Timberline Trail: Guide to Backpacking Around Mt. Hood

The Pacific Northwest has a factor for loop trails circumnavigating volcanoes, and the enduring Timberline Path is arguably probably the most accessible of those traditional hikes. It’s shorter than the coveted Wonderland Path round Rainier (and far simpler to get a allow for) and extra approachable than the rugged Loowit Path round St. Helens.

The 40 mile Timberline Path circles Mount Hood, a powerful glacier-capped behemoth, providing views from so many angles that you simply would possibly truly get uninterested in stopping to gawk. It presents plentiful tenting and water, zero-hassle transportation and permits, and difficult terrain (water crossings, downed bushes, steep gullies) to maintain even skilled backpackers on our toes.

You’ll be able to backpack the Timberline Path with only a quick drive from Portland, even with out a automotive! The logistics actually couldn’t get any simpler. Naturally this makes the Timberline a very talked-about path; you gained’t have many miles to your self on the market. However hikers who end the 40 mile circumnavigation, normally in 3-4 days, will really feel intimately acquainted with dramatic Mt. Hood and its tumultuous volcanic historical past.

I’ve been desirous to backpack the Timberline Path for years, and in late September 2023 I used to be lastly capable of sneak in a late-season hike throughout a highway journey via the Pacific Northwest. My husband and I hiked round Mt. Hood in three days and two nights, taking advantage of two gloriously sunny late-season days (and one chilly and wet day). This information shares our photos and observations, together with important planning data for the Timberline Path as of 2023, together with the most recent on the beforehand closed Yocum Ridge blowdown part.

Enjoyable truth: Mt. Hood is taken into account the Oregon volcano most probably to erupt subsequent! Don’t fear although, the chances are nonetheless very low and scientists are maintaining a tally of it (proper…?). 

Associated: 6 Backpacking Loop Trails within the Pacific Northwest

Timberline Path at a Look

Map and Navigation

The Timberline Path, additionally known as path #600, is properly signed at most junctions. Nonetheless, a GPS navigation app or system is beneficial when discovering your means into and out of the gullies, and vital for common security in case you lose the path for any cause. 

I take advantage of the AllTrails app with the premium membership that gives offline navigation; don’t count on to have telephone service on the path. Gaia GPS is one other well-liked app with related pricing and performance. 

Should you’d like to hold a paper map – beneficial as a backup to your digital system particularly for solo hikers – the Nationwide Geographic Trails Illustrated is an effective one. We selected to not carry a paper map on this journey as a result of we hiked collectively as a pair and each had the route downloaded to our telephones, serving as one another’s backup.

When to Hike

The Timberline Path is a summer season hike. It’s normally doable from July via September, although that window varies from yr to yr. The largest issues are climate, lingering snow, and water crossings. 

Lingering snow: The slopes of Mt. Hood are sometimes underneath snow all through winter and spring, and after particularly snowy winters the upper elevations could maintain snow properly into July. Should you’re pondering of mountain climbing in June or early July, examine for current path studies on AllTrails to see how the soften is progressing.

Water crossings: The Timberline Path crosses many gullies and glacial streams in its circumnavigation of Mt. Hood, and whereas snow is melting up excessive these streams and rivers movement quick and deep. Water crossings are a much bigger challenge earlier within the season, when some could also be tough and harmful. By mid to late August most years the water crossings have calmed down. Don’t overlook this challenge — it’s all too straightforward to imagine you’ll simply determine it out, solely to seek out your self stopped in your tracks by a violent glacial river you may’t safely cross. Once more, examine path studies on AllTrails to grasp present circumstances and learn to cross as safely as doable (see beneath).

Climate: You need to be ready for rain and even snow at any time, because the climate on Mt. Hood is notoriously changeable. By late September or early October the probabilities of rainfall enhance, common temperatures drop (count on below-freezing nights), and early storms could mud the path with snow. Examine the climate forecast earlier than heading out!

Different issues: Wildflowers are at their finest earlier, all through July or August. Mosquitoes are additionally extra plentiful throughout this time. Late-season hikers have fewer daytime to hike and extra chilly darkish hours to go within the tent.

With all that in thoughts, my supreme time to hike the Timberline Path could be mid-August on a mean snowpack yr. This ought to be late sufficient for calmer water crossings however nonetheless early sufficient to get pleasure from hotter climate and longer daytime, and perhaps some wildflowers.

