Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Mount Hood Scenic Loop

The first hydroelectric dam built on the Columbia River, Bonneville, is vital for both power generation and fish migration. At the visitor centre, you can watch salmon and lamprey navigate the fish ladders through underwater viewing windows. Just down the road, the historic hatchery offers shady garden paths, viewing pools - and Herman, an 80-year-old, 500-pound sturgeon who has to be seen to be believed.

A gorgeous glacial cirque lake sitting in an amphitheater-shaped basin carved by ancient glaciers, with a picture-perfect view of Mount Hood reflected in its surface. The trail is 2 miles each way, with a short loop around the lake at the top - around 4.4 miles in total, allow roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. One of the finest hikes in the area, and popular for good reason.

Each season brings something new on the slopes of Mt. Hood. Summer adventurers can discover the hikes for every level here, while in the wintertime it transforms into a playground for skiing and snowboarding. It even offers dark sky camping for stargazers who want to experience the breathtaking wilderness at night.

The undisputed showstopper of the Columbia River Gorge, and the most visited natural recreation site in the entire Pacific Northwest. As they tumble down the stony cliff face, they inspire awe at the sheer power of the natural world. It is the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. At Multnomah, water crashes down 620 feet, while the gentler 242-foot Wahkeena Falls delights visitors at the end of the path. It’s the perfect welcome to the wild road ahead. Due to high demand, a timed reservation is required for the main parking lot from late May through September.

A more demanding challenge for skilled hikers, this 7-mile hike involves some careful fording over the Sandy River. It leads to the beautiful Ramona Falls, which cascades down the cliff face in the remote forest. For experienced hikers looking for an expedition away from the busier spots like Multnomah, Ramona is an adventure that takes about 2-3 hours. Be aware that the seasonal bridge is no longer installed, so hikers must cross the Sandy River by balancing on logs or fording the water. This crossing can be dangerous when water levels are high. Always check trail conditions before heading out to enjoy this serene and cooling reward.

Don't let the name put you off - this short, satisfying 1.8-mile trail packs in four waterfalls in quick succession. Starvation Creek Falls is just a tenth of a mile from the trailhead, followed by Cabin Creek Falls, Hole in the Wall Falls and Lancaster Falls along the Historic Highway State Trail. The highlight is Hole in the Wall, where engineers actually blasted a tunnel through a cliff face and diverted an entire creek through it to protect the highway below - nature improved upon by sheer audacity. Allow around an hour for the full out-and-back. Note: The park isn't directly accessible from westbound I-84, so continue to Exit 51 at Wyeth, double back eastbound and come in from the Starvation Creek exit. Add around 10 minutes for the detour well worth it.

Blanketing the Hood River Valley in apples, pears, cherries and more, the Fruit Loop has connected u-pick orchards, farmstands, bakeries, wineries, cideries and flower fields along scenic country roads since 1992. You could easily spend a full day working through it all. Browse the options at hoodriverfruitloop.com before you go and pick what appeals.

Set far up in the slopes, Timberline Lodge is a historic lodge that looks straight out of an alpine fairytale. A year-round gateway to adventure, Timberline is the perfect place to relax and soak in the mountainside views, or try out some winter sports during the colder months. Even in the summer, mountain biking and hiking make this a favorite stop for adventure-seeking looking for a home base on the mountain.