RECREATION

Snowshoeing in
The Villages of Mt. Hood

Longing for a quiet walk in the snowy woods?
The Villages have it!

While the favorite spot at Old Maid Flats up Lolo Pass Road is closed this year due to a washed out bridge, there are other locations that can provide a satisfying snowshoe experience.

Take the Lower or Middle sections of the Salmon River Trail, for examples.  Starting at the stoplight on Highway 26 and Welches Road, Drive .9 on Highway 26 to Salmon River Road.  Turn right and drive 5 miles south on Salmon River Road to a bridge and a broad parking area.

Going back north from the bridge along the river takes you on the Lower Salmon River Trail.  This is a fairly level, easy-going trail with lots of opportunity to view birds and other wildlife as well as enjoy the mountain music of a river cascading over boulders and around bends.  Pause to enjoy old growth forest there, too!

Or you might go south from the bridge and snowshoe up the Middle Salmon River Trail.  This is a steeper trail.  You will be moving along through the forest with occasional views of the river as you rise rapidly above it.  Its companionable songs rise from below to accompany you.

When the snow levels come down lower, Wildwood Park is a fabulous snowshoe site for the whole family.  (Wildwood Park is 1.3 miles west on Highway 26 from the stoplight at Welches Road and Highway 26.) As the Park is closed to vehicles in the winter, you will be parking at the main gate and snowshoeing in on the roads and a mostly level trail system that wanders throughout the park.  Again, you are never far from the river.

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