Hiking Trails In Mt. Hood Territory

The Molalla River Recreation Corridor lures not only hikers but whitewater enthusiasts, equestrians and anglers. With trails along the beautiful waterway offering incredible views this stop offers something for everybody. The area features an extensive network of more than 20 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. The system combines both single-track trails and old forest roads. The trails wind through the forested foothills and slopes of the Molalla River Valley, occasionally offering scenic glimpses of the forests and mountains of the Cascade Range. 

Hopkins Demonstration Forest provides a valuable learning experience for guests as the forest showcases a variety of approaches to forest management. Five miles of trails crisscross the woodland, connecting you with a variety of habitats and forestry demonstrations. Visitors may observe or participate in the management activities: tree planting, brush control, riparian improvements, pruning and harvesting a variety of products on the property. Travel tip: The forest is also home to a lookout tower that was originally constructed in 1954. The Clatskanie Mountain Lookout was moved to Hopkins and reconstruction was completed in 2021.

With over 6,000 acres of pristine forest, towering basaltic cliffs and spectacular vistas of the Cascades, the trails throughout the Table Rock Wilderness Area truly merit the word, epic. Please Note: Table Rock trailhead is OPEN. Other trailheads accessing Table Rock wilderness remain CLOSED until further notice due to wildfire damage in the area.

Revel in the views, quirky wildlife and 4-mile trail network of varying difficulty, winding through the towering trees that are home to a diverse range of wildlife at Mt. Talbert Nature Park. The hiking trails feel like you're in a secluded area of wilderness, even though you're only minutes away from shopping, lodging and dining options.

Located in Wilsonville, visitors can walk three miles of trails through a restored oak woodland. Watch for native wildlife such as white-breasted nuthatches, Western bluebirds, orange-crowned warblers and Western gray squirrels from a wetland overlooks. 

The Camassia Natural Area in West Linn sits atop a bluff overlooking both the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers. This 26-acre area is home to more than 300 different plant species, including the namesake camas flower. The bloom generally starts each April and runs into early May. 

Explore this unexpected treasure nestled in a neighborhood. Hidden Falls Nature Park opened in 2019 and features an extraordinary natural waterfall that was previously inacessible for decades in Happy Valley. Enjoy the view from the wooden arch bridge.

Wildwood Recreation Site is located along a bend of the Wild & Scenic Salmon River and encompasses 550 acres filled with old-growth Douglas fir, western red cedar and western hemlock. You can actually witness the ecosystems of the natural stream and wetland along the accessible interpretive trails and boardwalks. What really makes an impression is the underwater fish viewing chamber, along the 3/4 mile Cascade Streamwatch Trail.

*Entrance Fee: Visit the Bureau of Land Management site for current fees.

Bring your family with you to Milo McIver State Park for a day (or week) of fun. Embark on miles of trails and stop by the Clackamas hatchery in the late spring to see the salmon hatchery process in action. In addition to hiking trails Milo McIver offers plenty of water play opportunities including kayak and SUP rentals and guided tours through Clackamas River Outfitters. The park also sports a world-class, 27-hole disc golf course and discs are available at the park office to rent or buy.

*Entrance Fee: Visit the Oregon State Parks website for current fees.

Looking for a family-friendly hike that everyone can enjoy? Follow the narrow, shaded trail to reach picturesque Little Zigzag Falls just off Hwy 26 for some amazing photo opportunities. This trail is particularly wonderful on warm summer days as it stays cool in this small canyon. 

*Valid recreation pass required: Visit the Mt. Hood National Forest Service website for a complete list of which passes are accepted.

Burnt Lake is a 6.6 mile beautiful trek that includes old growth forests, babbling creeks and a short spur to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall. The trail then culminates at an alpine lake that rests below view of Mt. Hood. Named after a forest fire in 1904, Burnt Lake displays its history as you walk by old cedar snags, echoing wildfires of the past, and the new growth that has come from it.

*Valid recreation pass required: Visit the Mt. Hood National Forest Service website for a complete list of which passes are accepted.

Navigate secluded forest roads and enjoy views of Mt. Hood from shaded trails on the 6.8 mile roundtrip Flag Mountain Loop. On your return follow the Oregon Trail, passing through a replica of the historic Barlow Road Tollgate from the 1850s.

*Valid recreation pass required: Visit the Mt. Hood National Forest Service website for a complete list of which passes are accepted.

Want even more hiking trail ideas in each region? Check out the Mt. Hood Territory Trails Guide. This downloadable pdf is filled with 12 lesser known trails that range from family-friendly nature walks in city parks to longer, more difficult hikes in Mt. Hood National Forest for those seeking a challenge.

Mt. Hood Territory has a vast trails system for visitors of all experience levels. Trek your way to breath-taking landscapes, fields of wildflowers, top-notch bird watching, spectacular waterfalls and summer huckleberry picking. But you "otter" stay on trail. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plant and animal species, and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. 

Always practice Leave No Trace principles: Leave rocks, vegetation and artifacts where you find them for others to enjoy.

Click to view more things you "Otter Do" on your adventure.