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Map Key

40.8

Miles

65.7

KM

84%

Runnable

7,260' 2,213 m

High

3,288' 1,002 m

Low

8,024' 2,446 m

Up

8,021' 2,445 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Description

Timberline Trail, when combined with part of the Pacific Crest Trail makes up the 40 mile loop trail around Mt. Hood. Timberline Trail takes off at a sharp angle from the PCT and heads to Ramona Falls. This popular waterfall is best visited on weekdays or earlier morning weekends. Just beyond the falls is the intersection with the Ramona Falls Trail. Bear to the right (northwest) and begin running up Yokum Ridge. At the ridgeline, you pass the intersection with Yokum Ridge Trail #771 on your right (east). Continue down the north side of Yokum Ridge into the Muddy Fork drainage.

The Muddy Fork section of the Timberline Trail used to be the PCT and older maps and guidebooks still refer to it as such. However, the erosion and windstorm blowdown issues in the loose unstable volcanic ash make keeping the trail stable and wide enough for equestrians (PCT standards) infeasible. Therefore, the PCT was relocated further downstream, and this section was labeled the Timberline Trail. This section of trail has some of the steepest and most unstable sideslopes.

Less than a mile past Yokum Ridge Trail #771 intersection, you begin crossing in and out of steep side drainages. These are where trail slides most often occur. If you arrive early in the season before trail maintenance occurs, be willing to detour back to the PCT. Crossing the Muddy Fork drainage is another challenge as there is no bridge. The river is braided over a 0.5 mile wide crossing. Utilize river safety crossing strategies in this area. The climb up Bald Mountain on the north side of the Muddy Fork is slightly steeper but does not slide out as often.

About 1.5 miles after crossing the Muddy Fork, you come to a 300 foot shortcut user trail that takes you to the ridgeline of Bald Mt on the section of Timberline Trail that takes you to McNeil Point. The shortcut connector used to be marked with a cairn, but signs may mark it now. If you skip the short cut, you soon get to the fabulous viewpoint of Mt. Hood from Bald Mountain in a wildflower meadow. You then head to the intersection with the PCT. If you are headed towards, McNeil Point and want to see the Bald Mt. viewpoint, backtrack to the connector.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kathleen Walker

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 17 votes

#277

Overall
  4.7 from 17 votes
5 Star
76%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Oregon

#277

Overall
34 Views Last Month
7,531 Since Jan 17, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
7%
21%
21%
50%
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Photos

Mount Hood from the south side of Bald Mountain looking into the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River Valley.  Photo from USFS.
Dec 31, 2017 near Governm…, OR
Alpenglow on the Sandy Glacier on the west side of Mt. Hood. Headwaters of the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River.
Jan 8, 2018 near Governm…, OR
Ramona Falls Trail is one of the iconic destinations in Mt. Hood National Forest. Photo by Ethan Douglass.
Jan 3, 2017 near Governm…, OR
Ramona Falls
Jan 5, 2017 near Governm…, OR
Mount Hood from a meadow on the northern Timberline Trail.
Oct 11, 2020 near Governm…, OR
Wildflowers on the open steep meadow are best in June and July.
Jan 3, 2018 near Governm…, OR
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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 63 days ago
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