Trail Overview
Operating as a highly scenic, out-and-back gravel route within the Mount Hood National Forest, FS 1650 guides backcountry travelers high into the alpine environment toward the northern slopes of the mountain. The trail winds through a vibrant, densely packed evergreen forest that occasionally breaks open to deliver spectacular, peek-a-boo views of the snow-capped volcano. Earning a level 2 difficulty rating, this single-lane forest service road features a packed gravel and dirt surface that remains firm but consistently bumpy throughout the climb. Outdoor enthusiasts heavily utilize this corridor primarily to access the popular Vista Ridge Trailhead located at the very end of the route. Additionally, the road offers access to some incredible dispersed campsites—complete with stone fire rings and log seating—that provide world-class, unobstructed mountain views right from the camp.
Difficulty
Rated as a level 2, this narrow gravel road demands an attentive pace due to continuous surface irregularities. The track is plagued by heavy washboarding, particularly around the sweeping curves, which will cause constant vibration. Additionally, drivers must navigate over several large, distinct water bars and deep erosion trenches cut directly across the roadbed. While these ditches do not require extreme ground clearance or specialized suspension, they must be crossed at a slow crawl to avoid jarring impacts to the vehicle's undercarriage. The corridor is properly cleared of encroaching brush, ensuring that paint remains safe during the ascent to the trailhead.
Offroad