23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Mount Hood (OR)

A destination for all-around adventure, Mount Hood, is an unincorporated community in Hood River County, Oregon, United States.

The community is also a census-designated place, populated with 286 people as of the 2020 census. The center of attraction in the area is the community’s namesake mountain, Mt. Hood.

Aside from being the tallest mountain in Oregon, Mt. Hood is also one of the highest mountains in the United States with an elevation of 11,239 feet. The elevation is the world’s second most climbed mountain.

Mount Hood community is a recreation destination for a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping, and skiing.

If you’re looking for a place that offers limitless opportunities for phenomenal adventure, Mount Hood, OR, is the perfect choice for you.

Some other fascination spots to visit in the community include Mt. Hood Town Hall, the Paradise Park Loop Trail, the Fearless Brewing Company, Glacier Haus Bistro, the Dang’s Thai Kitchen, the Meadows Nordic Center, and more.

Are you curious about places to visit in Mount Hood? Let’s explore the top things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

Things to Do in Mount Hood, OR

1. Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake was constructed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife of Oregon State using a dam nestled at the Mud Creek’s headwaters known as the Salmon River tributary.

The Lake, founded in 1960 and extending for sixty-three acres, is easily accessible from the Highway of Mount Hood.

The attraction offers mind-blowing views of Mount Hood, featuring a campground where the whole family can spend the day.

Trillium Lake campground is found within a lush forest made of conifers offering visitors adequate privacy from other tents and RVs on single & double sites.

Every campsite here features essential amenities like potable water, a campfire spot, clean toilets, grills, tables, and more. There is a large picnic shelter that can contain a total of thirty persons; they can sit and enjoy a meal together.

Lake Trillium offers lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking on a 2-mile trail.

Whether you want to go camping, picnicking, or any other outdoor activity, Trillium Lake is an excellent place for you. Exploring this lake should be added to your checklist of top things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

Address: Mount Hood, OR, United States

2. The Mount Hood Town Hall

One of the best things to do in Mount Hood, OR, is visiting Mount Hood Town Hall for an amazing experience with your travel companions.

Mount Hood Town Hall can be found on Mount Hood Highway as an ancient structure that serves as a center for community activities.

This place is usually energetic and lively within July and August, with intensive buzz and commotion because of the Summer Market

The Market is open only during these specific months every Wednesday, offering the public local products from local crafters and the Gorge Farmer Collective members.

Mt. Hood Town Hall offers live music entertainment with complimentary root beers during the market days

The hall also hosts several events, including yoga lessons, physical fitness, arts, Scottish dance, and so on. This market helps you to really dissolve into the lifestyle of locals and interact with a whole lot of them.

Address: 6575 OR-35, Mount Hood, OR 97041, United States

3. Mt. Hood

If you want a more exhilarating adventure going for a climb on Mt. Hood is one of the best things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

Before embarking on this adventure, visit the Hood River Ranger Station, where you get more information about climbing Mt. Hood.

The mountain which has been around for over 500,000 years, is a potentially active composite volcano (although informally dormant) with an elevation of 11, 249 feet and 12 named glaciers and snowfields

Mid-week is always the recommended day for climbers to explore the mountain since it is not usually crowded with lots of individuals.

The mountain is exceptionally gorgeous and grand; it is also known as the highest mountain in Oregon State.

Address: Oregon, United States

4. The Hood River Ranger Station

The Hood River Ranger Station is one of the most active access points to the Mount Hood National Forest, which stretches over one million acres.

The station is popular for its enormous taxidermy collection. You can also visit and discover the excellent points to hike within the Mt. Hood National forest.

Binoculars are available in the station if you want have a close up view of the mountain from the station. Visitors will also be issued free brochures about the region. You can check out the nearby vineyards while you’re there.

Address: 6780 OR-35, Mount Hood, OR 97041, United States

5. Timberline Lodge

Are you looking for top-notch place to lodge? Add a visit to Timberline Lodge to your list of top things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

Timberline Lodge, erected in 1937, is a popular place for snowboarding and skiing with family and friends.

The upper part of the ski region is open with a vertical projection of 3, 690 feet, which is smoother than other lodges in the area.

The Lodge features 70 guest rooms that are carefully crafted and designed with original furniture and handcrafted artwork as decorations.

Timberline Lodge offers you a beautiful surrounding with every basic amenity you need to live without any inconveniences.

The Lodge offers guests a wide array of dining options starting from their seasonal food menus to an impressive beer and wine list.

The Ram’s Head Bar is an excellent place to grab a drink and snack with family and friends offering great views of Mt. Hood.

