I'm planning a trip from San Francisco in September, traveling through Oregon and spending most of our 2 weeks in Washington state. We have been to the Oregon coast several times, have been to Crater Lake, the Umqua and Rogue river headwaters, and the Columbia River, all beautiful areas. The Mt. Hood area in Oregon might make a nice stop along the way, but I can find very few posts discussing this area. We enjoy hiking and photographing in scenic places that aren't too overrun with people. Would this area fit this description? Any suggested camping spots that would give convenient access to the park? Would prefer at least electric hookup, but can do without.Initially, I'm planning on coming up Hwy. 197 from California, so the east side would probably be most convenient. And with that in mind, when continuing up to Mt. Rainier, is Hwy 141 OK for a 30 ft. Coach towing a Jeep? Favorite camping spots around Mt. Rainer?Lots of questions, I know, but I appreciate any input.

Not really. Timberline lodge is well worth a visit, and there are lots of photographic oppotunities. But two days? No unless you include the Columbia river gorge and waterfalls. Your probably better off transitioning to US26 at Madras up to the mountain.

I loved the area and could easily spend a week or two there. How much do you like to hike?It's uncrowded. Probably much more popular with hikers / tent campers than RVers. I'd suggest looking on climbing and hiking sites for info and reviews.

It is in the winter time. I love it in the snow. I could spend a week there. And some times you have to because you can't get out. :-)

This time of year, about four hours. Leave rig at Government Camp and take toad up to Timberline Lodge.

You don't have to stay in the toad :). There's a very nice day hike to the treeline, and a little alpine lake there.

Is Mt. Hood, Oregon worth a couple of days? | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Aug 19, 2016
I love Oregon and I'm particularly found of North Central and eastern Oregon. We took this awesome trip from Portland east on Hwy 30, and we spent a couple of days at Condon Or and then checked out the area. We loved the ghost towns and with the exception of Lone Rock, Or that has a scary road going in and out, we enjoyed it so much.
John Day was another favorite and I could live in that little town and spend my life there.
Hardman, Heppner, and we took a train ride in Elgin Or. Joseph was awesome and John Day not to miss.
Ed-N-Dani
Explorer
Aug 19, 2016
We went last year. The drive up Mt Hood was an experience. I guess for the daredevil type it would seem fun but that's not me. We had a fantastic time up there. Just took it easy going up and back down.

This was from out back of of our rental on the gorge

This was about an hour of walking up from the parking area on Mt Hood.

The most beautiful part of the country that I have ever seen.

Kindest regards
Ed

PS Bring a sweat shirt, it was 85 at sea level or close to. Up there it was in the mid to high 30s.
donkeydew
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
your question was mt hood not the whole north west .there is lots to do and see
especially if you enjoy hiking ..timberline lodge, ride the ski lift up palmer
goverment camp,ski bowl action park,timothy lake ,hiking and swimming.
i lived in rhododendron for almost a year and was never bored.
dennis1
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
That was Interstate 82 toward Yakima, then 12 then 410. Good read good scenery.
fotodog
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016
Dennis, I hadn't seen that route, looks interesting. Does it have a lot of tight curves and grades? My wife is fine for most roads, we've been all over the Sierras in California, but she gets nervous when things start getting too squirrley :-)
fotodog
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016
You guys are great, thanks so much for all the replies!
dennis1
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016
I wouldn't take 141 to Mt Rainier. Take I82 then 12 to 410 to my Rainier. Stop at Union Gap for great Tamale, Los Hernadez tamale. Also take a stop at Goldendale Observatory. Also while in central Oregon stop at Newberry Volcanic memorial near La Pine Oregon.
dennis1
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016
My Rainier had three major campgrounds, White River, Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh. White River has a length restriction. Other two ok. They are reservable campground and large sites. No hookups and lots of hiking area. PM me is you need specific information. Been there many times.
vermilye
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016
RedRocket204 wrote:
While in OR, consider going to the John Day Fossil Beds NP: Painted Hills Unit.

https://www.nps.gov/joda/planyourvisit/ptd-hills-unit.htm

When we went there, we only saw a handful of people and it is an amazing and scenic area.

You can stay in Dayville at the Fish House Inn and RV Park although there are only 6 RV spots so make reservations. For an additional day trip, head north to the orchards to pick Rainier cherries or other summer fruits. Hang out at the John Day River or go into Fossil and dig for plant fossils at the high school for a small donation.

Great place to unwind and relax as the speed of things are well under the speed limit ;)

Not too far from the Fossil Beds National Monument (about 36 miles) in John Day is the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site. I visited there in 2014 - some photos. An interesting stop...
Us_out_West
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016
allen8106 wrote:
Yes it is. My wife and I just spent 4 days there this past July and loved it. Assuming you like hiking there are 100's of trails to hike, there are numerous wineries, we visited the lavender fields. We stayed at Tollbridge Park in Parkdale, OR, a great place to stay at the base of Mt. Hood.

Agree, Tollbridge is a great stopover for the Mt. Hood area.

Our visit.