Outdoor Project

Truly memorable views tend to be those you can somehow feel: you may feel hair rise on the back of your neck, your lips may involuntarily smile, or you might hear your own gasp.  The views from Indian Point, meanwhile, are so vertiginous that you may feel your stomach plunge right out of your body or hear it splash into the Columbia River some 2,000-feet below.  And while climbing gear and proper training are necessary to scale the basalt cone that forms the point, the narrow ridge that connects the point to terra firma adequately rewards those with the moxie to make the t

Timothy Lake is the largest body of water in the Mount Hood National Forest, and it offers spectacular views of the state's tallest mountain, so it's no wonder that it has become such a popular summer recreation area.  In combination, the campgrounds around Timothy Lake provide over 260 designated campsites, making it the third largest camping area in the state.  Only Fort Stevens and Nehalem Bay State Park provide accommodations for more visitors.

The 120-foot Ramona Falls is tucked away on the western flanks of Mount Hood, and while the cascade is a remarkable destination by itself, the trail leading to the falls is equally delightful.  You'll begin hiking along the open and sandy bed that flanks the Sandy River.  The granular nature of the soil means that the river bed is home to a distinct blend of flora not typically found in the Mount Hood area, such as the many lodgepole pines, Oregon beaked moss, juniper haircap moss and broom moss.  Once you've reached Ramona Falls, loop back on the trail’s northern section, where you'll gain

Mount Hood is the second-most-climbed* glaciated mountain on earth. Adventurers have been climbing to the top of Mount Hood via its formidable north side for over a hundred years, while an overwhelming majority scale to the top via Timberline Lodge along the mountain's southern route. The northern and far more challenging route follows a prominent ridgeline just east of Eliot glacier called Cooper Spur.

Just north of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and only 3.5 miles from the Columbia River, the Lewis River and East Fork Lewis River converge into what becomes the main stem of the Lewis River.  This broad body of water is a relaxing paddle, but the highlight is certainly the secluded beaches that face the Columbia River.  To reach Squaw Island (private property), paddle 1.8 miles west and plenty of options will unfold.  If it is late spring or early summer and waters are high, explore Gee Creek, which opens up after 1.9 miles into the gorgeous, wildlife-rich, oak and camas-lined Lan

The approach to Timberline Lodge can make you feel like you are being transported into a different era. Facing the lodge with snow piled high and parked cars behind you, you might as well be at the lodge for a ski weekend in 1950.

When compared with the crowds that flock to Mount Hood's south side, the relative calm of the Gnarl Ridge area is a welcome relief. Whether you are attempting the 8.2 mile, 2,030-foot climb in one day or you are stationed at Elk Meadows, you'll find the views from Gnarl Ridge well worth the journey. Once you pass Lamberson Butte on the Timberline Trail, the craggy Newton Canyon dramatically opens up to views of Mount Hood's summit. From this ridgeline you'll also gain expansive views as far south as Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters.

As the snow melts on the slopes of Wy'east in late summer, many worthy subalpine hiking trails open for exploration, but the hike to Paradise Park is one adventure everyone should prioritize. Simply put, Paradise Park boasts the most plush, lively and abundant wildflower meadows in Oregon's Cascades.