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View Trail Map in AppThe trail begins at Timberline Lodge, where public parking is free and does not require a Northwest Forest Pass. Oregon Sno-Park permits are required to park in the Timberline area from November 1 through April 30. The trail is typically snow-free and accessible only from late July through October. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. Because the loop remains outside the Mount Hood Wilderness boundary, wilderness permits are not required.
Path Type
Loop
Mountaineer Loop Trail #798 is a 2.8-mile alpine loop on the southern slopes of Mount Hood. Starting at the Timberline Lodge at an elevation of 5,866 feet, the trail climbs 1,120 feet to its high point of 6,957 feet near the Palmer Lift. The trail provides outstanding views of the Cascade Range and offers a close-up look at Mount Hood's upper volcanic slopes.
The hike begins behind Timberline Lodge near the outdoor pool, heading west. The initial 1,000-foot section is shared with the Timberline to Town Mountain Bike Trail before branching right to climb uphill. After passing through a forest of mountain hemlock, whitebark pine, and western red cedar, the trail crosses the Pacific Crest Trail and ascends above the timberline into an alpine zone dominated by low-lying subalpine vegetation.
The trail continues north to the top of the Magic Mile chairlift and the lower station of the Palmer lift, where summer skiing is common. Turning east, the trail begins its descent, passing the historic Silcox Hut. It then winds downhill, re-crosses the Pacific Crest Trail, and returns to Timberline Lodge near the outdoor amphitheater.
The historic site of an old cabin is located along the trail just below the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail.
All Clear
All Clear
All Clear
All Clear
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