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.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Picnicking ...Mt. Hood Style
When staying on Mt. Hood, you will soon discover that picnicking on the mountain is a timeless pleasure. Ask your hosts about a good picnic spot, and don't be surprised to find them enthusiastically sharing a variety of options. In fact, you will soon be planning to come to the mountain again and again for lingering picnics that include memorable scenic views, streamsides, woodlands, quiet forested ridges, or flower-carpeted meadows. Picnics can be elaborate, complete with tablecloths, wine and cheese - or they can be completely spontaneous with an impromptu meal picked up along the way. There are more than 20 village restaurants and grocery stores make it easy...
Scenic Hikes
Ramona Falls Loop Hike
Mt. Hood National Forest
This easy trail is a perfect day hike. The trail itself is fairly flat and easy, which makes this a very popular hike. It meanders through a diverse representation of lodgpole pines, hemlock, creeks and rivers, but the real prize is the waterfall. It's cascade is quite different from the much taller falls of the Columbia River Gorge. Ramona Falls cascades like a wonderland over the wide, rock lip. Be careful to stay on the trail at the falls due to the very fragile environment
he trail leaves the gravel parking area through a mountain hemlock forest, following the Sandy River. At 1.2 miles, you'll reach a confusing intersection. Follow the trail to the left and cross over the Sandy River via a footbridge. After rising up the other bank of the river and re-entering the forest, you'll come to an intersection where you'll need to fill out a mandatory wilderness permit before continuing.
From here you can go either direction, as it is a loop, but we suggest taking the more scenic trail to the left. You'll cross another creek and wind your way through a pine forest before following Ramona Creek. Just around the bend, you'll find fantastic Ramona Falls, perhaps the most beautiful waterfall...
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.