Circle Oregon's most iconic peak on a 41-mile loop through alpine meadows, past cascading waterfalls, and across glacial rivers on the flanks of Mount Hood.
“Circumnavigate Oregon's highest peak on a CCC-era trail through wildflower meadows, past glaciers, and across roaring glacial rivers.”
Plan your Mt. Hood Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Timberline Trail
Timberline Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Timberline Trail permit season
- route distance, loop
- 41.5mi
- max group size
- 12people
Where to camp on the Timberline Trail
The loop is 41.5 miles from Timberline Lodge, and it climbs from 3,363 ft to 6,106 ft at McNeil Point. No camp on this loop takes a reservation. There are 5 places to camp, first come, first served.
McNeil Point
Between Paradise Park Loop Trail #757, southern end and Newton Creek crossing.
Elevation 6,106 ft
Optional 2-mile detour to stone shelter with panoramic views.
Timberline Trail, stop by stop from Timberline Lodge
How to get a Timberline Trail permit
No reservation. You get the permit when you arrive.
Arrive in person
Fill in the permit and pay
See the fees below.
Head out
Mt. Hood trailheads and fees
- Timberline Lodge
6,000 ft
- Cloud Cap Saddle
5,840 ft
The two Mt. Hood trailheads in full
Primary6,000 ft elevation
Timberline LodgeMost popular starting point with historic WPA-era lodge, parking, and services.
- Restrooms
- Water on site
- Some signal
Parking
Large paved lot. No Northwest Forest Pass required (separate Timberline parking fee). Very busy on summer weekends.
Getting there
From Highway 26, take Timberline Highway 6 miles to the Lodge. Paved road year-round.
Nearest services
Timberline Lodge has restaurant, cafe, and gift shop. Government Camp (6 miles) has full services.
Alternate5,840 ft elevation
Cloud Cap SaddleNorth side access requiring high-clearance vehicle. Less crowded starting point.
- Restrooms
- No water
- No signal
Parking
Unpaved lot. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Getting there
Access via FR 3512 from Highway 35. High-clearance vehicle recommended for final miles.
Nearest services
Hood River (25 miles) has full services.
As of September 2026, Timberline Trail in Mt. Hood Wilderness, Oregon requires a permit issued via walk-up. Timberline Trail is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Timberline Trail route covers 41.5 miles, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Oregon Cascades, OR
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Timberline Trail: Live availability activityTimberline Trail permit itineraryDo I need a Timberline Trail permit?
How much a Timberline Trail permit costs
Timberline Trail permit fee: Free (Northwest Forest Pass for parking: $5/day).
The Timberline Trail hike
- Distance
- 41.5 miles
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- 3-4 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Elevation Range
- 3,273 - 7,320 ft
Circumnavigate Oregon's highest peak on a CCC-era trail through wildflower meadows, past glaciers, and across roaring glacial rivers.
About this permit
The Timberline Trail is a 41-mile loop circumnavigating Mount Hood in Oregon's Cascade Range. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the trail follows the mountain's treeline through alpine meadows, past eleven glaciers, and across numerous glacial rivers.
The trail gains approximately 10,000 feet of cumulative elevation and includes several challenging river crossings that require careful timing and route-finding.
The route
Most hikers begin at Timberline Lodge, walking clockwise to tackle the challenging western drainages with fresh legs. The first miles descend through Zigzag Canyon (800 feet down and 800 feet up) before reaching the wildflower paradise of Paradise Park.
Past Paradise Park the trail drops to ford the Sandy River, then reaches Ramona Falls, a veil of water over basalt columns. Beyond it lie the Muddy Fork and, on the north side, Ladd Creek, each swelling with glacial melt by afternoon.
The north side crosses Ladd, Coe and Eliot creeks past established camps at McNeil Point, Cairn Basin and Elk Cove, perhaps the trail's most spectacular meadow. The east side passes Cloud Cap, then fords Newton Creek, Clark Creek and the White River on the way back to the Lodge.
Why it matters
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Timberline Trail has become the Pacific Northwest's premiere volcano circumnavigation. It encircles Mount Hood at treeline, offering intimate views of eleven glaciers, dramatic alpine meadows, and the historic Timberline Lodge. For Oregon hikers, completing the Timberline Trail is a rite of passage.
