Mt Hood Timberline Trail

Backpacking Trip Prospectus

Author

Brian McCormick
October 01, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Get ready to unleash your wild side on the Historic Mt Hood Timberline Trail!

The Dirty Details…

  • Location: Mt Hood National Forest

  • Season: Fall

  • Duration: 4 days (exact dates included in the itinerary below)

  • Distance: 40 miles

  • Elevation gain: 9000 feet

  • High point: 7350 feet

  • Hike type: Loop

  • Difficulty: This trip is highly strenuous due to the elevation changes, river crossings, and daily mileage. Only well-conditioned and well-prepared hikers should attempt this hike. The hike will generally be long and steep and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain.

  • Structure & Approach: Hike-Your-Own-Hike (HYOH).

In this guide, you’ll find:

Join us for an incredible journey on the Timberline Trail, a 4-day, 40-mile loop around the iconic Mount Hood. Expect diverse terrain, from forested trails to alpine meadows, river crossings, and stunning waterfalls.

The trail features moderate to challenging terrain, with steep sections and river crossings. Expect varied conditions, including rocky paths, loose dirt, and potentially muddy sections, depending on the weather.

We embrace the "Hike-Your-Own-Hike" (HYOH) philosophy on this trip. This means you have the freedom to set your own pace between each day’s campsite, take breaks when needed, and enjoy the trail in a way that works best for you. Whether you prefer to hike solo or stick with others, take photos, or power through, HYOH ensures you have the space to experience the trail in a way that feels right for your body and mind.

The group will have designated meeting points at each night’s campsite, where we'll come together to share stories, meals, and the day's experiences. This allows everyone to enjoy the journey at their own pace while maintaining a sense of community throughout the trip.

Q: What is “Hike Your Own Hike”?

A: It’s a widely used expression in the hiking and backpacking community to encourage individual hikers to embrace their personal hiking style, pace, and preferences. It allows for independence within a group setting. The group might agree on a meeting point at the end of the day or for camping, but during the hike itself, everyone moves at their own pace, stops when they want, and hikes how they choose. It’s a more flexible, less rigid style compared to traditional group hikes.

Required Skills

IMPORTANT: To safely Hike-Your-Own-Hike (HYOH) during this trip and be a positive, contributing member of the community, you must possess the following skills:

Skillset Categories

Notes

Physical Fitness and Endurance

Stamina is needed to cover 8-12 miles/day with elevation changes. Leg strength and balance are also required for rocky terrain and river crossings.

Navigation Skills

Map and compass reading. GPS is used for tracking and confirmation.

Backpacking and Camping Experience

Efficient packing (lightweight essentials). Campsite selection (safe and environmentally conscious). Leave No Trace principles.

River Crossing Techniques

Assessing safe crossing points. Maintaining balance in moving water.

Weather Management

Layering for cold/wet weather. Keeping gear dry in rain and snow.

Water Sourcing and Purification

Identifying water sources. Filtering and purifying water.

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

Basic first aid knowledge. Emergency planning and signaling.

Time and Energy Management

Pacing to avoid fatigue. Taking breaks and staying hydrated.

Mental Resilience

Ready, willing, and able to cope with fatigue and challenging conditions. Problem-solving in adverse situations

Itinerary

We'll start together at Timberline Lodge at noon on the first day for a pre-hike briefing before hitting the trail.

Expected mileage, elevation, and time hiking: 

- Day 1: Timberline Lodge to Ramona Falls (9.5 miles; +1337’, -3792; ~5:45 hours)

- Day 2: Ramona Falls to Elk Cove (10 miles, +3045’; -1020’; ~6 hours)

- Day 3: Elk Cove to Newton Creek (10.75 miles; +3000’, -3000’; ~7:15 hours)

- Day 4: Newton Creek to Timberline Lodge (7 miles; +2200’, -1700’; ~5 hours)

Post Hike Refreshments - To be determined.

Weather Forecast 

In mid-October, expect cool and variable weather around Mount Hood. Daytime temperatures will likely range from the mid-40s to low 60s°F (7-16°C), with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, potentially reaching the low 30s°F (0-2°C) or even colder, especially in exposed areas.

Rain is possible, as October marks the beginning of the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest, so be prepared for wet conditions and pack rain gear. Depending on the weather patterns, snow is also possible at higher elevations, so layering for warmth is essential. Wind can be an additional factor in open areas and higher elevations.

Stay prepared for changing conditions, and bring gear suitable for cold, wet, and potentially windy weather.

Travel to the Trailhead…

Trailhead Location: 45.33079, -121.70951 (Links to Google Map)

Driving Directions: Drive east on Highway 26.

From the last traffic light on the east end of Sandy, it’s 28.5 miles on Highway 26 through Government Camp to make a left turn for Timberline Lodge.

The road winds up for 5.5 miles to the parking area below the lodge (When exiting drive downhill on the one-way section of the road from the southwest corner of the parking area).

Maps & Route 

Scan the QR Code to download the map to your phone

đź‘Ť Trail Daddy Recommends the GaiaGPS Navigation App.

Gaia GPS Maps for Every Adventure

Packing List

Using a checklist is essential for backpacking. It ensures you pack all the necessary gear for safety and enjoyment. It helps prevent forgotten items, streamlines the packing process, and boosts confidence, allowing you to focus fully on your adventure. A checklist is vital for a successful trip.

There is essential gear should always have a place in your backpack.

The Ten Essential Systems aims to answer two fundamental questions:

  1. Can you prevent emergencies and respond positively should one occur?

  2. Can you safely spend a night (or more) outside?

You must have the following essential items on every trip. These can be a lifesaver in an emergency:

1. Navigation (map, compass, GPS)

2. Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen)

3. Insulation (extra clothing)

4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)

5. First-aid supplies

6. Fire (matches, lighter)

7. Repair kit and tools

8. Nutrition (extra food)

9. Hydration (extra water)

10. Emergency shelter (tent, bivy)

Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics program that provides research, education, and initiatives so that every person who ventures outside can protect and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Visit the Leave No Trace website at lnt.org to learn more.

Additional Resources and References

We are looking forward to hitting the trail with you! 

Feel free to reach out with any questions before the trip:

Brian McCormick - Trail Daddy - 315-810-6047 (text only)