Timberline Trail Permit: Route
Timberline Trail permits are walk-up only in Mt. Hood Wilderness. The route covers 41.5 miles.
This guide covers the Timberline Trail permit.
Free (Northwest Forest Pass for parking: $5/day)
Permit Cost
3-4 days
Duration
41.5 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Timberline Trail
Circle Oregon's most iconic peak on a 41-mile loop through alpine meadows, past cascading waterfalls, and across glacial rivers on the flanks of Mount Hood.
The Timberline Trail
- Distance
- 41.5 miles
- Route type
- loop
- High point
- 7,320 ft
- Low point
- 3,273 ft
- Trip length
- 3-4 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Timberline Lodge, Cloud Cap Saddle
Oregon Cascades. Nearest town: Government Camp
Points along the route
- Timberline LodgeMile 0, 5,942 ft
- Zigzag CanyonMile 2.5, 4,770 ft
- Paradise ParkMile 5
- Ramona FallsMile 12, 3,442 ft
- Sandy River CrossingMile 14, 3,363 ft
- Muddy Fork CrossingMile 16, 4,132 ft
- McNeil PointMile 20, 6,106 ft
- Elk CoveMile 24, 5,450 ft
- Cloud CapMile 28, 5,872 ft
- Eliot Glacier ViewMile 29
- Newton Creek CrossingMile 35, 5,388 ft
Timberline Trail permit detailsandAll Mt. Hood Wilderness permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Timberline Trail?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Timberline Trail?
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Late July through September. Early July may have lingering snow and dangerous river levels. August offers peak wildflowers. September has lower river levels and fewer crowds but shorter days.
How long is the Timberline Trail route?
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The route is 41.5 miles, as a loop. Plan on 3-4 days.
How difficult is the Timberline Trail route?
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Experienced backpackers comfortable with river crossings and Pacific Northwest conditions.
Where does the Timberline Trail route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Timberline Lodge, Cloud Cap Saddle.
What gear do I need for the Timberline Trail route?
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Essential gear includes: Trekking poles (essential for river crossings), Sandals or water shoes for fording, Northwest Forest Pass (for parking), Water filter (glacial silt requires pre-filtering), Rain gear (Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable).
Don't Miss Your Timberline Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Timberline Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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