Leaves change to red and yellow along a road
09/19/2022 (Updated: 08/15/2024) | Fall

Fall Drives In Mt. Hood Territory To See The Best Color

Mt. Hood Territory offers some of the best Oregon has to offer in amazing landscapes, sprinkled with epic mountain views and trees bursting with radiant colors. Here's some inspiration to travel one of many routes to view the fall colors on Mt. Hood. Drive U.S. Highway 26 to the 6,000 foot elevation of Mt. Hood where historic Timberline Lodge awaits. The colors of huckleberries and vine maples put on a tremendous display around many of the mountain lakes along this path.

Begin your day with an amazing sunrise view over Mt. Hood at Jonsrud Viewpoint in Sandy. Trace the Barlow Trail route over the mountain and look down on the Sandy River below. Fuel up before your drive with a hearty breakfast at Tollgate Inn with a made-from-scratch dish, or stop off at Joe's Donuts for some one-of-a-kind donuts.

Lolo Pass Road is a scenic drive splitting off from Highway 26 near Welches. It's a winding road that goes past mountain neighborhoods before making its way up the pass. Drive carefully, keeping an eye out for both wildlife and scenic viewpoints. 

Lolo Pass Road starts at Highway 26 across the street from the Zigzag Ranger Station. This is right in the Villages of Mt. Hood so there are some fantastic options to get some food to fuel up for the journey.  

Highway 224, a scenic route winding through Estacada, Oregon, offers colorful foliage in the fall and fantastic views of the Clackamas River year-round. While the beauty of the autumn foliage is captivating, the area also bears the marks of the 2020 wildfires. Burn scars are visible along the route, serving as a reminder of nature's power and resilience.

Fuel up on gas and food in downtown Estacada to prepare for your drive, where you'll find an array of restaurants, shops and galleries. Should you feel like stretching your legs before getting in the car, don't miss the self-guided walking art tour of beautiful murals. Once you're on the road, you'll be transported to a world of natural beauty and tranquility.

No matter your passion – hiking, kayaking, visiting museums or simply soaking in beautiful views – the Mt. Hood Territory newsletter has something for you. Ready to escape the ordinary and unlock a world of adventure? Sign up below and let the magic of Mt. Hood Territory fill your inbox every month!

    

This route is less a drive and more a walk and a trolley ride. But either way, you'll see some of the best fall color around. 

Lake Oswego's Gallery Without Walls is fantastic any time of year, but when the works of art are surrounded by beautiful fall colors, it just enhances the experience. 

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