Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,000.00 ft (304.80 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
5.40 mi (8.69 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

A volcanic peak, a sword in the stone, and bears; rivers, waterfalls, and glaciers. You can find a little of everything along this dramatic hike on the west side of Mount Hood. 

To reach the Muddy Fork from the Top Spur Trailhead, follow the trail to a point where multiple trails will merge. The junction includes the Pacific Crest Trail, Top Spur Trail, and the Timberline Trail No. 600 Muddy Fork. Luckily this trail is aptly named, so take the Timberline Trail No. 600 and you will head right for the Muddy Fork. You can be certain you're at the Muddy Fork by looking directly up the riverbed toward Mount Hood, where you will see three waterfalls coming off of the Sandy Glacier to feed the Muddy Fork.

This scenic hike can be done as a there-and-back trip, or it can be combined with additional trails to be included as a loop that will also lead to Ramona Falls (see map). Either option is an exceptional trip, as you'll travel through dense forest and traverse along flower-covered mountainside trails followed by rocky riverbeds, all while enjoying dramatic views of Mount Hood. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Dramatic views. Waterfalls. Wildlife.

Cons

Not family friendly due to cliffs and rocky terrain.

Trailhead Elevation

3,900.00 ft (1,188.72 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Big Game Watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

05/26/2018
Overjoyed that Lolo Pass and the Top Spur Trailhead are open. We passed the permit box on the way in and it was empty but we checked it on the way back and it was stuffed full of permits for the year. There was one spot on the trail that had slid away a bit so proceed with caution. Unfortunately we were also clouded out that day. But we will be back!
07/22/2017
Beautiful hike. We optioned to make it a loop and passed by Ramona Falls along the way to the Muddy Fork and back. Taking that route is about a 9-10 mile trek.
09/02/2016
Great walk up to the riverbed through lush forests. Clouds obscured Mt. Hood but the hike still included beautiful views. Be aware that in August and September, the Pacific Northwest woods include yellow jackets. (One of them reminded me of their presence today!)
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