Mt. Hood National Forest, Sandy

Less than 30 miles east of Portland, Mount Hood National Forest is a popular playground for Portland area residents and, regardless of season, holds some of the finest outdoor opportunities in Oregon. Winter on Mount Hood is dominated by the world class downhill skiing and snowboarding offered by its three major resorts - Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows and Ski Bowl as well as many cross country runs and several climbing routes up Mount Hood , the most frequently climbed alpine peak in the nation. Summer brings an army of mountain bikers looking for excitement among the maze of singletracks and forest service roads the mountain conceals. Hikers will find more than 1,000 miles of crisscrossing trails, including those of the Mountain's seven wilderness areas ( Mount Hood , Badger Creek, Salmon-Huckleberry , Columbia, Bull-of-the-Woods, Mt. Jefferson and Olallie Scenic Area as well as a segment of the west's long distance Pacific Crest Trail . Regardless of your choice of sport, you are bound to find what you are looking for. Many areas require a Forest Service parking pass, available at several locations. Passes are available through the Forest Service at the number above.