Overview

Webbing through towering old-growth rainforest with majestic Mt. Hood as a backdrop provides the ultimate snowshoeing experience. A trail network measuring more than 1,200 total miles surrounds Mt. Hood in the National Forest and many maintain adequate snow levels for good snowshoeing.

Where to Snowshoe near Mt. Hood

Signs placed at each trailhead clearly delineate which activities are permitted there, so you can’t go wrong. Here’s a list of some favorite snowshoeing trails:

• Old Maid Flats: Highway 26 to Lolo Pass Road; turn north and drive 4.5 miles to the sign for the Mt. Hood National Forest; turn right toward Ramona Falls and park alongside the road. Up that road about .5 mile is a gated bridge; several out-and-back trails head just inside the gate.
• Salmon River Trail: From the intersection of Hwy 26 and Welches Road, drive about 1 mile on Hwy 26 to Salmon River Road; turn right and drive south about 5 miles to a wide parking area and bridge. Snowshoeing north up the river takes you along the Lower Salmon River Trail, a fairly level route through old-growth forest. Going south from the bridge will take you on the Middle Salmon River Trail, which is steeper and more challenging.
• Wildwood Recreation Area: Located 39 miles east of Portland on Highway 26 near Welches, Wildwood has several flat snowshoe trails suitable for the whole family. The park is closed in winter, so you’ll have to park at the gate and snowshoe into the recreation area via the road.
• Sno-Parks: A large number of snowshoeing trails head at the winter recreation areas known as Sno-Parks. These areas require permits for vehicle parking.

Snowshoe Tours & Rentals

Visitors from out of state will find guided tours, both free and for hire, in the Mt. Hood Villages around the mountain base. Snowshoe rentals for all sizes and ages are easy to find as well, at area businesses or at the ski resorts.