hike can be done as an out and back or as a lollipop loop. Also, don't miss the short side trail down the Pacific Crest Trail for a view of Mt Hood (see map). Ramona Falls is one spectacular falls, especially if you can be there when the sun is hitting the falls through the trees.

Timothy Lake is a full day hike. One can start at any of the campgrounds or parking areas, or start at Little Crater Lake. It is a 13.82 miles loop starting at Little Crater Lake. Northwest Forest Pass is required.

Eight Mile Trail is located off of Forest Road 44 (off of Highway 35) and is a heavily used mountain bike trail. There are several access points to the trail, either from the hard-to-locate small parking area, or from Eight Mile Campground, or from Knebal Springs. Parking at the Eight Mile Campground Day Use Area will require a Northwest Forest Pass or pay a parking fee. You will see fewer mountain bikers if you hike this trail during the week. Or ride this trail! One fun side trip is to the Five Mile Butte Lookout Tower (good potty stop for the outhouse) with a view of Mt Hood. Go in early spring once the snow melts off for beautiful wildflowers.

Located on Highway 14 east of Bingen, Washington, the Syncline and Catherine Creek areas are popular mountain biking and day hiking areas. There are many trails to choose from and most of them go up in elevation. The views from the higher elevation is spectacular with views of the Columbia River and Mt Hood. Very popular in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Be cautious of rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak. Know what each look like and know how to treat. Because this is a very popular place to hike and bike, parking will be at a premium on the weekends. Caution: State Patrol will give you a ticket if you park on the highway.

This ten mile loop hike starts at the Sycline/Coyote Wall parking area. Follow the crowd eastbound on the abandoned road until you reach the first open gate to start the uphill. On this hike we chose to hike up the Little Maui trail to the converted dirt Atwood Road and continued clockwise until we reached a point where we descended to the Catherine Creek trailhead. At this point we continued westbound back towards Syncline/Coyote Wall. This can be a little tricky finding the trail that leads back to the main Syncline area. You do gain another 650 feet to get around the basin. We chose to hike the Labyrinth Trail back down to the parking area. Numerous waterfalls abound on this trail. Always step aside for the mountain bikers flying down the super rocky trail.

Pocket Creek is a fun little place to backcountry ski, snowshoe, or spike hike (when the ground is firm). If you want to avoid the crowds at Teacup Lake, or want to bring the dog with you, Pocket Creek can fit the bill. If you know the territory well enough, you can even go off trail in search of excellent power stashes. Be aware, there are few signs to guide you around this area. It would be best to go the first few times with a knowledgeable guide who knows the area well. Be certain of your ability to tackle the backcountry and have all the essentials with you in case of trouble.

There are a few ways to get to Boy Scout Ridge, this six mile round trip route starts at the White River Snopark and winds its way clockwise through the forest up to the ridge. It is strongly advised to have strong navigational skills and gear in the wintertime to navigate to the top. On blue bird days the views from the top are fantastic. If you want to continue on the loop, find the Timberline Trail that leads down to the White River and then find the trail south back to the Snopark.

Upper Twin Lakes can be reached either by Hwy 35 at Barlow Pass Snopark or off of Hwy 26. This route starts at the Barlow Pass Snowpark. Get there early if you want a place to park your car. It's a very popular place for skiing and snowshoeing. Find the trailhead in wintertime can be a little confusing. It actually starts on the Pacific Crest Trail and goes south, so find the PCT emblem and you will be set to go. On this trip we traveled counterclockwise and on the way back, we took the tie trail back up to the main trail to the car. When you arrive at Upper Twin Lakes, be extra careful you don't get too close to the lake and fall in.  7.45 miles round trip.

Silver Falls State Park, home of the ten spectacular waterfalls. It's about a seven mile loop. In the springtime, the waterfalls are roaring with winter melt-off. In the fall, the beautiful fall colors offset each waterfall. Expect to dodge the many photographers set up in many areas taking photos. 

A great 11.78 mile loop starting at Family Man and riding El Dorado, then a quick left turn onto 140 to get to squiggly trail 133, then another left turn onto trail 130 which leads to Post Flats. Then down Spaghetti Factory, turn left onto Sister Wife, and then back up to Family Man.

