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Mount Hood National Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,858 Google reviews · Running trail in Sandy, Oregon · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Mount Hood National Forest yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Mount Hood National Forest
“Mount Hood is a stunning peak, and the hiking and recreation in the National Forest is fantastic.”
For those wanting to ascend Mt. Hood: Intermediate difficulty. Terrain rough but manageable. Time required from Cloud Cap Inn is 4 hours up to Hog's Back at a normal pace and little snow-cover.
We spent 4 days and 3 nights on the timberline trail around mount hood CCW. It was an amazing trail, and experience. The vegetation in the area is beautiful, and very diverse. The views of Mount Hood along the trail were very impressive. Everyone should do this trail!
Mount Hood National Park is absolutely unreal. I hiked the Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Trail, and it delivered scenic views basically the entire way up—forest, ridgelines, and moments where the mountain reveals itself just long enough to take your breath away.
Such natural breathtaking beauty!!! It has been said that there is never a bad day at the beach but no doubt that is also true of the mountains! Mount Hood and its vicinity offers an endless amount of trails to explore, to ski & snowboard, to hike, to bike, to camp, to rent cabins……..
Trail conditions & character
“There is a $5 day pass that you need to obtain beforehand for parking, but it's definitely worth the views.”
“I’ve hiked here many times, most recently on a short backpacking trip to Upper Twin Lake from Frog Lake Trailhead last summer.”
“Dog friendly, there are only two porta potty's restrooms.”
Plan your run at Mount Hood National Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 503-668-1700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Sandy
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sandy Ridge Trail System
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Tickle Creek Trail Trailhead East End
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Sandy River Park
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Larch Mountain Trail
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Cascadian peak with a short trail that ends at a viewpoint, plus picnic tables and restrooms.
Sandy River Trail
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Hiking area featuring a number of trails, some of which lead to a river.