The feeling
Mount Hood is your constant companion for 41 miles, sometimes towering directly above through a gap in the trees, sometimes glimpsed across a flowering meadow, always present. The trail dips in and out of glacial drainages, crossing rivers that swell and recede with the temperature. You wake before dawn to beat the afternoon melt, fording icy streams that will be raging torrents by noon. The reward? Wildflowers by the millions, views that extend to Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson, and the satisfaction of circling one of America's great volcanoes.
Timberline Trail hike highlights
- 41 miles over 3-4 days with approximately 10,000 feet of total elevation gain
- Multiple glacial river crossings: best attempted before 10am when water levels are lowest
- World-class wildflower displays in Paradise Park (late July-August)
- Views of eleven glaciers on Mount Hood
- Historic Timberline Lodge at the starting point
How hard the Timberline Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential3/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced backpackers comfortable with river crossings and Pacific Northwest conditions.
Recommended experience: Should have experience with river fording and multi-day backpacking in mountain environments.
Not recommended for: Those uncomfortable with cold water crossings or unpredictable weather.
When to hike Timberline Trail
Best time to visit
Late July through September. Early July may have lingering snow and dangerous river levels. August offers peak wildflowers. September has lower river levels and fewer crowds but shorter days.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (3,250 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Today: Rain below, snow at elevation. Microspikes may be needed.
- Tomorrow: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
Today
49°
43°
42%
Wed
53°
40°
Thu
51°
38°
Fri
56°
41°
Sat
59°
41°
Sun
64°
43°
Mon
65°
41°
Timberline Trail photography guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Paradise Park with alpenglow on Mount Hood is the trail's signature shot. Ramona Falls is best photographed in soft, overcast light to capture water detail.
Best Light
Morning light illuminates the mountain's east face from Cloud Cap. The wildflower meadows of Paradise Park glow in late afternoon light.
Beat the Crowds
Weekday starts avoid weekend crowds at Timberline Lodge. Paradise Park and Ramona Falls are the busiest sections. Camp elsewhere for solitude.
Classic Shots
- Mount Hood from Paradise Park wildflower meadows
- Ramona Falls full cascade
- Eliot Glacier from the Cloud Cap area
- Elk Cove meadows with mountain backdrop
- Timberline Lodge with Mount Hood rising above
- River crossing silhouette at dawn
Timberline Trail rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Trekking poles (essential for river crossings)
- Sandals or water shoes for fording
- Northwest Forest Pass (for parking)
- Water filter (glacial silt requires pre-filtering)
- Rain gear (Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable)
Recommended gear
- Gaiters for volcanic sand and scree
- 50 feet of paracord (for rope-assisted crossings)
- Pre-filter or bandana for glacial silt
- Detailed map and GPS (river crossings change annually)
- Campsite reservations at Timberline Lodge for pre/post-hike
Rules & regulations
- 01Free self-issue wilderness permit required (May 15 - October 15)
- 02Northwest Forest Pass required for parking at most trailheads (not Timberline Lodge)
- 03Maximum group size of 12 people
- 04Dogs allowed but must be under control (leash encouraged)
- 05No bikes: entire trail is in designated Wilderness
- 06No horses/stock on most of trail (except PCT overlap section)
Hazards & considerations
- Glacial river crossings: water levels rise dramatically by afternoon; cross before 10am
- Route changes: storms and floods regularly wash out trail sections
- Exposure: trail is above treeline with limited shelter
- Weather: conditions can change rapidly; be prepared for cold, wind, and rain
- Glacial rivers are extremely cold: hypothermia risk during crossings
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Timberline Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Timberline Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Timberline Trail FAQ
How do I get a Timberline Trail permit?
Timberline Trail is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Timberline Trail?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Timberline Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and reading the official permit page for how this one is issued.
What if I can't get a Timberline Trail permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Timberline Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Timberline Trail permit
- Easier AlternativePermit required
Paradise Park Loop
12-mile loop from Timberline Lodge through Paradise Park's famous wildflower meadows.
Tradeoffs
Captures the best wildflowers without the challenging river crossings.
- Same AreaPermit required
Ramona Falls / McNeil Point
Day hike or overnight to the trail's most popular waterfall and viewpoint.
Tradeoffs
Sample the highlights without full circumnavigation.
- Similar ExperienceNo permit needed
Loowit Trail (Mt. St. Helens)
30-mile loop around Mount St. Helens for a different Pacific Northwest volcano experience.
Tradeoffs
More rugged volcanic terrain but no permit hassle.
Where to stay near Timberline Trail
- Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park campgroundWashington
- Silver Falls Group SiteOkanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
- Lake Creek Campground - Entiat RiverOkanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
- All Oregon campgrounds
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