Mt. Hood Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Mt. Hood. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Mt Hood Day Trip From Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River

• Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour From Portland, OR

• Full-Day Mt Hood Waterfall Tour With Lunch and Wine Included

• Discover Portland Half-Day Small-Group City Tour

• Mt. Hood Loop Tour From Portland

While there’s no entrance fee for Mt. Hood, you may need a parking pass if you drive there on your own; National Forest day passes cost US$5 per vehicle. You can also visit Mt. Hood on a tour. Shared day trips from Portland start at US$130, while private excursions cost much more.

Yes, Mt. Hood is definitely worth visiting, as it's Oregon's tallest mountain and one of the state's top outdoor sites. Mt. Hood has year-round activities for every type of traveler, from winter skiing to springtime wildflower hikes—plus plenty of lookout points if you'd rather take it easy. If you're visiting for the first time, book a tour from Portland. Your guide will fill you in on the mountain's natural history and best viewpoints, and you'll also see nearby highlights such as the waterfalls lining the Columbia River Gorge.

Per one customer who booked the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour From Portland, OR, "This incredible tour is absolutely a must for those traveling to Portland! The local knowledge of Patrick, who has spent most of his years in the area and has a passion for the region, really shines through all throughout the day. Beautiful falls, river and mountain views with lunch in an authentic small mountain town are especially nice!"

The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway measures 105 miles (169 kilometers) and takes around three to four hours to drive, depending on how many stops you make. It runs from the Portland-area city of Troutdale to Government Camp, the gateway to Mt. Hood, and ends in the town of Hood River.

The best time to visit Mt. Hood depends on what you're interested in doing. January and February are peak season for skiing and snowboarding, but the slopes often open much earlier, usually in November, and remain open until spring. Late spring through early fall are ideal for hiking.

No, you don't need reservations to visit Mt. Hood. However, many of the area's ski resorts require guests to purchase lift tickets in advance. Many camping areas surrounding Mt. Hood National Forest require reservations, but day visitors can buy a parking pass on the spot.

If you're visiting Mt. Hood in the winter, devote your day to skiing or snowboarding, with a break for lunch at Timberline Lodge or an evening cosmic inner-tubing session for good measure. Summer visitors can spend a morning hiking and an afternoon cooling off in Frog Lake or Timothy Lake.

Yes, there are restrooms at Mt. Hood. The ski resorts in the area all have public restroom facilities, as do the area gas stations, restaurants, cafes, campgrounds, and even some shops. Many trailheads in the area have vault toilets. You'll also find restrooms at Timberline Lodge and the Government Camp Rest Area.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Mt. Hood. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Portland:

• Latourell Falls

• Columbia River Gorge

• Willamette Valley

• Multnomah Falls

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Portland.