Mt. Hood National Forest
Explore mountains, lakes, hot springs, and hiking trails in this expansive forest near Portland.
Stretching from the Oregon-Washington border on the Columbia River and extending south to snow-capped Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood National Forest has long been popular with Oregonians looking to get out in nature. The hiking opportunities are hard to beat, with miles of trails traversing over a million acres of wilderness, plus plenty of options for camping, rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. Winters are equally magical, and popular activities include skiing, snowboarding, and even just relaxing by the fire at the historic Timberline Lodge in the Mount Hood town of Government Camp.
Meditation Point (Timothy Lake) Campground
Inner peace awaits you at the five non-reservable, hike or boat-in only sites at Meditation Point (Timothy Lake) Campground. Peeps come near and far to let their hair blow in the wind above the waters of 2+ mile Timothy Lake. Boating, fishing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, wanderlusting, and people watching–we’re really not sure if there’s anything you can’t do on or around Timothy Lake, but we are sure that this is a primo spot. Book now, and check the current conditions to make sure your trip remains zen from departure to arrival.
Tollgate Campground
A convenient spot for anyone coming from Portland, Tollgate Campground is right on the Zigzag River and prime pickings to explore the Mt. Hood area. It has 15 single sites, a group site for up to 16 peeps, two vault toilets, potable water and is wheelchair accessible. Try hiking parts of the famed Oregon Trail or fishing in nearby Camp Creek.
Lost Lake Resort and Campground
Despite its name, it’s quite hard to lose sight of Lost Lake Campground! 125 sites (and 18 vault toilets) are set on the edge of the 245-acre lake, with a backdrop of Mt. Hood to rest your eyes on at any point of the day. Whether you glamp (yurts and lodges and RVs, oh my!) or camp the good ol’ fashioned way, this area is your oyster with a nearby boat launch, fishing dock, hiking trails, and a free course in relaxation 101. Check the current conditions for off-season accessibility so you don’t actually get lost on your way to this Oregonian paradise!
Gone Creek Campground
Once you go Gone Creek, you may never go back. Peeps come near and far to let their hair blow in the wind above the waters of 2+ mile Timothy Lake, and camping at Gone Creek Campground is the icing on the cake! (Or… the jam on the s’more?) Boating, fishing, wakeboarding, windsurfing–we’re really not sure if there’s anything you can’t do on Timothy Lake. Perhaps teleporting. Jump ship on the whole water thing, and check out the Lakeshore Trail which takes you on a panoramic hike around its perimeter, for some serious lake people watching. That way you’re far, but not too far from this natural water park! Check the current conditions for off-season accessibility.