Bonney Meadows Forest Camp

Tucked away on the east side of Mount Hood and on the eastern slope of Bonney Butte, Bonney Meadows Forest Camp is a quintessential, remote Forest Service campground. Both the campground and the butte are named for Augustus Bonney, a shepherd in the area who let his sheep graze in the subalpine meadow toward the end of the 19th century.

Protected by nearly 4 miles of rough, four-wheel drive road, the campground's relatively secluded location ensures its classic charm won't be spoiled with excessive traffic. The campground boasts eight campsites that will most likely be free of trailers because of the rough road. A mid-week visit may mean that your campsite will be free of neighbors as well.

Consider camping in the early fall to take advantage of the seasonal fall migration of raptors (birds of prey) that fly through the area in late September and early October. Bonney Butte stands at the convergence of several ridges that the birds follow as they migrate, and this geography frequently leads to largest known concentrations of migratory raptors in Oregon.  Further, the hike to Boulder Lake, one of the most pristine and delightful lakes on Mount Hood's eastern side, is only 3 miles from the trailhead at the campground.