Address: 27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp, OR 97028, United States

6. The Paradise Park Loop Trail

For an outdoor adventure, the Paradise Park Loop Trail should be on your list of best things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

The Paradise Park Loop Trail is a trail of 12 miles, beginning from the eastern part of Timberline Lodge, and it is undoubtedly a great place to spend the summer.

When you visit during July and August, you will be embraced by the blossoming of the wildflowers at the end of the trail, offering a certain kind of comfort and peace.

While walking down the trail, you will be stunned by the vistas and scenic falls overflowing on the mountain’s southern and western parts.

Paradise Park Loop Trail is also a great place for horse riding and camping, with campsites for those who would like to stay for a while.

Address: Mount Hood National Forest, OR 97055, United States

7. Little Zigzag Falls

Little Zigzag Falls is a breathtaking waterfall in Mount Hood. There is an interpretative signage at the falls, which tells the importance of the adverse ions produced largely by waterfalls

The falls can be accessed through the smooth Little Zigzag Falls trail. Enjoy a short easy hike on the trail along the creek pointing to the Falls

The Little Zigzag Falls Trail, open throughout the year, is a great escapade from all the bustling and hustling in the world since it doesn’t attract much crowds.

If you take a walk along this trail in the month of July, it will definitely be a memorable one for you, with its beautiful pink rhododendrons blooming.

Little Zigzag Falls is one of the most instagrammable places in Mount Hood, so make sure you take gorgeous pictures before leaving.

Address: End of Road 39, Government Camp, OR 97028, United States

8. The Wildwood Recreation Site

In a city like Mount Hood, get ready to get outside and explore all the outdoor recreational sites and activities it has to offer.

In that regard, add a visit to Wildwood Recreation Site to your list of top things to do in Mount Hood.

The Wildwood Recreation Site, nestled along the Mount Hood Highway, is set on a natural preserve of 550 acres packed with ancient western hemlock, western red cedar, and Douglas fir.

The Wildwood Recreation Site is a highly family-friendly location where you can also bring your little ones for an amazing time.

You can decide to go swimming and hiking on any of the two trails, such as Wetlands and Stream Watch, while you also enjoy glances of fish in the water.

There are designated picnic areas for an intimate time with friends and family or for a date with a spouse.

Address: 65670 US-26, Welches, OR 97067, United States

Would you like to know some of the best attractions in Oregon?, here is a tourist guide on things to do in Hood River for a fun time, also check out things to do in Corvallis and things to do in Lincoln City if you have time to kill in Oregon.

9. The Grateful Vineyards

The Grateful Vineyards, a winery and tasting room, was founded in 2016 by Katrina McAlexander.

The Vineyards, which couples as the premier winery in the community, were first cultivated by her great grandparents before passing them down to her as an inheritance.

The tasting room offers some samples of their best drinks in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

As a 3rd generation fermenter and farmer, Katrina uses the farm produce to manufacture quality and tasty wines, cider, and beers.

You can try their Grateful Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Grateful Vineyard Sparkling Rose 2017, Hazy IPA, Cherry Stout, Light Lager, Grateful Vineyard Rose 2018, and more.

Address: 6650 Trout Creek Ridge Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041, United States

10. Mount Hood Meadows Nordic Center

How does going out for cross country skiing sound? If you would love to, add a visit to the Meadows Nordic Center to your list of best things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

The Meadows Nordic Center is the beginning spot of the Elk Meadows and Sahalie Falls snowshoe trails nestled at the Hood River Meadows’ parking garage.

This center stretches for up to fifteen kilometers of a nurtured path, going across stunning wooded trails and meadows.

The Center features skating lanes as well as classic striding lanes for cross country skiing. The groomed Nordic ski paths are not open for snowshoeing aside from these two trails.

Address: Mount Hood, OR 97041, United States

11. Crooked Tree Tavern & Grill

Crooked Tree Tavern & Grill is a beautiful restaurant located along Cooper Spur Road on the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort.

The restaurant takes pride in offering the most delicious homemade and farm-to-table meals with unique twists.

Aside from dishes, they also offer a wide variety of drinks from different wineries and breweries, which make it a favorite place for lovers of beers and wines.

Crooked Tree Tavern & Grill features a relaxed, homey and lovely garden beautifully designed with authentic wood furnishings and cedar walls.

The restaurant serves meals like Southern Fried Chicken sandwiches, Falafel, Eggplant Tartlets, Asparagus Veggie Soup, Penne Gratinata, Add House-Made Falafel, and more.

Choose from their extensive list of liquor featuring silver moon, sauvignon blanc Columbia crest, good life pass stout, cabernet franc, pinot noir mount hood, and more.

