Mt Hood National Forest
There are many things to do and see in Mt Hood NF which is an easy drive from Portland.
Little Zig Zag Falls
These falls is an easy and short .6 mile hike round trip. It's a good place to get out and stretch your legs when driving up to Mt Hood. It's open year round.
Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge has great views even in the summer. The elevation helps when the days get hot in the middle of summer for an escape.
Lake Trillium
The sunrise at Lake Trillium will take your breath away but you'll have to get there early. The hike around the lake is spans about 2 miles.
Timothy Lake is our go to when the temps get hot in Portland. We enjoy fishing and swimming at this lake. The lake is quite lake and offers many campgrounds in the area.
Clackamas Lake
Clackamas Lake is a few miles southeast of Timothy Lake. It has a small campground that has horse stalls.
Olallie Guard Station Cabin
You are able to rent this rustic cabin through the US Forest Service which is a short walk to Ollalie Lake.
Little Crater Lake
Little Crater Lake offers clear blue views to the bottom on the lake. This lake is 45 ft deep and spring fed with a constant temp of 34 degrees. Scuba diving and swimming is not allowed but if you are feeling adventurous see how long you can stand in the water.
Clackamas River
Hang a hammock and enjoy the Clackamas River. There are many campsites along NF-46.
Ollalie Lake
At Ollalie Lake you can rent a row boat or paddle boat to soak up the wonderful views of Mt Jefferson. The water is so clear you can see the bottom but unfortunately there is no swimming allowed on this lake. This water, we've been told, is as pure as Crater Lake. The nearest swim hole is across the street from the resort.
Lost lake is Southwest of Hood River and offers many water crafts for rent. There are no motorized boats allowed on the lake. The hike around the lake is wonderful. The lake contains many types of trout, crayfish, otters and beavers.
Camping in Mt Hood National Forest
Mt Hood National Forest offers a ton of camping opportunities. During the summers site can book up quickly so be prepared and plan ahead.
Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs is an easy introduction to Oregon hot springs. If you are feeling brave challenge a friend to jump in the creek on the walk back to the parking lot. I hear it's very refreshing.