Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,600.00 ft (487.68 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.50 mi (4.02 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.

Wind Mountain offers plenty of reasons for a day trip: it's just an hour from Portland, you'll enjoy great views over the Columbia River Gorge, and there are plenty of other entertainment options nearby. Also, no permits are required to access the area or to park at either of the trailheads.

Because the hike to Wind Mountain is just over a mile, you can easily combine it with a hike up Dog Mountain or with other adventures in the Columbia River Gorge. The trail that starts at the lower trailhead winds along the west and south side of Wind Mountain. Along this route, you’ll have views to the Columbia River and Dog Mountain for much of the way. If you start at the upper trailhead, you’ll be met with an immediate, steep ascent. While a faster option to the top, this route has fewer views and can be a bit of a leg burner. Both options can be combined to make Wind Mountain a loop hike.

In addition, the summit of Wind Mountain is a special destination, being a spiritual quest site for Native American Indians. Signage at the top of the hike provides background information and context. 

Note that there are a number of cliffs along the Wind Mountain hike, so while it can be a nice short option for kids and dogs, you’ll want to keep them close. Also, there are no restrooms at the trailheads or along the route, but a summit-and-back trip will likely take less than a few hours.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Panoramic view over Columbia River Gorge. Wildflowers. Historic site.

Cons

No clear trailhead.

Trailhead Elevation

1,100.00 ft (335.28 m)

Features

Historically significant
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

05/04/2015
What a fantastic hike! A bit of a killer going up - pretty steep climb - but it goes fast and is totally worth it. Between the awesome views and intriguing Native American history, Wind Mountain is a very special place. As Shane mentioned above, be careful bringing kiddos and dogs due to cliffs, wind and several places where the trail narrows.
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