What’s the best way to experience Mt. Hood National Forest?

There are plenty of ways to experience Mt. Hood National Forest. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Portland/Mt-Hood-Day-Trip-from-Portland-to-Multnomah-Falls-and-Hood-River/d5065-5765MTHOOD" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Portland/Columbia-Gorge-and-Mt-Hood-Tour/d5065-9634P6" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Portland/Quicksand-Triangle/d5065-40145P5" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge Air Tour by Envi Adventures</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Portland/Exclusive-Mount-Hood-and-Columbia-River-Gorge-Air-Tour/d5065-40145P13" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mt. Hood & Multnomah Falls Air Tour by Envi Adventures</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Portland/Mt-Hood-Winter-Wonderland-Snowshoe-Adventure/d5065-398508P8" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mt. Hood Winter Wonderland Snowshoe Adventure</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit Mt. Hood National Forest in 2026?

There's no fee to visit much of Mt. Hood National Forest, but you will need to budget for transportation and parking fees. Some areas require recreation passes, priced at US$5 per vehicle, and there are fees to climb Mt. Hood Peak. Tours that visit the area start at around US$140 and typically include round-trip transportation from Portland.

What winter activities are available in the Mt. Hood National Forest?

There are many winter activities available in Mt. Hood National Forest. Mt. Hood itself is a particularly popular skiing and snowboarding destination, with good snowpack and a notably long season. Other popular activities include snowshoeing and inner tubing, including illuminated nighttime “cosmic tubing”.

What are the best hiking trails in Mt. Hood National Forest?

Mt. Hood National Forest has around 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) of hiking trails. Popular options include the trail into Bagby Hot Springs, a popular soaking spot near a tributary of the Clackamas River, and the Bull of the Woods Trail, which offers great views of the Cascade Mountains.

How do you get to Mt. Hood National Forest from Portland?

There are a few ways to get to Mt. Hood National Forest from Portland. You can take I-84 east along the Columbia River and then head south on Highway 13, or you can take Highway 224 past the town of Estacada and into the forest. The journey takes around 1-5 hours.

What wildlife might visitors encounter in Mt. Hood National Forest?

Mt. Hood National Forest is rich in wildlife—an array of birds and mammals live in the woods. Some of the many creatures found in the forest include coyotes, deer, elk, raccoons, and even bears (though they are rarely spotted). Birds range from owls to bald eagles.

Mt. Hood National Forest Tours and Tickets

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Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Experience the unrivaled beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Mountain Range, and Mount Hood—and see them all in one hassle-free, time-saving excursion—on this full-day tour from Portland. In the comfort of a luxury vehicle, travel with just your guide and a small group for company. Enjoy a guided tour of the Gorge’s top destinations, including Vista House, Multnomah Falls, Timberline Lodge, Hood River, and more.

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Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge Air Tour by Envi Adventures

1 hourFree Cancellation

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Mt. Hood and Multnomah Falls Air Tour by Envi Adventures

1 hourFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Viator Exclusive: Wyeast Adventure Cycling in Portland

Biking on the roads and highways around the mountain we call Wy'East -- after the Indigenous name -- has been described as one of the most beautiful rides in the world. From stunning vistas to a profusion of summer wildflowers to towering forests and lakes glinting through the trees. Small waterfalls tumble down the sides of the andesite lava walls of the mountain; valleys with countless mountains rolling away in the distance are all around. We offer routes at 23, 40 and 60 miles depending on your interests and the group, with some significant elevation change but more downhill than up. E-bikes are an option. Cycling Wy'East is an exercise in approachable adventure; with 23-60 miles (40-100 km) of riding from near the timberline down into the nearly sea level town of Hood River. Our adventure is adjustable for your experience level but this is the most challenging of our many bike tours and anyone's day tours offered from Portland. Lunch stop, on your own, is part of the day.

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Viator Exclusive: Wyeast Adventure Cycling in Portland

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

What are people saying about Mt. Hood National Forest

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Thomas_S, Jun 2026

Excellent trip, excellent value

Our guide, Norther, gave us a wonderful running commentary on the communities, history, agriculture, geology, flora and fauna of all the areas through which we travelled. Our bus was clean and very new. She kept to the schedule and gave us plenty of time at the various sites of interest. I really couldn’t ask for better.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Jo_L, Sep 2026

This is a great way to...

This is a great way to see some waterfalls and Hood Mountain. The Ridgeline Lodge is the highlight of this tour. The Full Sail Brewery in Hood River is great for lunch. Only downside is that the Ford vans are not really luxury or premium and have limited leg room. Plan on some discomfort on the longer return ride.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Daniel_D, Sep 2026

Complete Package - exceeded my expectations.

This tour covered more than what I was expecting. The impressive falls I will always remember. The short hikes in between as you appreciate nature and history. The unhurried moments as you immerse yourself on every scenery , the spectacular Mt Hood inviting you. You didn’t want to leave. All made possible by ever helpful, courteous , understanding and knowleadgeable guide Shawn. I enjoyed every minute of this tour.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Charles_B, Sep 2026

A great overview of...

A great overview of waterfalls and Mount Hood. Each stop is short but got to see lots. Was a good experience. Only downside was lots of driving.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

henri, Sep 2026

Awesome Day Trip!

This is a great tour to do if you want to both see the Columbia River Waterfalls and have some great views of Mt Hood too. Our guide Patrick was a walking encyclopedia on everything Oregon and did a perfect job of keeping us informed and entertained throughout the tour — he even threw in a couple extra stops along the way. The weather also played along and the skies were clear. All in all it was a perfect day trip.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Neaundri_M, Sep 2026

Best thing I did in Portland!

Tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, great recommendations, smooth ride, perfect tour! Also paced really well, never felt rushed. Had just enough time to experience each spot, tour guide always made sure everyone was accounted for and offered water, which came in handy. Where comfy shoes, you’re gonna do atleast 10,000 steps!

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Jody_G, Sep 2026

Pretty even in the rain.

It’s pretty easy. There are places with trails and stairs but you can see the waterfalls without climbing, if you choose. The van is very accessible with built in side steps. The gorge is beautiful even in the rain. Mt. Hood was behind the clouds. Our guide Chuck was great and full of stories!

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Lawrence_D, Aug 2026

If you love waterfalls, take this tour.

Our guide Andy did a great job showing our small group the many sights along the Columbia River and Mt. Hood. The tour provided wonderful, close views of the best waterfalls and a relaxing stop at the historic Timberline Lodge. It's a full day with a fair amount of riding between some stops, but Andy kept us well informed on our schedule, bathroom stops and lots of interesting history about the region.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

caruihley, Aug 2026

Columbia River Gorge/ Mt Hood tour

There are several stops including a fruit orchard and small town for lunch. There’s no itinerary so we didn’t know this is advance. We might have eaten at the Lodge at Mt Hood if we had known. The tour was very informative and we would recommend it! Our tour guide,Mel, was very knowledgeable.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

Tejaswini_M, Aug 2026

The tour was good, the...

The tour was good, the spots were nice. There could have been more scenic spots included in the itinerary. I was a bit disappointed as Mt.Hood was cancelled due to wildfire warning. They refunded some amount,but instead it would have been great if we had a chance to see Mt.hood from any other place close by.