Mount Hood: Day Trips and Tours from Portland, Oregon

Mount Hood stands as a prominent landmark in the Oregon wilderness. With its conical shape, this snow-capped stratovolcano is the only mountain in North America with year-round lift-served skiing.

Whether you choose to view the region from the air or prefer to experience this rugged wilderness up close, excursions to Mount Hood from Portland will introduce you to the region's natural beauty.

You will find below all the information you need to know about visiting Mount Hood, one of the best day trips from Portland.

How to get to Mount Hood from Portland, Oregon?

Mount Hood is situated in the northernmost part of the state of Oregon and to the east of the city of Portland.

From Portland to Mount Hood by car

Two routes connect Portland to Mount Hood. The scenic route along Interstate 84 is roughly 160 kilometers and takes two hours. Following Highway 26 is a more direct route, with the 112 kilometers taking around 90 minutes.

From Portland to Mount Hood by bus/public transport

Mount Hood is accessible via public transportation on both the scenic and direct routes. A one-way bus trip takes from 1.5 to 3 hours. Additional shuttles operate during the winter months.

Guided tour to Mount Hood from Portland

An organized day tour is the easiest way to explore Mount Hood and the surrounding areas. With pickups from most hotels or one of Portland’s transit centers, most tours include a local guide and last 8 to 10 hours. For adventurous travelers, multi-day hiking tours are also available.

How much does the entrance ticket to Mount Hood cost?

Coach and small group tours usually include park entrance fees in the trip's price. Some sites and trailheads within the park may charge extra fees for day visitors.

A day pass to the Mount Hood National Forest costs US$5 per vehicle.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Mount Hood from Portland?

Coach or small group day tours from Portland to Mount Hood begin with collection from your hotel between 8 AM and 9 AM or from one of several central meeting points.

You will travel along the Historic Columbia River Highway, where you can enjoy the vistas of the Columbia River Gorge with stops at one or more of the region’s waterfalls en route. After a lunch stop at a local farm or in the town of Hood River, you continue to the Mount Hood National Forest.

Most tours include a visit to Timberline Lodge to enjoy a view of the Cascade Mountain Range before traveling back to your starting point.

If you choose an airplane tour of Mount Hood, a one-hour round trip starting at the Troutdale Airport will ensure that you see all the region has to offer from a birds-eye view.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Mount Hood?

Guided coach or small-group day tours are a great way to visit Mount Hood from Portland. You can book a private multi-day hike to explore the National Forest's hiking routes. If you’re pressed for time or want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an air tour of Mount Hood from Portland is ideal.

Small group guided tours to Mount Hood from Portland

Small group guided day tours from Portland to Mount Hood are usually limited to 14 participants. You will be collected from your hotel or central meeting point and will tour the area in a minivan.

Visit some of the region’s most impressive sites, including the majestic Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge and the Timberline Lodge. A knowledgeable local guide will join you.

Private tour to Mount Hood from Portland

A private day trip with the exclusive use of a vehicle and guide is perfect for exploring the area without the inconvenience of self-driving. Most day tours follow similar routes, but private excursions offer flexibility to prioritize sites that interest you.

Private tours to Mount Hood usually base costs on a minimum of two people but can usually accommodate up to 6 persons per tour. Lunch or wine tastings can be included.

Airplane tour to Mount Hood from Portland

Departing from Troutdale Airport, a one-hour flight allows you to view Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge from the air. Airplane tours are weather dependent and provide a great vantage point for keen photographers. The aircraft can seat up to three passengers.

How much does a tour to Mount Hood from Portland cost?

Small group day tours from Portland to Mount Hood start at US$120 per person. These offer guided experiences traveling in a luxury minivan with a minimum of two people traveling. Lunch or wine tastings may be included.

Private full-day Mount Hood tours start from US$200 per person, including pickup from your hotel, and are priced per group size of up to 12 people. A private day tour to Mount Hood from Portland, including lunch, costs aroundUS$250 per person.

Air tours of Mount Hood from Portland start at US$250 per person in a shared flight with up to three passengers, or US$490 for a single passenger flight. Flying is weather-dependent, and flights can be canceled or rerouted at short notice.

What will you see and do on a Mount Hood day trip from Portland?

Tours from Portland to Mount Hood focus on the natural beauty and history of the area. Apart from seeing Mount Hood, some of the area’s most popular day trip sites are nearby.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The 75-kilometer-long Columbia Gorge NSA incorporates resort towns, vineyards and orchards, and dramatic scenery with waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, and terraces. There are some fantastic viewpoints en route that provide breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Timberline Lodge

Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark and one of Oregon’s most unique buildings. Sitting on the Mount Hood timberline, this lodge is the only U.S. ski resort open year-round. The lodge's exterior also doubled as the sinister “Overlook Hotel” in the 1980 Stanley Kubrick movie “The Shining.”

Multnomah Falls

At just short of 189 meters, Multnomah Falls is the second tallest year-round waterfall and Oregon’s tallest cascade.

Port of Hood River

Hood River has the reputation of being one of the top three places worldwide for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The town boasts several microbreweries and tasting rooms for local wineries and offers a choice of restaurants, cafes and galleries.

When is Mount Hood opening times?

Mount Hood National Park is open year-round. Fires or inclement weather may affect access to certain areas.

Mount Hood National Forest is open for day visitors from 7 AM until sunset.

When is the best time to visit Mount Hood?

Mount Hood is popular year-round, but especially between mid-May and early October when the weather is at its mildest.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes.
• Bring a warm jacket and raincoat as the weather can be unpredictable.
• Use a wide-angle camera lens when photographing scenic landscapes.