Address: 10755 Cooper Spur Rd, Mount Hood, OR 97041, United States

12. The Tiny House Village

The Tiny House Village, a more unique and outstanding resort where you can reside, is worth being on your list of best things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

The Tiny House Village, consisting of tiny homes constructed by Tumbleweed, promises you an awesome experience by offering both Portland’s culinary and artistry styles.

You get to spend the night in a lovely room featuring all the necessary facilities and surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

The Tiny House Village features rooms consisting of kitchens, personal bathrooms, kitchen tables, a spacious bedroom, and more.

The property consists of five beautiful tiny homes with unique themes and designs. You can choose according to your preference.

Address: 5009 NE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97211, United States

13. Fearless Brewing Company

Fearless Brewing Company was established by Ken Johnson, a lively and jovial individual born and raised in an agricultural town in Nebraska before relocating in the 1980s to the Pacific Northwest.

Ken won numerous competitions through his delightful concoctions and later decided to establish a local spot for the public.

The company now offers 10 beers on tap. Ken uses the Clackamas River’s magical water to produce his beers.

They offer the best brews, including Fearless Mjolnir, fearless Loki, fearless Scottish ale, and fearless Clackamas.

Fearless Brewing Company staff is well trained and professional when attending to visitors and ensuring they are well satisfied.

Address: 326 Broadway St, Estacada, OR 97023, United States

14. Thai Home Restaurant

How long have you been craving for delicious Thai dishes? End your craving now by including dining at Thai Home Restaurant to your list of top things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

Thai Home Restaurant is a small, simple, and lovely restaurant where you can enjoy Thai cuisine.

The restaurant is concerned with serving delicious meals made using authentic ingredients, which put in the original Thai flavors.

Whether you want something sweet, spicy, or bitter, the restaurant got you covered, and they are always ready to serve.

Thai Home Restaurant serves Chicken Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Tom Kha Soup, Fried Wonton, Yellow Curry Chicken, Pad Thai with Tofu and Pineapple, Pineapple Fried Rice, Green Curry, and many more.

Address: 38676 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy, OR 97055, United States

15. Bunsenbrewer

Bunsenbrewer is a pub that practically stands out because of the unique designs used in decorating its interiors.

The pub, designed with a science pub classroom-inspired style, is also known as a fermentation laboratory.

The pub is located in Sandy, just between Mount Hood and Portland, so you definitely have to check it out.

Bunsenbrewer offers patrons a good selection of brews on tap, so there is always something for everyone to enjoy.

Aside from the drinks, there are exciting games for visitors to participate in, which includes board games and video games.

You also get to experience enjoy incredible live music entertainment plus delicious meals to match the drinks.

Address: 16506 SE 362nd Ave, Sandy, Oregon 97055, United States

Are you planning to explore Oregon ?, check out this guide on things to do in Beaverton as well as things to do in Pendleton and things to do in Gold Beach for an amazing time.

16. Glacier Haus Bistro (Government Camp):

Glacier Haus Bistro is located in government Camp, right at the center of all the happening places in the area.

This is undoubtedly one of the best places to dine with your family and friends; it is also a kid-friendly restaurant.

The diner ensures that everyone finds something which gets them elated by offering vegan and gluten-free options.

Glacier Haus Bistro offers a comprehensive menu featuring Hand Twisted Garlic Knots, Mozzarella Sticks, Bacon & Blue, Caprese Salad, Pulled Pork Sammy, Chicken Bacon Swiss, and much more.

There is also a list of cider, beer, and wines for those who would like to have the meals with liquor or other non-alcoholic drinks.

Address: 88817 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028, United States

17. Dang’s Thai Kitchen

Are you in a celebration mood? Or you’re just searching for a place to have a lovely family dinner; you just found one.

This is a Thai restaurant that brings Thai culture to the doorsteps of community people.

Dang’s Thai Kitchen serves meals as fresh, healthy, and tasty as possible, using a variety of original Thai ingredients.

The restaurant is housed in a space of 4, 000 Square feet with a seating capacity of up to 100 persons.

Some of the meals served include Crab Fried Rice, red curry, fresh rolls, Tom Yum Noodle, Massaman Curry, Pad Kee Mao, House Special Noodles, fried ice cream, etc.

Dang’s Thai Kitchen features a spacious banquet room that can accommodate small and large gatherings making it great for special events. Visit Dang’s Thai Kitchen and have a great time.

Address: 670 N State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, United States

18. Mount Hood Cultural Center & Museum

Are you a history fanatic?! Here is a fantastic place for you, so add a visit to Mount Hood Cultural Center & Museum to your list of best things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

Mount Hood Cultural Center & Museum is a museum that focuses on promoting the history of Mount Hood, going across different important topics.