Our late-season hike, ending on October 1, was borderline. We checked the climate forecast rigorously and selected a largely sunny window, planning the upper and extra uncovered jap part for the clearest day. Nonetheless, south of Cloud Cap we walked via a number of inches of snow accumulation from a storm a couple of days prior. The nights have been chilly (beneath freezing) and lengthy, limiting the quantity of daytime accessible to hike. On the intense facet, most water crossings have been easy rock hops and the path was much less crowded than regular (although nonetheless removed from empty). 

How Many Days?

Most backpackers hike the Timberline Path in three or 4 days. A 5 day itinerary would work too, permitting time for leisurely mornings or afternoons at camp and maybe some facet journeys. There’s loads of water on the Timberline Path, so shorter days are possible without having to dry camp.

We hiked the Timberline Path in three full days and two nights. This required some focus; the shorter daytime of late September didn’t depart a lot further time for lounging at camp, and chilly temperatures made it more durable to get shifting early within the morning. Within the top of summer season I believe this tempo would have felt a bit extra leisurely, however these wanting for lots of time at camp would possibly nonetheless desire a 4 or 5 day itinerary.

Entry Trailheads

Which Course to Hike

The Timberline Path loop works properly in both route, and I counsel making your alternative based mostly on which trailhead you select and the way your deliberate itinerary intersects with the climate forecast and water crossings. 

The jap part of the loop, south of Cloud Cap Saddle, is the very best and most uncovered portion of the loop. I counsel planning the jap part for the day you’re most probably to have good climate. It may possibly get nasty up there in a storm, and also you’ll need clear skies to benefit from the views. Aesthetically talking I preferred working as much as this scenic and dramatic part relatively than beginning with it. 

Water crossings are one other consideration, particularly early within the season. Glacial streams are decrease and calmer within the mornings, so that you would possibly need to plan among the extra infamous crossings (Newton, Coe, Muddy Fork, Sandy and particularly White) for early within the day.

We hiked clockwise from Timberline Lodge, primarily as a result of the climate forecast referred to as for rain on the primary day and solar thereafter and we wished to save lots of the very best terrain for good climate. Water crossings weren’t a problem since we hiked in late September.

Tenting

Dispersed tenting is available alongside many of the Timberline Path. The one necessities are associated to Depart No Hint:

Camp in established websites on sturdy surfacesNo tenting in meadows and wetlandsNo tenting instantly subsequent to Ramona Falls (websites can be found close by)

You’ll discover established websites pretty usually, particularly alongside the PCT part. You’d be hard-pressed to not discover a website each couple of miles, although in peak season you’ll produce other backpackers to compete with. You’ll discover clusters of web sites close to most main water sources and loads of dry websites tucked away in between. Some websites are extremely scenic whereas others are extra utilitarian. 

Don’t really feel restricted to these although; there are numerous others. In hindsight we didn’t choose probably the most scenic locations to camp, merely stopping the place we have been when the time was proper. When you’ve got a extra leisurely itinerary you would possibly take into account planning your camp places to incorporate among the nice choices above.

Tents are the commonest sort of shelter you’ll see on the Timberline Path, however tarps and bivvies work too. Hammock campers will discover loads of bushes on all sections besides the uncovered space south of Cloud Camp Campground. The treeline is somewhat over 6000 toes right here, and above that the few campsites are uncovered and treeless. 

There’s one pit bathroom on the complete Timberline Path at Cloud Cap Campground, and Timberline Lodge has indoor restrooms. In any other case, you’ll be doing what you are promoting open air. Be sure you know how one can responsibly poop within the woods so we don’t flip this pretty path right into a public bathroom.

Urged Itineraries

Meals Storage

There are black bears on Mt. Hood, however they’re afraid of people and also you’re unlikely to come across them. Chipmunks and critters are extra of a possible menace to your meals. Nonetheless, it’s vital to retailer meals responsibly to forestall the emergence of “drawback bears” like we’ve got in different areas.

What this implies for meals storage: a regular bear dangle, Ursack Main, or sleeping together with your meals are all legitimate choices. We slept with our meals in our tarp, but when that makes you nervous an Ursack Main is an effective choice. 

Ingesting Water

Very first thing first: undoubtedly filter or deal with all of your consuming water on the Timberline Path! It is a high-use space and consuming straight from streams is asking for Giardia. 

