Thunder Mountain

The Thunder Mountain Trail is actually a quiet forest road in the southern reaches of the Mount Hood National Forest, just north of Bagby Hot Springs. Much of the surrounding area still shows heavy damage from the 2020 Riverside Fire, and some connecting roads farther north remain closed. Begin on NF-6322 and follow it north, then west, until it joins NF-4620 (also called Sandstone Road). Turn west onto NF-4620 and enjoy increasingly open views of the Cascade peaks as you climb. About 8.8 miles from that junction, you’ll reach the small Thunder Mountain Trailhead pullout on your left. Continue driving the same road (still NF-4620) as it gradually ascends to a broad, man-made plateau at the end. From there, expansive vistas open up across the burned and recovering forest, with Mount Jefferson rising prominently in the distance on clear days.