The Museum talks about the early exploration, natural history, winter sports, and history of the settlers.

You also get to learn about Mount Hood National Forest and mountain climbing using oral stories, arts, and educational materials.

Mount Hood Cultural Center & Museum features an art gallery, a bookstore, and on-site information and internet services for visitors.

The Museum offers special programs and exhibits available all year round, plus a spacious meeting room available.

Address: 88900 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028, United States

19. Charlie Mountain view

Charlie Mountain View is a family-owned and operated restaurant founded by Charlie Sperr in 1977.

The restaurant is a popular nightlife spot in the region housed in a building filled with lots of history. You won’t know how much history until you visit.

Several historical photographs are used to decorate the walls, including the pictures of “King Winter” and other gorgeous artworks.

Charlie Mountain view offers Fried Chicken Wings, Fried Cauliflower Bites, Jalapeno Poppers, House Salad, Cheese Burger, Bleu Sky Burger, Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap, Kids Fish & Chips, Cod Tacos, and more.

There is a large list of beverages featuring spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks, including unsweetened tea, flow state hazy IPA, hornitos, sailor Jerry, hot chocolate, Coors light, and more.

The restaurant offers you a laid back and relaxed environment with comfortable chairs and tables for you to enjoy dining.

Address: 88462 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028, United States

20. Timberline’s Summit Pass

If you haven’t visited Timberline’s Summit Pass, you’re definitely dulling. So don’t waste any more time to include it on your list of top things to do in Mount Hood, OR.

Timberline’s Summit Pass, previously referred to as Summit Ski Area, was recognized as part of the Timberline ski area In July 2021.

The Timberline’s vertical landscape has been increased to 4, 540 feet making it the tallest in the country.

The Summit Pass, currently owned by R. L. K, was founded in 1927, and is also known as the second oldest and still active ski region in the country.

The attraction offers inexpensive admission to its starter ski and snowboard area, including a snow tubing area, a restaurant, rentals, and lessons section.

Timberline’s Summit Pass, located in Government camp, is a proven location for families which also caters to the needs of beginners and professionals.

The summit has a restaurant that offers delectable meals and beverages.

Address: 90255 Government Camp Loop Rd, Highway 26, Government Camp, OR 97028-0140, United States

21. Tamanawas Falls Trailhead

Tamanawas Falls Trailhead is located on the eastern slope of Mount Hood before following the Cold Spring Creek.

For those looking for a place to cool off on a hot summer day, Tamanawas Falls Trailhead is the best location for you.

The Falls extends to a height of 100 ft. and broadness of 40 feet features a trail which is covered by varieties of trees and shrubs.

Tamanawas Falls Trailhead is one of the most visited trails in Mount Hood and a great spot to have a nice snack.

Address: OR-35, Mount Hood, OR 97041, United States

22. Mount Hood Outfitters

Another wonderful addition to your list of best things to do in Mount Hood, OR, is a visit to Mount Hood Outfitters, a facilitator of outdoor adventure.

Mount Hood Outfitters, established in 2005, are open for hiking tours with advanced notice of 48 hours.

There are twenty one trails available for exploration; all you need to do is send them a message where you will be asked about the kind of adventure you seek, and they will help you choose the perfect choice for your team.

These tours are indeed great ways to explore the region, and are also ideal for beginners offering the same level of excitement and obstacles.

Mount Hood Outfitters provides tour guides who pay much attention to their visitors and ensure they are well satisfied.

Address: 88220 E Government Camp Loop Road, Government Camp, OR 97028, United States

23. Mirror Lake Trail

Mirror Lake Trail is popularly visited by many families, offering them the kind of adventure they seek.

Mirror Lake Trail, measuring two miles, offers a hiking experience from Mirror Lake to the plaza, plus the loop surrounding the lake, which includes an extra 0.4 miles.

The trail, which is an excellent destination for winter activities offers amazing views of Mount Hood through the small lake.

If you’re interested in cross country skiing and snowboarding, make sure you visit this place, though there is no installed signage for the various winter recreation activities.

Address: 85200 US-26, Government Camp, OR 97028, United States

Are you considering exploring Oregon, here is a guide on things to do in Sisters, things to do in Tillamook, and things to do in Brookings for a fun vacation

Plan Your Trip to Mount Hood

Clearly, Mount Hood is a destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, swimming, fishing, sightseeing, and more.

Mount Hood, despite its size will definitely blow your mind away with all the natural resources within the region.

Plan a trip to Mount Hood today with your loved ones today!