Water sources are ample on the Timberline, even late within the season. We by no means wanted to hold greater than 2 liters at a time, although we had 3.5 liters of capability every, simply in case. 

We used a Sawyer Squeeze filter mixed with a CNOC Vecto bag as a gravity filter setup. It is a handy setup for largely clear water sources and two individuals sharing a filter. For extra on the professionals and cons of varied strategies, see Carry Water Whereas Backpacking and Finest Water Filters for Backpacking.

I attempted a brand new water carrying system on this journey: the Smartwater Bottle drink tube from One Bottle Hydration. I’ve lengthy been a hydration bladder fan since I can’t attain bottles in my pack’s facet pockets, however this technique is the very best of each worlds and my new go-to.

Water Crossings

The Timberline Path is infamous for its water crossings. In its circumnavigation of Mt. Hood the path crosses quite a few deep gullies carrying glacial streams, and these could be intimidating and harmful whereas snow is melting quick up excessive. Even in late August, particularly on a excessive snow yr, some hikers discover them tough.  

I haven’t seen it talked about elsewhere, however personally I used to be shocked by how shut the Heather Creek crossing (simply south of Newton Creek) handed to the highest of a harmful waterfall! Tread rigorously right here. 

Make sure to take your time discovering the very best crossing; it might not be the place the path is. Search for cairns up or downstream, and remember the fact that the most suitable choice would possibly change relying on time of day. Search for wider and slower areas to wade throughout. 

Glacial streams are calmest and lowest very first thing within the morning, so you might want to regulate your itinerary if you happen to come to a tough crossing late within the day. I learn one journey report on AllTrails (an amazing useful resource for gauging present water crossing problem) from hikers who determined to camp earlier than crossing the White River and put it aside for the morning, extending their journey by an evening. And this was in late August!

Once we hiked the Timberline Path in late September, virtually all crossings have been straightforward rock hops or log balances. In some circumstances it might be safer to simply step into the water relatively than try a sketchy soar or stability. Mountain climbing poles are very useful for water crossings and I’d extremely advocate them for this path. 

Yocum Ridge Blowdown Bypass

In September 2020, a historic windstorm toppled a unprecedented variety of massive bushes alongside the hillside beneath Yocum Ridge, completely destroying a bit of the Timberline Path on the northwest facet of the loop. This part begins close to the Yocum Ridge Path junction round mile 10 (clockwise from Timberline Lodge) and lasts for a few mile till Muddy Fork. 

This part is now open and satisfactory, and we hiked it in late September 2023. Although it’s slow-going and requires a little bit of scrambling over and underneath dozens of downed bushes, I discovered it very partaking and attention-grabbing. The sheer scale of nature’s drive is unbelievable to see as you have a look at the huge root balls ripped from the bottom. The numerous hours of path work which have made this part satisfactory (and all with hand instruments, since motorized tools is just not allowed in wilderness areas!) are on show and really worthy of appreciation. 

Permits for the Timberline Path

Different Path Customers

Path Overview by Part

Timberline Path to Ramona Falls

There are a number of quick connectors from Timberline Lodge to the path. The route mapped above follows a brief paved highway uphill to intersect with the PCT. Flip left for clockwise, and shortly you’ll come throughout the self-issue allow station. The following few miles of path are well-maintained, largely downhill, and comparatively quick. 

You’ll cross a couple of gullies on this part, however largely the path is forested and punctuated by occasional views uphill to Mt. Hood. It was foggy and wet after we hiked this part, which was atmospheric in its personal means however we additionally missed out on some good views. The Zig Zag River and Sandy Rivers are the 2 foremost water crossings on this part.

About 10 miles in you’ll run out of downhill and arrive at Ramona Falls, a well-liked day mountain climbing space. There’s a pleasant bridge (the one one on the Timberline Path) and close-up views of the waterfall. You’ll be able to camp on this space if sufficiently removed from the falls; search for indicators marking the place you need to and shouldn’t camp.

Ramona Falls to Cloud Cap Campground

Leaving Ramona Falls, you’ll begin the blowdown part (until you detour round it on the PCT – particulars above). This part was closed after the devastation that occurred in Sept 2020, however is now open albeit a bit slow-going. Whenever you attain Muddy Forks – a braided river with a number of crossings – the toughest half is completed. There are a couple of good campsites close to Muddy Forks if you happen to’re completed for the day.

