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OREGON'S MT. HOOD TERRITORY 2026 Fall Guide2 AT A GLANCE Location Oregon is located on the West Coast of the United States, below Washington State and above California. Mt. Hood is located in northwest Oregon, approximately 90 minutes east of Portland, the largest city in the state. Time Zone Oregon is in the Pacific Time Zone. Elevation Mt. Hood is a dormant or “sleeping” volcano with an elevation of 11,245 feet (3,427 meters). Taxes Oregon does not have sales tax. This means retail purchases, food and activities are all tax-free! Getting Here Portland International Airport (PDX) is Oregon’s largest airport and offers many direct flights from a variety of international and domestic destinations. Mt. Hood Territory is a perfect road trip destination no matter which direction you're heading. Interstate 5 passes directly through our area, and Highway 26 takes you from Portland toward the east. F I C O C E A N LOS ANGELES SAN FRANCISCO LAS VEGAS SEATTLE VANCOUVER, B.C MT. HOOD PORTLAND Furnished Yurt At Camp ColtonTips for what you "Otter Do" to stay safe during your visit No matter when you visit Mt. Hood Territory, you're set to have a great time. Each season presents its own list of things you should know to ensure your trip is as good as possible. Monty Hood, the Mt. Hood Territory River Otter, just loves telling people what they "Otter Do" to make sure they stay safe and enjoy their adventures. You Otter Get A Guide Want to have the most fun and learn about this incredible area at the same time? You "otter" get a guide! Mt. Hood Outfitters knows all the best trails for guided hiking tours on Mt. Hood. And when it comes to water play there are a number of outfitters who will show you a great time kayaking, whitewater rafting or stand-up paddleboarding. TAKE CARE OUT THERE You Otter Ride The Mt. Hood Express Want to enjoy the beauty of Mt. Hood without worrying about driving? Then you "otter" catch a ride on the Mt. Hood Express. The Mt. Hood Express benefits locals and visitors alike, providing year-round transportation to one of Oregon's most beautiful areas while reducing traffic on our roads while increasing access to outdoor recreation opportunities. You Otter Wear A Life Jacket Personal floatation devices, or life jackets, can save lives and in many situations are required by law. So you "otter" wear a life jacket. Life jackets are available for any boating activity and the Oregon State Marine Board has lots of information on how to choose the correct one for you and your family. You Otter Stay On Trail Mt. Hood Territory has a vast trails system for visitors of all experience levels. But you "otter" stay on trail. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plant and animal species, and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. Always practice Leave No Trace principles: Leave rocks, vegetation, and artifacts where you find them for others to enjoy. You Otter View Wildlife From A Distance Many species of amphibians, birds, butterflies and mammals can be found throughout Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. You "otter" view wildlife from a safe distance. Use binoculars or a camera with zoom to view animals. This will help to protect you as well as them.TOP THINGS TO DO ON YOUR FALL TRIP TO MT. HOOD Crisp Mountain Air, Local History And Mountain Dining Experience Autumn Magic At Trillium Lake Few places capture the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Hood like the view from Trillium Lake. Famous for its stunning reflection of Mt. Hood, this lake is packed with visitors during the summer months, but come September it transforms into a peaceful oasis. Take a quiet stroll along the two-mile loop trail, or simply kick back and just soak in the serene view of this lake ringed with autumn color. Watch Salmon At Wildwood Recreation Site Want to witness one of nature’s most incredible migrations? Time your fall visit right and head to Wildwood Recreation Site, about 15 miles west of Government Camp, to see salmon making their dramatic return to spawn. The Wildwood Recreation Site even features an underwater viewing window that provides an up-close-and-personal perspective with the river. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially in the fall when salmon season peaks. The trails and boardwalk are accessible and offer a wonderful opportunity for nature enthusiasts and families to get outside and see wildlife. Where To Stay This Fall On Mt. Hood Nothing says fall like a cozy cabin, a crackling fireplace or a steaming cup of cocoa after a day in the crisp mountain air. Government Camp and the Villages of Mt. Hood are full of inviting options for every type of traveler. Prefer a traditional stay? In Government Camp, the Best Western Mt. Hood Inn offers convenient access to the mountain’s outdoor activities, with comfortable rooms and amenities for a relaxing stay. For a more home-like atmosphere, Collins Lake Resort provides upscale condos with full kitchens, fireplaces and hot tubs, making it ideal for families or groups looking to unwind after a day of adventure. Located just down the road in the Villages of Mt. Hood, the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort is ideal for year- round family fun. With its heated outdoor pool, 27 holes of golf, a spa and close proximity to the hiking Trillium Lake Wildwood Recreation Sitetrails, it’s perfect for families looking to unwind and enjoy everything the mountain has to offer. Want an even more relaxing stay? Try a Mt. Hood lodging property that offer your very own sauna! Dive Into Local Oregon History For a deeper connection to the mountain, visit the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government Camp. You’ll learn about the ski history of Mt. Hood, the history of