Dog Friendly Hikes Near Mt. Hood

Hundreds of miles of trails flank the sides and base of Mt. Hood, spoiling those who live in or close to Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory with their pick of some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Luckily for dog owners, most of the trails are dog-friendly and vary in difficulty in length, so there is something for all abilities. From alpine lakes to raging rivers to mountain views and switchbacks through old growth forests, hiking with your dog near Mt. Hood never disappoints!

Before You Go: Conditions can change fast on Mt. Hood, so it’s worth checking current alerts, closures and road statuses before you commit to a drive. And as always, keep your pup leashed where required (or whenever crowds or wildlife call for it) and pick up waste.

Start your adventure at Milo McIver State Park’s spacious off-leash dog park, located just past the lookout point— perfect for a quick photo op with Mt. Hood as your backdrop.  Once they’ve had their fill of zoomies, explore the miles of dog-friendly hiking trails that wind through lush forests and along the riverbanks. Later, head down to the Estacada Lake boat ramp. Here, your pup can join you on the water with a guided paddle tour from Clackamas River Outfitters, which also offers accessible kayak tours. 

There are a number of trails of varying length and difficulty that lead to Zigzag Mountain, including Burnt Lake Trail, Cast Creek Trail, Horseshoe Ridge Trail and of course Zigzag Mountain Trail #775. You can connect some of the trails to make large loops or do an out and back on just one. It's the hiker's choice!

Trails approach from either the west or the east and all of them involve some climbing. Some of the Forest Service roads used to access these trailheads can be rough, so take it slow, and check current road conditions before you go. The Zigzag Mountain area is stunning with an incredible view of Mt. Hood to enjoy while you eat lunch from the top.

In the summer, you’ll find beargrass as you near the top and come September the huckleberries make a nice trail snack. Mosquitoes can be ravenous in late summer and ground wasps are known to sting when provoked.

The easy, roughly four-mile family-friendly hike to Mirror Lake is a popular trek thanks to the picturesque reflection of Mt. Hood in the glacial cirque lake. Consider planning a midweek sunset hike to both catch the pink and purple alpenglow on Mt. Hood, and avoid crowds. Better yet, go during the fall months when there are even less people.

After admiring the vista you can either return to the car or continue on to Tom Dick and Harry Mountain, adding four more miles and about 700 feet of climbing to the hike.

The beautiful wildflowers and pink rhododendrons will distract you from climbing if you go during the early summer months. A short scramble is required to reach the peak, which clocks in at just under 5,000 feet. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a smack dab view of Mt. Hood, as well as views of other prominent Cascade peaks, including Mt. Jefferson, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. (Depending on your dog’s comfort with rocky footing and crowds, some hikers choose to enjoy Mirror Lake together and save the summit push for a pup-free day.) The trail is also popular during the winter for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Spanning more than 14 miles, you can go as far or as short as you like on the Salmon River Trail. The relatively flat trail follows the Salmon River through old growth rainforests and is usually accessible year round, due to its low elevation. If backpacking is your thing, there are plenty of campsites at varying points along the trail to spend the night.

If you can make it past the first three to five miles, the crowds thin out and you will likely have the trail mostly to yourself. Resist the urge to scramble down to the river, as the cliffs are not stable and pose a serious falling risk.

Update: This area has been impacted by recent winter storm damage, and access can change season to season. Check current conditions before you go, and be prepared to turn around if you encounter closures or unsafe crossings.

Wildlife can be active on this trail, so give animals space, keep your dog close by if they have a high prey drive or lack recall, and make noise in low-visibility areas.

A classic Mt. Hood hike located just an hour and a half from Portland, Ramona Falls is a seven-mile lollipop loop starring the namesake 120-foot cascade.

Water in the Sandy River can run swiftly when the river runs high from late spring to early summer, so keep dogs on leash near any river crossings. There is no bridge at the Sandy River crossing, and conditions can be hazardous. If the water looks sketchy, it’s okay to call it and choose a different trail that day.

Dangerous river crossings aside, the trail is popular for a reason. The gradual incline follows the Sandy River Trail in the beginning, connecting to both the Timberline and Pacific Crest Trails to complete the loop with beautiful views of Mt. Hood and the surrounding foothills. The loop can also be completed during the winter with snowshoes or on skis, just be mindful that seasonal road access (and gate closures) can shift with weather.

The 13-mile Timothy Lake Loop is an easy trail that follows the shores and forests surrounding the largest lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. It’s a popular loop for trail runners or if you prefer to backpack, there will likely be a spot at one of the multiple campgrounds around the lake.

Timothy Lake is actually a reservoir that helps store and regulate water for hydroelectric generation along the Clackamas River system below. The campground areas are packed during the summer months, but outside of the busiest zones, you can find some quiet. Better yet, head to the lake during the fall to catch some of the abundant waterfowl that call the lake home.

Pack your paddleboard and enjoy a scenic paddle with gorgeous views of Mt. Hood reflecting in the lake.

If you’re looking for mountain views, colorful wildflower meadows and waterfalls, then this is the hike for you! Paradise Park is popular during summer weekends, so it’s best to go during the week if you seek solitude.

The roughly 12-mile route (depending on your exact start/turnaround) meanders up and down as it climbs through a forested ridge above the Zigzag River before dipping into Zigzag Canyon. The view from the Zigzag Overlook will keep you there for sometime as you admire the canyon and views of Mt. Hood.

For a short and sweet hike with few people and a view of Mt. Hood, Flag Mountain Trail is just the hike. The four-mile out and back trail starts out steep over the first half-mile, then levels out along the ridge. Catch your breath and have a snack at the thoughtfully-placed bench with views of Huckleberry Mountain.

Continuing along, keep an eye out for Mt. Hood before the trail drops back down onto an old Forest Service road where you’ll turn around. Mountain bikers also use this trail, so be sure to watch out for them. There is also bear and cougar activity in this area, so keep your dog close by.

If you want a “wow” factor with minimal effort, add Trillium Lake Loop to your list. The mostly-level, roughly two-mile loop circles the lake with postcard-worthy Mt. Hood views, and recent accessibility improvements (including a boardwalk section) make the experience even more enjoyable for a wide range of hikers and pups.

Because it’s so popular, plan for early mornings, weekdays, or shoulder seasons if you want a calmer lap around the lake. Splashes of color and fewer crowds make the fall a spectacular time to enjoy this accessible Mt. Hood trail. In winter, this area is a go-to for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well. Just make sure you’re set up for winter parking rules and road access.

Mt. Hood’s dog-friendly hikes really do cover the whole spectrum, including quick waterfall jaunts, mellow lake loops, long forest rambles and big-view summit days. The main trick is matching the trail to today’s conditions (snow level, river crossings, storm impacts crowds) and to your dog’s vibe (paws, fitness, comfort with people/dogs and recall). Have a backup option in your pocket, and you’ll be set for one of the best hiking areas in Oregon.