Close to Bald Mountain you’ll want to look behind you for beautiful views of Mt. Hood! The following part of path traverses some attractive alpine meadows in addition to eerie skeleton forests (fires? beetles?).

Among the finest tenting on the path is on this northern a part of the loop at Cairn Basin, Wy’east Basin, and Elk Cove. Elements of this part can be busy with day hikers, nevertheless it’s laborious to fault them while you see how fairly it’s.

Persevering with from Elk Cove the path squiggles out and in of quite a few deep drainages. Finally you’ll cross Coe and Eliot creeks and start the climb as much as Cloud Cap saddle the place the paid campground awaits. There are a couple of respectable (dry) campsites a pair miles earlier than the descent to Eliot Creek, however I solely recall one or two small websites proper close to the crossing.

Cloud Cap to Timberline Lodge

Leaving Cloud Cap Campground the actual climbing begins, at first steeply as much as treeline after which extra step by step throughout the uncovered volcanic flanks of Mt. Hood. You’ll discover a couple of campsites within the forest after leaving the campground, after which none till close to the highest (and these are very uncovered).

This part, the climb to the very best level of the Timberline Path at 7340 toes, could maintain snow later in summer season or be dusted by early storms in September (or, often, any time all through the summer season). That is the one part of the path that stays above treeline constantly, so benefit from the views! 

Bushes return about midway down the descent. As soon as again within the forest there may be some pretty tenting, although water could or might not be discovered close by. Cross a collection of streams and gullies en path to the Mt. Hood Meadows ski space, the place you’ll traverse the grass-carpeted ski runs and cross extra small streams. As you cross Newton Creek there are a variety of pretty campsites on either side.

Finally you’ll take the ultimate plunge to the White River, which could be difficult to cross throughout occasions of peak snowmelt. When you make it throughout it’s a steep climb again to the Timberline Lodge, and you then’re completed! Cease into the lodge or drive down the hill to Mt. Hood Brewing Firm in Authorities Camp for the normal post-hike feast.

Mountain climbing Solo

Timberline Path vs. Loowit Path

Backpacking Gear

I all the time advocate a comparatively light-weight backpacking gear setup as a result of it’s extra snug and enjoyable, and that is definitely true for the Timberline Path. Steep climbs, downed bushes, unfastened gullies, and water crossings all favor a lightweight pack and nimble footing.

Listed here are among the key gear gadgets I take advantage of on most backpacking journeys, and on the Timberline Path particularly. For extra, see my favourite backpacking gear.

Backpacks: We each carried ULA Circuits. We love them as a result of they’re light-weight, adjustable, and have a really versatile 68 liter capability. On this quick path we saved them cinched all the way down to a smaller quantity, however in addition they increase to handle 7-day meals carries when wanted.

Sleep: Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite sleeping pads (heat and lightweight) and Enlightened Gear Convert quilts with artificial hoods. The Convert is a superb center floor between a sleeping bag and a light-weight quilt as a result of the complete zipper helps forestall drafts in cooler temps. 

Shelter: Borah Gear bivvies and a Six Moon Designs Haven tarp. We love this setup for backpacking as a pair as a result of we will arrange the bivvies alone on clear nights for a bit extra space and stargazing, or we will get cozy within the tarp when extra heat or climate safety is required. We ended up pitching the tarp each evening on the Timberline for rain safety and added heat.

Sneakers: Altra Lone Peak path trainers. We’ve each been mountain climbing and operating in these for a few years and gained’t put on anything. They have been greater than sufficient for the slippery sections of the Timberline and so they dry in a short time, so you may maintain them on throughout water crossings.

Cooking: JetBoil MicroMo, tremendous quick at boiling water for rehydrating meals. Snow Peaks titanium mugs for drinks (a luxurious merchandise), Sea to Summit collapsible X-Mugs as bowls, Toaks titanium long-handled spoons.

Water: Sawyer Squeeze filter in gravity mode with CNOC Vecto 3 liter soiled bag. Simple and environment friendly.

Electronics: Garmin InReach Mini, Petzl Actik headlamp, energy financial institution and cables

Different must-have gadgets:

Mountain climbing poles for stability, each on the path and through water crossingsSunscreen, hat, maybe arm sleeves or a solar hoodie for the uncovered jap sectionWarm gloves, used extensively throughout chilly mornings of late September

Extra Assets