the US Forest Service, the geology of Mt. Hood and the development of the iconic Barlow Road, a critical section of the Oregon Trail that passed through this region. You can even still hike the Barlow Road! Just outside of Government Camp try the easy trail along the route to Summit Meadow. In fall, this meadow is a peaceful, scenic spot to reflect on the past and enjoy the beauty of nature. Here you’ll find pioneer graves and can imagine what life was like for settlers making their way west. Dine Like A Mt. Hood Local Fall isn’t just about scenery — it’s about flavor! Recap your day of adventure at Mt. Hood Brewing Company for craft beer and hearty pub fare, or head to The Ratskeller, the go-to après-ski spot for pizza, burgers, and a laid-back mountain vibe. Craving something unexpected? Koya Kitchen serves up steaming bowls of ramen in cozy heated A-frames, while Wraptitude wows with creative wraps and burgers. For wine lovers, Cooper’s Wine Bar & Shop offers an intimate escape with pours from local Oregon vineyards. And don’t miss Skyway Bar and Grill, where barbecue, southern-style comfort food, and live music come together in a quirky, rustic setting. Bonus points for their legendary mac and cheese. Of course, every perfect fall day starts with a great breakfast — and nothing beats the huckleberry pancakes at Huckleberry Inn. Pair that with coffee from Mt. Hood Roasters, Coffee House 26 or High Mountain Café, and you’re ready for a day on the mountain. Book Your Fall Mt. Hood Adventure Now Fall on Mt. Hood is a season like no other — where crisp air, golden foliage and cozy escapes come together for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hiking quiet trails, savoring local flavors or simply relaxing by the fire, this is the perfect time to explore the mountain at a slower, more peaceful pace. Start planning your getaway today and make this autumn one to remember! Skyway Bar & Grill Mt. Hood Cultural Center and MuseumHAUNTED WALKING TOURS IN OREGON CITY Find The Spooky Side Of History As the first city west of the Rocky Mountains and the official end of the Oregon Trail, Oregon City is filled with history. And when you get that much history, chances are you’ll get some ghost stories as well. For a hauntingly good time, book a Northwest Ghost Tour. As a lifelong resident of Oregon City, Rocky Smith started giving these tours as a way to bridge the gap between history and paranormal experiences. “I found that many paranormal investigators and psychics were coming into Oregon City due to the number of the city’s historic assets,” said Rocky “I found that these people all were having paranormal experiences but that very few of them knew the history of the city. I could link those paranormal experiences to real events and real people from Oregon City’s past.” Rocky had his first paranormal experience in college while working at the historic Ermatinger House, the oldest house in Oregon City and third oldest house in the state. Since then he’s had many paranormal experiences. On his tours you too will get the chance to visit the Ermatinger House. He currently offers tours throughout Oregon City where guests can expect a mix of history, folklore and the paranormal. “Guests will pass by some of Oregon City’s most haunted places and will hear stories based on documented research,” said Rocky. “Guests have even been known to have their own paranormal experiences on the tours.” The main tours in Oregon City are the Downtown Oregon City Tour and the McLoughlin Promenade Tour. Each of the tours change year by year with new stories and information. He also offers special tours on full moon nights and Halloween. “My favorite part of the tours is when people have experiences or share their own stories,” said Rocky. “Sometimes people on the tour share a story of an experience or sometimes people just see the tour walking by come out of their house to share a story. The tours are about remembering the people who came before us and about telling their story. It’s about sharing their stories and bringing life to the past. One person on my tour said, “It seems like Rocky knows everyone in Oregon City... dead or alive...””7 KID FRIENDLY OREGON TRAIL ACTIVITIES History Comes To Life At These Museums And Landmarks End Of The Oregon Trail Visitor And Interpretive Center The End of the Oregon Trail Visitor and Interpretive Center is located at the very spot pioneers camped in Oregon City when they finished their journey west. This museum offers fun and interactive family activities like candle dipping, butter making and packing a wagon to get a quick feel for life back in the 1800s. A film showing in their theater called "Oregon's First People" was recently created in partnership with the Grand Ronde Tribe to shed light on the indigenous peoples that lived here for centuries prior. Mt. Hood Cultural Center And Museum Located along the historic Barlow Road, which was the last section of the Oregon Trail, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum is filled with the history of Mt. Hood. Discover the ski history of the area, history of the US Forest Service and of course a collection on the Barlow Road and Oregon Trail. Philip Foster Farm Philip Foster was one of Oregon's earliest pioneers, and his farm remains today much like it was then. But of course some new has been added to the historic. Alexa skills now guide through the buildings and share stories of the fabled residents. Another recent addition is the restoration of the historic sawmill on site. Willamette Falls Willamette Falls has been an important part of the history of this region long before the pioneers arrived. Today, you can take a kayak tour with eNRG Kayaking to the base of the falls and hear about this history, and even see Native petroglyphs, along the way. John McLoughlin Historic