Walk-Up7/10
Paradise Park
12-mile loop from Timberline Lodge through Mount Hood's famous wildflower meadow...
View Paradise Park Loop permit details and availability
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.”
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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
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level8/10
LocationUSFS
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
41.5 miles
Elevation Gain
10,400 ft
Route Type
Loop
Duration
3-4 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
3,250 - 7,330 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
How to Get This Permit
1
Check availability requirements
Walk-up permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
2
Visit the ranger station
Go to the designated permit office or ranger station. Bring ID and know your planned itinerary.
3
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
When to Go
Peak: AugustShoulder: Late September for larch color
Conditions
Warmest and driest season. Snow-free at most elevations by late July.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Best weather
- +Snow-free travel
- +Long days
Challenges
- !Bugs in early season
- !Crowded popular trails
- !Permit demand peaks
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 Available
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
Water Available
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
Key Landmarks
↑
10,400ft
Gain↓
10,400ft
Loss⛰️
7,330ft
High📏
35.0mi
Distance📐
2.1%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•11 landmarks
Landmarks (11)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
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🐻
Food Storage
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Timberline Trail FAQ
How do I get a Timberline Trail permit?
Timberline Trail permits are obtained through a walk-up system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
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 using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Timberline Trail permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography 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.
Other Mt. Hood Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
Walk-Up7/10
Ramona Falls
Popular day hike or overnight to scenic 120-foot mossy waterfall on Mount Hood....
View Ramona Falls Trail permit details and availabilityWalk-Up6/10
McNeil Point
Dramatic viewpoint and historic stone shelter with close-up views of Mount Hood'...
View McNeil Point Shelter permit details and availability