Fall Driving Tour

Fall Driving Tour

Along The Mt. Hood National Scenic Byway

The Mt. Hood National Scenic Byway follows an exhilarating route around Mt. Hood, offering outlooks of striking geologic diversity. Landscapes unfold from valleys and rainforest into semi-arid uplands. History is embedded and alive: this is the same route traveled for thousands of years by local Native Americans. Pioneers on the Oregon Trail followed the path up Barlow Road, and now you can pioneer your own adventures at Mt. Hood.

PICTURED: Barlow Road Tollgate. A replica of the last tollgate operated on the Barlow Road, standing between two large maple trees planted in 1890s. 3.7 miles east of the stoplight at US Hwy 26 and Welches Road (Photo: Public Domain. Courtesy of USDA Forest Service).

The Mt. Hood National Scenic Byway makes a natural loop around the mountain, and offers access to three of Oregon's unique natural wonders: Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. In the section running through The Villages of Mt. Hood, you will find a world of primeval forest, complete with canopies of huge old growth fir, small waterfalls, wild rivers and national forest lands. All along the route, Mt. Hood looms as the backdrop.

PICTURED: Figure Hood River Valley (north side of Mt. Hood) This valley has spectacular views when its maples, oaks and other deciduous trees and vines are dressed in fall colors (Photo: Public Domain. Courtesy of USDA Forest Service)

As you loop around the mountain to the west and north, you will be seeing the many faces of Mt. Hood, viewing it from all angles. There you will have glimpses of a patchwork of small farms, vineyards and fertile orchards, into the dramatic Columbia River Gorge.

PICTURED: Figure Mountain Biking in Mt. Hood National Forest (Photo: Public Domain. Jim Semlor.)

The Byway provides access to the most popular recreation destination in Oregon. The route is known around the world for top-notch recreation with a distinctive array of outdoor settings. And that includes the diversity of hiking options within The Villages of Mt. Hood.many miles of forest trails that move from vista to vista, with Mt. Hood itself as the dominant presence. And within minutes you can be up on the slopes skiing, and yes, that's year-round. Around the byway to the west and north side, there is world class wind-surfing on the Columbia River.

Nowhere else can visitors experience the fantastic range of geology and nature entwined with human history, all within a few miles.

TRIP LENGTH: Distance: 105 miles Best time: Late spring through fall Minimum Driving Time: 4 hours.but most enjoy it as a leisurely day-trip. You could easily enjoy experiencing various sections in greater depth for days!

Byway Points of Interest in the Villages of Mt. Hood

Featuring village ambience in Alder Creek, Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag or Rhododendron. This outdoor enthusiast's playground provides Oregon's best four-season location to enjoy year-round experiences such as outdoor recreation, artist studios and galleries, alpine village shopping, mountain culinary delights, wellness/spa treatment and hospitality services within a unique cultural heritage area. 888-622-4822.

The Resort at The Mountain

Enjoy a Scottish-style resort on one of the Three Nine golf courses or croquet lawns featuring international tournament play at this forested mountain resort. Lodging, dining and all resort amenitites. 503-622-3101.

Wildwood Recreation Site & The Cascade Streamwatch

This is an expansive 580 acre day-use BLM site with more than five miles of interpretive trails, mostly along the streams and wetlands next to the Salmon River. An underwater stream viewing window along the Cascade Streamwatch trail creates a restful pause in your activities. (While the site is gated from October to May, many visitors park at the front gate and enjoy a walk into the park year- round.) 503-622-3696.

Descriptions courtesy America's Byways website. Click HERE for a Print 'n' Go brochure for the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway.

September/October 2006

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