House Known as the father of Oregon for his role in assisting exhausted Oregon Trail pioneers once they reached the end of their journey, Dr. John McLoughlin resided in Oregon City in a home he had built in 1845, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours of the grounds are available; check ahead for times. Museum Of The Oregon Territory The Museum of the Oregon Territory overlooks historic Willamette Falls, offering an amazing view of this natural wonder. Kids can learn about the history of the region through fun hands-on exhibits that allow them to really put their creativity to work. Hike The Barlow Road The Barlow Toll Road, built in 1846, offered Oregon Trail pioneers a cheaper, more direct route to the Willamette Valley. The road was not easy for wagons and oxen to cross. You can still see the wagon ruts, called swales, where they travelled. No matter the distance you decide to hike, it’ll be fun for your family to follow in the footsteps of those pioneers. Philip Foster Farm Willamette FallsWHERE TO SEE THE BEST FALL COLORS ON MT. HOOD 3 Great Drives To Find Epic Views Mt. Hood Territory offers some of the best Oregon has some of the best fall foliage with its amazing landscapes sprinkled with epic mountain views and trees bursting with radiant colors. Here's some inspiration to travel one of many routes to view the fall colors on Mt. Hood. Drive U.S. Highway 26 to the 6,000 foot elevation of Mt. Hood where historic Timberline Lodge awaits. The colors of huckleberries and vine maples put on a tremendous display around many of the mountain lakes along this path. The Road To Timberline Lodge Begin your day with an amazing sunrise view over Mt. Hood at Jonsrud Viewpoint in Sandy. Trace the Barlow Trail route over the mountain and look down on the Sandy River below. Fuel up before your drive with a hearty breakfast at Tollgate Inn with a made- from-scratch dish, or stop off at Joe's Donuts for some one-of-a-kind donuts. Your next stop is Wildwood Recreation Site for beautiful leaves and more. This day-use area features accessible interpretive trails and boardwalks that wander through forest and wetland ecosystems. In the fall, the salmon return to the Salmon River to spawn, and the Cascade Streamwatch Trail leads to a fish-viewing window below the stream level, so visitors can get an up-close-and-personal view of life under the water. Then swing in for lunch at Wraptitude in Welches for a gourmet wrap with Aloha spirit. Or enjoy some traditional Mexican fare at Chicali Cantina in Welches. Make sure to visit the West Barlow Tollgate, between mileposts 50 and 51, on Highway 26. This is a replica of the last Oregon Trail tollgate on Laurel Hill, and in the fall the trees around this spot really pop with colors. Take a short hike to Laurel Chute, noted as one of the most treacherous portions of the journey for Oregon Trail pioneers, because they had to use ropes and makeshift pulley systems to lower their wagons down a 60 percent vertical slope. Prepare to be in awe of both views and history as you head up the hill to Timberline Lodge. From the lodge you’ll be able to take in the colors throughout the entire Mt. Hood National Forest, as you can see for miles in each direction. Go on a self-guided tour and find out how this historic landmark was built as a lodge and ski area in 1937 and still is used today for its original purpose. Bonus Stop: Head a bit past the turnoff to Timberline Lodge and you'll find the road to Trillium Lake. Always busy in the summer, use drops off substantially in the cooler months. For the most solitude, and most scenic times, get there for a sunrise — the morning light on the mountain is nothing short of magical. Timberline Lodge Barlow TollgateLolo Pass Road Lolo Pass Road is a scenic drive splitting off from Highway 26 near Welches. It's a winding road that goes past mountain neighborhoods before making its way up the pass. Drive carefully, keeping an eye out for both wildlife and scenic viewpoints. Lolo Pass Road quickly crosses over the Sandy River, which offers the first chance at catching some fall color. Keep an eye out for other river crossings as well, which provide even more sightseeing chances. Vine Maple are one of the most common trees you'll see along this route, and also one of the most brilliantly colored plants as well. The fall turns the leaves a bright, vivid red, making them stand out beautifully amidst their neighbors. As you climb to the highest portions of the road, you'll soon be greeted by phenomenal Mt. Hood views. Highway 224 Through Estacada Highway 224, a scenic route winding through Estacada, Oregon, offers colorful foliage in the fall and fantastic views of the Clackamas River year- round. While the beauty of the autumn foliage is captivating, the area also bears the marks of the 2020 wildfires. Burn scars are visible along the route, serving as a reminder of nature's power and resilience. Fuel up on gas and food in downtown Estacada to prepare for your drive, where you'll find an array of restaurants, shops and galleries. Should you feel like stretching your legs before getting in the car, don't miss the self-guided walking art tour of beautiful murals. Once you're on the road, you'll be transported to a world of natural beauty and tranquility. Stop off at the Carter Falls Day Use Area along Highway 224 to enjoy a picnic or simply enjoy the view of rushing rapids. Located along Highway 224 is Rainbow Campground nestled along the Clackamas River, newly restored following the 2020 Riverside Fire. Stretch your legs on the Riverside Trail, a 3.7-mile journey through old-growth forests and along the riverbank. Enjoy breathtaking views, peaceful riverside strolls and the opportunity to reconnect with nature in this rejuvenating setting. Rainbow Campground Lolo Pass Carter FallsNext >