Oregon's Mount Hood Territory
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REGIONS
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MT. HOOD SCENIC BYWAY
ITINERARIES
101 REASONS TO RETURN



Map of Oregon

Regions
 

The Mt. Hood National Forest makes up the majority of the scenic beauty of the Territory

Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory represents the political entity which is Clackamas County. The Territory has been divided into three regions:
A View From Town - Metro Portland, Abundant Countryside - Willamette Valley, and The Great Wide Open - Mt. Hood. The urban backdrop of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory manages to combine the best of all worlds. Tossed in with the historical buildings, quaint shops and restaurants you'll see that the lushness of the Territory abounds. We're proud of our scenic wonderland - the magnificent mountain, forested wilderness, pristine rivers, streams and lakes, and idyllic countryside. "Paradise," is what the pioneers called it. And we agree. Come explore the regions of our amazing Territory!

 
 

A View from Town – Metro Portland
Here you’ll find the elegant city of Lake Oswego, a cultural and historical center. Be sure to attend the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts in June. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, give the Willamette Shore Trolley a go. It’ll take you for a scenic ride along the Willamette River from Lake Oswego to Portland. And vice versa, you’ll be glad to know. Towering trees and stunning floral life will remind you that you’re in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. The cities of Gladstone, West Linn and Wilsonville all have their own secrets to discover. Be sure to stop in at the Visitor Information Center in Oregon City (Exit #10 off I-205) for info about area events and fascinating sites. Then head north on I-205 for an extra long visit at Clackamas Town Center, one of the largest shopping centers in Oregon, located just north of Oregon City. Not to forget, the shopping is always tax-free! There are over 30 hotels, motels and B&Bs in this region.

A visit to Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Historic Oregon City. The three big covered wagons at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will let you know you’ve reached your destination –they’re enormous enough to be seen from just about any direction as you approach the City. This is undoubtedly one of the most important historical sites on the West Coast. This is where the Oregon Trail came to an end and all those settlers scattered up and down the seaboard. At the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and the Museum of the Oregon Territory every one of your questions about pioneer life will be answered. Historic Oregon City is filled with many historical homes, including the Dr. John McLoughlin House, the home of the man who is responsible for claiming the land that is now Oregon City.

Abundant Countryside – Willamette Valley
Be sure to stop in at the Visitor Information Center in Wilsonville (Exit #283 off I-5) for info about area events and fascinating sites. Before heading out, let the kids get their thrill at the Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle’s Restaurant or fun for all ages at Fir Point Farm and country store. Start by spending some time in Canby - The Garden Spot, gleaning historical information to share with friends later. The Canby Depot Museum is the oldest remaining railroad station in Oregon. You can cross the scenic Willamette River on the Canby Ferry, one of only three remaining ferries on the river. If you’re yearning for green pastures, turn to any of the smaller farms and interesting sites in the area for adventure. Stop in at The Flower Farmer, where kids and grownups can ride the Phoenix & Holly Railroad through fields of flowers. If that wasn’t enough flowers for you, there’s nothing like Swan Island Dahlias. Over 40 acres of dahlias bloom from August until frost sets in.

Travel south to continue to experience our bountiful and fertile landscapes and roadside stands and family owned and operated wineries. Just outside Woodburn/Canby, plan for a look-see of beautiful proportions. Over 150 varieties of tulips bloom in the early spring at the Wooden Shoe Bulb Company. There are enough colors to please gardeners the world over. From the western-most border of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory, turn eastward to Molalla. Don't miss the Buckaroo Rodeo in early July; it's one of the oldest rodeos in Oregon. Get up close and personal with live elk at Rosse Posse Acres elk farm, petting zoo and bed & breakfast. Nine miles southeast of Molalla, the Molalla River Recreation Corridor kicks off. Here is where the outdoor enthusiast's adventure may begin with a trail system suitable for both people and horses extending along the Corridor to the Table Rock Wilderness.

The greatest thing about the Table Rock Wilderness is that it really is a wilderness. It has steep, rugged terrain, towering basaltic cliffs, spectacular vistas and brilliant wildflowers. Rock climbing is also a favored sport in the area. The trails range from very easy to more difficult. Throughout the Table Rock Wilderness you'll find camping spots perfect for the tent.

The Great Wide Open – Mt. Hood
Beginning at the eastern end of Clackamas County, the Mt. Hood National Forest is a whopping one million acres. The southern region of the Mt. Hood Territory could occupy even the most spirited traveler for days. Clear alpine lakes dot the region, where the fishing is good and the living is easy. Just east of Estacada, the Clackamas River nuzzles down through the center of the Territory and the Oak Grove Fork branches off and runs into Timothy Lake at the far eastern edge of the Territory. Campgrounds, as remote as you want them to be, are nestled along the Clackamas River. This is where kayakers, canoers, and whitewater paddlers get their kicks and where the fish rise often and the nights are dreamy and silent. They ought to be - you’re miles from the clatter and din of cities or towns. Estacada welcomes the visitor to a unique hometown experience with the local heritage and culture portrayed in the public mural displays painted around town and a brewery to satisfy the thirst after strolling the unique shops and diners.

On the northern end of the Territory, take Highway 26 east from the Portland area. Explore the city of Sandy and quaint Villages of Mt. Hood like Brightwood, Welches, Zigzag and Rhododendron. Stop in at any one of the Visitor Information Centers from Zigzag to Government Camp and talk with area experts or pick up as much information about the area as you can carry. Find unique and cozy places to stay like The Resort at The Mountain, Timberline Lodge, Collins Lake Resort and many vacation rentals and B&Bs. Access the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness and spend a few days camping and hiking the trails that will give you staggering views. And lastly, winding your way along Highway 26 east to Government Camp – Mt. Hood’s alpine village, there’s spectacular Mt. Hood. It reaches to a height of 11,245 feet. Sledding on shallow hills, cross country skiing, snow-shoeing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow camping are all allowed. Timberline Lodge & Ski Area has the distinction of having the longest ski season in North America. Mt. Hood Skibowl is the nation’s largest night ski area and in the summer, transforms to become an adventure park and alpine slide.