Surveyor's Ridge Trail

The Surveyor's Ridge Trail is consistently rated as difficult or strenuous for hiking. It features significant elevation changes, including sections gaining approximately 850 feet per mile, and demands good physical conditioning. While there are some rolling and flat segments, expect challenging climbs and steep descents.

The terrain is quite varied, generally following a ridge top. You'll encounter a mix of steep uphill and downhill sections, rocky areas, open slopes, and alpine meadows. The trail transitions between dense forested sections and more exposed areas, with portions also including rocky outcroppings and abandoned logging roads.

The trail is renowned for its magnificent scenery, offering unparalleled views of Mount Hood and the Hood River Valley. On clear days, you can also see other prominent Cascade volcanoes in Washington state, such as Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier. Points like Rim Rock, the site of a former lookout tower, offer particularly expansive vistas.

Late spring and early summer are ideal for experiencing abundant wildflowers. Fall offers stunning displays of golden larches. While the trail can be hiked in other seasons, these periods provide unique natural beauty. Always check current conditions before heading out.

Yes, the Surveyor's Ridge Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it's a multi-use trail popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash and under control to ensure safety for everyone on the trail.

The Surveyor's Ridge Trail is located within the Mount Hood National Forest. While specific permits for hiking the trail itself are not always required, a recreation pass (such as a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass) may be needed for parking at certain trailheads within the National Forest. Always check the latest regulations on the USDA Forest Service website before your visit.

Parking for the Surveyor's Ridge Trail is available at various trailheads along its length. Specific parking areas can vary depending on which section of the trail you plan to hike. It's advisable to research the most convenient trailhead for your intended route and check for any required parking passes.

The full one-way length of the trail can range from about 11.5 miles to 16.4 miles, with some sources suggesting a total length of 52.9 km (32.9 miles) if considering various segments or loop configurations. Our featured route covers approximately 37.9 km (23.5 miles) and typically takes around 11 hours and 48 minutes to complete as a hike, depending on your pace and stops.

While the Surveyor's Ridge Trail is primarily a ridge-top path, various segments can be combined with other trails or forest roads to create loop configurations. Some sources mention a total length that suggests possible loops. Researching specific starting points and connecting trails is recommended to plan a loop that suits your desired distance and difficulty.

Beyond the natural beauty, the trail offers glimpses into the area's history. You can find the site of a former lookout tower at Rim Rock, explore Cook's Meadow, and discover an old aqueduct that once supplied water to The Dalles Watershed, adding an extra layer of interest to your hike.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Surveyor's Ridge Trail #688, Oak Ridge Trail #688A, and utilizes parts of Forest Road 1700-690, offering potential connections to other trails in the area.

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