Horse Trails in the North Oregon Cascades

Mount Hood • Clackamas & Hood River Foothills • Northern High Cascades

The North Oregon Cascades span the forested slopes and high-elevation routes surrounding Mount Hood, extending south through the Clackamas and Hood River areas and ending where the Mount Jefferson Wilderness begins. Riding here is defined by dense forest, volcanic terrain, rivers, and classic Cascade climbs, with access shaped heavily by snowpack and seasonal closures.

Trails in this region range from lower-elevation forest rides to high alpine routes, making it a versatile area for riders willing to plan around conditions and timing.

Current listings: XX trails
Best season: Late spring through fall (varies by elevation)

Mount Hood Area

Iconic Cascade riding with alpine lakes, forested climbs, and heavy seasonal use.

This area sees high recreation pressure in summer and fall. Expect shared use, snow lingering well into the season, and well-maintained trail systems.

Timothy Lake
Ramona Falls
Frog Lake
Little Crater Lake
Warm Springs River

Clackamas & South Mount Hood Foothills

Forest corridors, rivers, and quieter access points south and west of Mount Hood.

These trails often offer a more secluded feel than the immediate Mount Hood area, with longer forest approaches and fewer crowds.

Knebal Springs
Lookout Mountain
Bottle Prairie
Riverside Trail (Clackamas River)
Roaring River (stock-approved routes only)

Hood River & East Slope Cascades

Drier forests and open terrain along the eastern Cascade slope.

The east side of the range tends to see earlier snowmelt and more sun exposure, with different footing and vegetation than west-side routes.

Surveyors Ridge
Badger Creek Wilderness (designated stock routes)

Planning Notes for This Region

Snowpack often limits higher routes into early summer
Popular trails see heavy weekend traffic in peak season
Many trails are shared with mountain bikers.
River crossings and spring runoff can affect routes

Need Help Choosing the Right Route Here?

The North Oregon Cascades offer a wide range of riding experiences within a relatively small area. If you want help selecting routes, timing trips, or planning around seasonal access, I offer trail and trip consulting for this region.

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