Walk-Up7/10
Mt. Hood Paradise Park Loop permit
12-mile loop from Timberline Lodge through Mount Hood's famous wildflower meadow...
Walk-UpThru-HikeHigh Demand
Timberline Trail Permit
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.
“Circumnavigate Oregon's highest peak on a CCC-era trail through wildflower meadows, past glaciers, and across roaring glacial rivers.”
How to get Timberline Trail
Timberline Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Timberline Trail
Timberline Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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Timberline Trail Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelHigh8/10
CostFree (Northwest Forest Pass for parking: $5/day)
Max Group Size12 people
Timberline Trail Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Timberline Trail in Mt. Hood Wilderness, Oregon requires a permit issued via walk-up.
- Timberline Trail is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Timberline Trail route covers 41.5 miles, rated strenuous.
This permit is not bookable online
You get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone. There is no online reservation to race for, so availability alerts do not apply. We still track key dates and season info for your trip.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level8/10
LocationOregon Cascades, OR
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
41.5 miles
Route Type
Loop
Duration
3-4 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
3,273 - 7,320 ft
Highlights
- •41 miles over 3-4 days with approximately 10,000 feet of total elevation gain
- •Multiple glacial river crossings—best attempted before 10am when water levels are lowest
- •World-class wildflower displays in Paradise Park (late July-August)
- •Views of eleven glaciers on Mount Hood
- •Historic Timberline Lodge at the starting point
Best Time to Visit
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.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Glacial river crossings—water levels rise dramatically by afternoon; cross before 10am
- !Route changes—storms and floods regularly wash out trail sections
- !Exposure—trail is above treeline with limited shelter
- !Weather—conditions can change rapidly; be prepared for cold, wind, and rain
- !Glacial rivers are extremely cold—hypothermia risk during crossings
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (3,250 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Tomorrow: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Tomorrow: Wind gusts to 43mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
Today
☁️
58°
46°
Sun
🌧️
50°
41°
83%
Mon
☁️
59°
41°
Tue
☁️
58°
39°
Wed
☀️
66°
43°
Thu
☀️
68°
47°
Fri
☀️
70°
49°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued — and any fee — at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
2
Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served, and quotas can fill early on weekends and holidays.
3
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced backpackers comfortable with river crossings and Pacific Northwest conditions.
Recommended Experience
Should have experience with river fording and multi-day backpacking in mountain environments.
Not Recommended For
Those uncomfortable with cold water crossings or unpredictable weather.
About This Permit
The Timberline Trail is a 41-mile loop circumnavigating Mount Hood in Oregon's Cascade Range. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the trail follows the mountain's treeline through alpine meadows, past eleven glaciers, and across numerous glacial rivers.
The trail gains approximately 10,000 feet of cumulative elevation and includes several challenging river crossings that require careful timing and route-finding.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Timberline Trail has become the Pacific Northwest's premiere volcano circumnavigation. It encircles Mount Hood at treeline, offering intimate views of eleven glaciers, dramatic alpine meadows, and the historic Timberline Lodge. For Oregon hikers, completing the Timberline Trail is a rite of passage.
The Route
Most hikers begin at Timberline Lodge, walking clockwise to tackle the challenging western drainages with fresh legs. The first miles descend through Zigzag Canyon—800 feet down and 800 feet up—before reaching the wildflower paradise of Paradise Park.
Ramona Falls appears at mile 12, a 120-foot veil of water cascading over basalt columns. Beyond lies the challenging western drainage crossings: the Sandy River, Muddy Fork, and Ladd Creek, each swelling with glacial melt by afternoon.
The north side traverses the 1980s-era blast zone remnants before reaching Elk Cove, perhaps the trail's most spectacular meadow. The eastside passage past Cloud Cap offers views of Eliot Glacier before the final push across White River and Newton Creek back to the Lodge.
The Feeling
Mount Hood is your constant companion for 41 miles—sometimes towering directly above through a gap in the trees, sometimes glimpsed across a flowering meadow, always present. The trail dips in and out of glacial drainages, crossing rivers that swell and recede with the temperature. You wake before dawn to beat the afternoon melt, fording icy streams that will be raging torrents by noon. The reward? Wildflowers by the millions, views that extend to Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson, and the satisfaction of circling one of America's great volcanoes.
Trailhead Information
Timberline Lodge
6,000 ft elevationMost popular starting point with historic WPA-era lodge, parking, and services.
Restrooms
Water on site
Moderate
Parking
Large paved lot. No Northwest Forest Pass required (separate Timberline parking fee). Very busy on summer weekends.
Getting There
From Highway 26, take Timberline Highway 6 miles to the Lodge. Paved road year-round.
Nearest Services
Timberline Lodge has restaurant, cafe, and gift shop. Government Camp (6 miles) has full services.
Cloud Cap Saddle
5,840 ft elevationNorth side access requiring high-clearance vehicle. Less crowded starting point.
Restrooms
No water
No Service
Parking
Unpaved lot. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Getting There
Access via FR 3512 from Highway 35. High-clearance vehicle recommended for final miles.
Nearest Services
Hood River (25 miles) has full services.
Rules & Regulations
- •Free self-issue wilderness permit required (May 15 - October 15)
- •Northwest Forest Pass required for parking at most trailheads (not Timberline Lodge)
- •Maximum group size of 12 people
- •Dogs allowed but must be under control (leash encouraged)
- •No bikes—entire trail is in designated Wilderness
- •No horses/stock on most of trail (except PCT overlap section)
Gear Checklist
Required
- 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)
Recommended
- Gaiters for volcanic sand and scree
- 50 feet of paracord (for rope-assisted crossings)
- Pre-filter or bandana for glacial silt
- Detailed map and GPS (river crossings change annually)
- Campsite reservations at Timberline Lodge for pre/post-hike
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Timberline Trail
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Key Landmarks
⛰️
7,320ft
High📏
35.0mi
DistanceClick on a marker to view details•11 landmarks
Landmarks (11)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Timberline Trail.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Timberline Trail FAQ
How do I get a Timberline Trail permit?
Timberline Trail is not sold online. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Timberline Trail?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Timberline Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and reading the official permit page for how this one is issued.
What if I can't get a Timberline Trail permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Paradise Park with alpenglow on Mount Hood is the trail's signature shot. Ramona Falls is best photographed in soft, overcast light to capture water detail.
Best Light
Morning light illuminates the mountain's east face from Cloud Cap. The wildflower meadows of Paradise Park glow in late afternoon light.
Beat the Crowds
Weekday starts avoid weekend crowds at Timberline Lodge. Paradise Park and Ramona Falls are the busiest sections—camp elsewhere for solitude.
Classic Shots
- 📍Mount Hood from Paradise Park wildflower meadows
- 📍Ramona Falls full cascade
- 📍Eliot Glacier from the Cloud Cap area
- 📍Elk Cove meadows with mountain backdrop
- 📍Timberline Lodge with Mount Hood rising above
- 📍River crossing silhouette at dawn
Can't Get a Timberline Trail Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Paradise Park Loop
Easier Alternative12-mile loop from Timberline Lodge through Paradise Park's famous wildflower meadows.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Captures the best wildflowers without the challenging river crossings.
Ramona Falls / McNeil Point
Same AreaDay hike or overnight to the trail's most popular waterfall and viewpoint.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Sample the highlights without full circumnavigation.
Loowit Trail (Mt. St. Helens)
Similar Experience30-mile loop around Mount St. Helens for a different Pacific Northwest volcano experience.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
More rugged volcanic terrain but no permit hassle.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Timberline Trail trip
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