The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Mt. Hood National Forest

This small campground is a fantastic hub for hikers and is adjacent to the Cloud Cap - Tilly Jane North trailhead, which provides access to Timberline National Historic Trail #600 and Tilly Jane Trail #600A from the north. Just up the road from the campground is the Historic Cloud Cap Inn, which is currently used by search and rescue teams; however, hikers are welcome to explore the grounds. A potable water spigot is available (summer season only), but it's advisable to bring your own water. The site fee per night is $20, payable in cash or by check through fee tubes. The campground is managed by Lost Lake Resort: (541) 386-6366. **From May 15 to October 15, a free, self-issued wilderness permit is required and can be obtained at a designated portal. For more details, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53164.

After passing a makeshift bridge crossing Newton Creek, this viewpoint boasts fantastic views of Mount Hood. The creek, dotted with wildflowers, is gorgeous, with monkeyflower and cascade lilies lining the creek bed. It is worth a stop to take in the scenery and capture some great photos.

This trail offers an uphill journey through ancient trees, leading to rocky fields above the timberline, with breathtaking views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier. Colorful perennials lie buried under snow for much of the year, so late summer is an ideal time to explore this trail and enjoy the incredible views and vibrant wildflowers. Just off the trail, there’s a viewpoint overlooking the Eliot Glacier, with a memorial plaque dedicated to Robert Edling, a mountain rescue pilot who tragically lost his life in a crop duster accident near The Dalles. The scenery is spectacular at the trail’s official endpoint, with clear views of The Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, and Broken Top to the south.

This trailhead is one of the primary access points for the Cloud Cap, Timberline, and Tilly Jane trails and is adjacent to the Cloud Cap Saddle Campground. There is plenty of parking, a vault toilet, and potable water here in the summer only, so plan accordingly if you visit between November and April. The fee is $10 a day per vehicle, or you can use a Northwest Forest Pass.

Compass Creek is feed by Langille Glacier and is a beautiful place to stop for a break. There is a waterfall nearby and great views of the valley and nearby peaks.

Beautiful spot to take a break and have lunch. It is a good turnaround spot for those who wish for a shorter hike. The Langille Glacier feeds Compass Creek and plunges down into a 60-foot waterfall above the Timberline Trail. Monkeyflower and paintbrush are among the many wildflowers along the creek.

Great spot to capture views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainer in the distance through the burned trees from a previous fire. Fireweed adds a beautiful splash of color along the trail.

This impressive crossing can sometimes be tricky with its swift water and thundering noise. There is a fallen log to navigate across, but it is also possible to traverse in other areas. The water potentially reaches calve height, and the glacial stream is very cold.