Photo by Noryne Robinson
Welcome to the on-line magazine featuring the Villages of Mt. Hood. It comes to you from your hosts who welcome you into the villages of Alder Creek, Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag and Rhododendron, all located on US Highway 26, starting about nine miles east of Sandy, Oregon.
Scenic Hikes
A Refreshing Day Hike
Burnt Lake Trail; a shady trail for summer with an optional cooling dip in a high mountain lake
For a beautiful, cool and shady hike on a hot summer's day, try Burnt Lake Trail. Coming in from the north, it is a moderate hike to its namesake lake (about 7 miles round trip).
The trail takes you through a lush, moss covered forest of Douglas fir, hemlock and western red cedar. At about 2.4 miles into the hike, you will see an unmarked trail leaving the main trail to the left. This will take you down to Lost Creek Falls.
You will also encounter huge, cedar snags burned during a turn of the century fire which gave Burnt Lake its name. Bunchberry, huckleberries (usually ripe in late August), and Devil's Club are just a few of the plants you will see.
You will find sub-alpine flowers in early summer if you take the extended hike to...
Outdoor Recreation
Breezy Rides for Cyclists
One of our local avid cyclists Betsy LaBarge shares two of her favorite rides in the Villages of Mt. Hood, from a leisurely family ride to a more challenging workout route.
Wildwood Recreation Area
Wildwood Recreation Area provides wonderful shady riding, often along the cool, rushing waters of the Salmon River.
The paved paths are very smooth and relatively flat...great cycling for any skill level. The dirt trails are wide, swoopy single-track. These routes are a great option for beginners and families who are introducing their children to mountain biking.
Don't forget to bring a lunch and pause to enjoy the mountain's woodlands...
About the Villages
The Villages of Mt. Hood are one of Oregon's most memorable year-round outdoor recreation locations. Visit any season and you will find exciting Oregon recreation in the Mt. Hood National Forest and BLM's Wildwood Recreation Area. Day hikes of all levels, scenic trails, cycling, skiing and rock climbing at Mt Hood are here, as well as swimming, fly fishing and golfing. We're also a great place for family get-togethers, wedding parties, honeymoons, reunions and holiday getaways.
The Villages of Mt. Hood offer memorable and affordable lodging options (looking for rental cabins, romantic lodges, charming bed and breakfasts or a full-service resort?) and many choices for peak cuisine experiences, interesting Oregon Trail history, mountain day hikes, wild huckleberries, local Mt. Hood personalities, and mountain events and fun family activities.
Looking for fun things to do in Oregon? Craving a relaxing day of peace and quiet? Visit the mountain and rejuvenate in the fresh air, by a stream, listening to melodious wild bird songs and taking in the scenic forest. Come to the Villages of Mt. Hood to experience spectacular cascade mountains and rustic beauty that is guaranteed to refresh.
The Villages of Mt. Hood are minutes from upper snowy playgrounds on Mount Hood, and several enticing day trip options. Mount St. Helens, Columbia River Gorge, Kahneeta and the High Desert, Oregon's famous coastline plus numerous attractions in Portland. All are within a short driving distance and you'll always have a peaceful rest in the woodlands at day's end.