Forum Discussion

david1601's avatar
david1601
Explorer
Feb 17, 2019

Mt. Hood

We are traveling the west coast from California to Canada in May and June. Our plan is the leave the coast north of Beverly Beach Oregon to travel the Columbia River to Deschutes River SRA and then back to the Coast at Nehalem Bay State Park.

We have a 36' Tiffin gas powered, no toad. How is the road around Mt. Hood? Will we have any trouble taking Hwy 26 to Mt. Hood Village, then E. Lolo Pass Road north to the Lost Lake Resort campground? Once we leave there we wish to go to Hood River and on to Deschutes River SRA where we have reservations.

We will be staying at Ainsworth State Park on our way back to the coast.

Anyone stayed at these campgrounds and will we have any problems with a 36' rig in this area. I know the Columbia River Hwy is fine just wondering about the roads around Mt. Hood mainly.

Any advice avoiding Portland traffic?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Roads and Routes
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 17, 2019
    US 26 is a very good highway.
    I would not take the MH to Timberline Lodge. You can do it, but take it easy on your rig. Fairly steep with many turns. Lots are decent size to turn around and park in. Depending on weather of course!
  • ORbiker's avatar
    ORbiker
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2019
    The roads are up and down a lot. 5000 ft of elevation gain.

    I would suggest renting a car if you want to enjoy the drive. Maybe motel in Hood River.
  • RWGuidinger's avatar
    RWGuidinger
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2019
    Hi,

    East Lolo pass was gravel road the last time we traveled that way. May be quite rough on a motor home. You might want to approach Lost lake from Highway 35 thru Parkdale and on to Dee. That is a paved route that most everyone uses for RV travel there.

    Bob
  • donkeydew's avatar
    donkeydew
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2019
    i agree with rwguidinger. the last time i was on east lolo pass about three years ago their was a lot of gravel road. 35 thru parkdale is very scenic and a lot better road
  • david1601's avatar
    david1601
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2019
    I have looked over the roads and decided the entrance to Lost Lake from Parkdale will be much better. Thanks for the advice.
  • rbtglove's avatar
    rbtglove
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2019
    We have stayed at Ainsworth many times one of our favorite campgrounds in the Columbia Gorge where I grew up. It used to be a no reservation campground but now takes reservations and does have some pull through big rig full service sites. The entrance is just off the 84 and need to make sure you don't get on the old highway which is not big rig friendly. Very close to Multnomah falls which has parking for RVs but is a left lane turn then a tunnel to walk to the visitor center. If you want to cross over the river to visit Beacon Rock don't use the Hood River bridge use the Bridge of the Gods. Never solved the Portland Traffic problem just put up with it no easy way from east to west. Lots to see and do in the gorge.

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