What You "Otter" Know About Fall Hiking In Mt. Hood Territory

You "otter" seek out trails with a mix of deciduous trees to see the most vibrant colors. Fall is the best time to beat crowds and visit the family friendly Trillium Lake Loop Trail, offering a stunning reflection of Mt. Hood framed by colorful foliage. For a moderate but rewarding challenge, try the Old Salmon River Trail, which takes you alongside a river surrounded by classic fall tones. Here's a list of other great fall hikes near Portland.

You "otter" be a good steward of the land. Remember the principle of Leave No Trace by packing out everything you pack in — including all your trash and food scraps. It is also crucial to stay on designated trails, as cutting switchbacks or creating new paths leads to soil erosion and damages delicate plant life. 

You "otter" always be prepared for changing conditions. Fall on Mt. Hood can bring sun, wind and rain all in one day. Pack layers of clothing, including a waterproof outer shell and sturdy, waterproof boots with good traction to handle wet leaves and mud. Because the days are getting shorter, you "otter" also pack a headlamp or flashlight, just in case your hike takes longer than expected. And as always, remember the 10 Essentials: navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire starter, repair kit and tools, extra food, extra water and a shelter.

Yes, and you "otter" be on the lookout! Fall is a special time for wildlife. You might see spawning salmon in rivers like the Salmon River and its tributaries. It's a fascinating natural process, but remember to view all wildlife from a distance to avoid causing stress to the animals. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. Never try to feed, touch, or get too close to any animals you see. By giving them space, you help keep them — and yourself — safe.

You "otter" admire, not acquire! Fall is a spectacular time to see a huge variety of mushrooms and other unique flora on the forest floor. While it's tempting to pick a beautiful mushroom or a colorful leaf, remember that you "otter" leave them in their natural habitat. Mushrooms play a vital role in the forest ecosystem, acting as decomposers and providing food for wildlife. Furthermore, it can be very difficult for an untrained eye to distinguish between edible and highly poisonous mushrooms. The best thing you "otter do" is to take a photograph to remember what you saw, leaving the plant or mushroom for others to enjoy and for the ecosystem to thrive. Please note: Check with the National Forest Service for exceptions and areas where you can collect mushrooms.