The Best 12 Places to Take in the View of Oregon’s Tallest Mountain

As Oregon’s tallest mountain, Mt. Hood sits at 11,239 feet above sea level. For climbers around the world, the peak in the Pacific Northwest is a bucket list must. Mount Hood is a stratovolcano that last erupted in 1907 and maintains snow on the peak all year. A national forest full of lakes and rivers surrounds the mountain. Both within the forest and around Oregon, there are plenty of wonderful spots to take in the view of the peak. Here are the top 12 most magnificent places to take in the view of Mount Hood.

Lake Trillium

If you want an easily accesible and gorgeous view of Mt. Hood, Trillium Lake is a wonderful option. The lake is the result of a natural dam at the headwaters of Mud Creek. On a clear and sunny day, you can see the perfect reflection of Mount Hood on the water’s surface. For the best photos, plan to go around dawn or sunset. You can also spend the day here fishing, enjoying water sports, or boating.

Timberline Trail

Sitting atop Mount Hood is the famous Timberline Lodge. The ski resort is open all year and offers a wonderful view of the mountain. You can hit the trails with your snowshoes in the winter to take in the majesty, or you can wear boots during the summer. No matter the season, be prepared for snow.

Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountains

For those who love hiking, Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain is the place for you. The difficult trail goes 4.5 miles one-way and offers stunning views of Mirror Lake, forests, and valleys. You can choose between the three summits, Tom, Dick, and Harry, or see them all.

Elk Meadow

If you’re looking for a more remote place to view the glory of Mt Hood, Elk Meadow is incredible. The meadow fills with lupines, paintbrushes, beargrass, Cascade asters, and other flowers during the summer. To get to Elk Meadows, you’ll need to hike 2.5 miles one way starting at the Elk Meadows and Sahalie Falls Trailhead. This location is perfect for a picnic in the grass, paired with your favorite beverage and good company.

McNeil Point

McNeil Point Trail is one of the best day hikes throughout Mt Hood National Forest. You’ll be able to soak in meadows, forests, and ridges full of natural wonder. The trail ends at the McNeil Point Shelter, which is on the northwest side of Mount Hood. The hike is 5.2 miles one-way and can be challenging. You’ll need to prepare for emergencies before going this route, especially since you might run into wild animals.

White River West Sno Park

On the east side of Mount Hood sits the White River West Sno-Park. The park has a large car lot and offers a plethora of ski trails during the winter. You’ll be able to see Mt. Hood as a dominant aspect of the backdrop as it shines high above the trees. If you don’t want to ski, you can bring your snowshoes and enjoy the trails as well. Just make sure you’re always dressed for cold weather, since you’ll see snow year-round.

Panorama Point County Park

Located in a town along the coast of the Columbia River, Panorama Point County Park shows off Mount Hood in its splendor. The park is south of downtown Hood River, in front of beautiful fruit orchards. The park offers a car lot, restrooms, accessibility, and picnic tables. You can also see Mount Adams from this location.

Buzzard Point

Buzzard Point is just off Highway 35 and nested between Barlow Pass Sno-Park and the Colonizer Woman’s Grave. The viewpoint of Mt. Hood is part of the original highway through the area. Not only can you see Mount Hood from here, but you can also see the gorgeous evergreen trees of the national forest.

Powell Butte Nature Park

Within the city of Portland, locals and visitors can see the stunning peak of Mount Hood. While there are multiple ways to view the mountain, none compares to the Powell Butte Natural Park. The butte is part of the Boring Lava Field and the centerpiece of a sprawling series of meadows, forests, and orchards. You can bike, hike, walk, and ride your horse in the area.

There is an orientation platform at the top of the butte that helps you name all of the mountains you’re seeing. You can see Mount St. Helens, the Three Sisters, and Mount Adams as well.

Lost Lake

About 25 miles southwest of Hood River, Lost Lake sits at the foot of Mount Hood. The deep blue water is cold year-round but perfect for swimming during the hot summer. You can also fish, hike, and pick huckleberries at Lost Lake. If you’ve seen a postcard of Mount Hood, it might have Lost Lake in it as well, since the scenic location is picturesque.

During the summer months, you can camp in a tent, RV, yurt, or cabin at Lost Lake. You’ll be able to wake up to the sunrise against Mount Hood and fall asleep with oranges and purples glistening on the peak.

Jonsrud Viewpoint

The Jonsrud viewpoint is west of Mount Hood, in the town of Sandy. From here, you can see the wonder of Mount Hood rising into the skyline. Plus, there are spaces to park your car and restrooms nearby. You can also see the “Devil’s Backbone” which is a ridge that the early colonizers had difficulty traversing to get into the river valley below.

Marine Drive

If you’re traveling to Portland, whether for a day trip or longer journey, you can see Mount Hood in its magnificence. One place to get a great view of the peak is along Marine Drive. Underneath the highway is a bike, skate, and walking trail that gives you a beautiful view during clear weather. The best time to get a stunning view of Mount Hood along Marine Drive is either during sunrise or sunset. You beat most of the car traffic and witness the wonderful array of colors on the white mountain peak.

Summary of The Best 12 Places to Take in the View of Oregon’s Tallest Mountain