The Lyle Cherry Orchard hike is a beautiful hike in the spring when all the wildflowers are in bloom. The trail is located east of the town of Lyle, WA, just a pullout past the tunnel. There is no sign telling you where it is. Be prepared for ticks, rattlesnakes, and poison oak on this trail. No parking permits required. Approximately total 5.32 miles out and back.

The Gillette Lake trail is an easy hike, the only uphill is at the very beginning just out from the Bonneville parking lot, off of Hwy 14. This is a beautiful hike in the spring when the Trilliums are out in force. This trail actually turns onto the Pacific Crest Trail so it is well marked. You will cross an active gravel road, just before going downhill to the lake, that seems to always have trucks on it. Be aware of poison oak and tons of ticks in the spring. Double check yourself when you arrive back at the car so you don't carry them back home with you.

The Deschutes River is a multi use area - you will see backpackers in the early spring, day hikers, fishermen, and mountain bikers. The Deschutes River had a wildfire in 2018 but is quickly recovering from the burned areas. Take either the river trail or the gravel road. Look for a variety of birds nearer the entrance, and keep an eagle eye out for river otters. They are so cute! There are concrete outhouses about every 2.5 miles. They are clean and usually have TP. There is a fee for overnighters but parking is free for day hikers.

The Laurance Lake High Ridge Trail has multiple views of the reservior with Mt Hood floating above it. Cross over the dam to the north side and locate the trail off to the right. This hike has many switchbacks leading up to the rim. It is a beautiful hike in the fall with the red, yellow, orange leaves hanging over your heads. Note: This area is very busy on summer weekends due to a local campground nearby. 

The Elk Cove trailhead is also nearby and requires a Northwest Forest Pass.

Ahhh, Tamanwanas Falls, one of the most popular hikes on Mt Hood. A two mile hike to a beautiful waterfall creates packed parking at the trailhead. This hike is especially beautiful in the winter when super cold weather freezes the waterfall and creates amazing ice stalactites and stalagmites. In wintertime one will need either snowshoes or microspikes. In the spring, one will need raingear from the waterfall spray.

Knebel Springs trail is popular with mountain bikers and is great fun in the late spring after Road 44 has melted out and the wildflowers are popping. This trail can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise. Be cautious as there are also hikers on the trail too.

Eightmile trail is a favorite for mountain bikers who want a change of scenery from riding Post Canyon trails. A great time to go is when Road 44 has melted out and the wildflowers are popping. The Eightmile trail can tie into the Knebel Springs trail for a longer, more challenging ride. Don't forget to take the short side trail and visit the Five Mile Butte Fire Lookout.

If you park at the Eightmile parking area, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass.

NOTE: The Mt Hood National Forest has determined that e-bikes are not allowed on forest trails.

Everybody knows where Dog Mountain is off of Hwy 14 in Washington State. Hugely popular, especially in late May when the Balsam Root is popping all over the mountain. You must have a permit to hike Dog Mountain on the weekends. Do an internet search to find out more information if you are going to hike on a weekend. No permit is required if you want to hike on a weekday. But (there's always a but isn't there), get there early for a parking space.

There are basically three ways to hike to the top of Dog Mountain. This is just one of the ways. It's approximately 7.3 miles round trip with a butt kicking 3,015 foot elevation gain. Once you've hiked this trail, wait two days for the pain to hit your quads...

The view from the top is spectacular.

Hamiton Mountain, WA in the Gorge. 8.2 miles, approximately 2,487 feet elevation gain from parking lot to top of mountain.

A LOT OF POISON OAK....

Discover Pass required.

Lost Lake Butte is located near Lost Lake in Hood River County. You can catch the trail before entering the  resort area so you don't have to pay the fee. Beautiful views of Mt Hood and surrounding foothills from the top.

There a couple of ways to hike to Bald Butte. This way access the dirtbiking trail from the Pinemont Road off Highwya 35. Wildflowers are spectacular in the late spring with a gorgeous view of Mt Hood the Hood River Valley.