Your Guide To A Refreshing Escape In Mt. Hood Territory

Dreaming about escaping the scorching summer sun? Look no further than Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory! This breathtaking region boasts majestic mountain vistas, endless opportunities for cool outdoor adventures and great indoor locations to cool off for a bit.

What better way to beat the heat than on the water? This region offers a plethora of "chilled out" guided water experiences near Mt. Hood that cater to all interests and experience levels. Here's a few options to get on the water:

• Travel to the base of Willamette Falls on a historic scenic kayaking tour. eNRG Kayaking offers paddles to scenic and historic Willamette Falls, where Indigenous tribes still fish for lamprey today. Even if you’ve never been paddling before, eNRG Kayaking offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and classes for all experience levels.
• Embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion down the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. There are a number of rafting guides who are expertly equipped to take you on a heart-pounding trip down the Upper Clackamas River. On this river you'll enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting for groups and families, from beginner to advanced levels. Book a half or full day excursion that is just a quick drive from Portland.
• Relax with beautiful forest views on a guided excursion on Estacada Lake. Clackamas River Outfitters rents stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and tandem kayaks at Timber Park and Milo McIver State Park with access to Estacada Lake and the Lower Clackamas River. For the full experience, book their Estacada Lake Twilight Tour to experience a quieter side of the lake. 

If water isn't your thing, don't worry! Head out on a guided hiking tour with Mt. Hood Outfitters in Mt. Hood National Forest where you can conquer challenging trails with breathtaking views, all while the cool mountain air invigorates you. 

Take a guided stand-up paddleboard tour on Estacada Lake with Clackamas River Outfitters.

Mt. Hood Territory offers more than just stunning scenery. Explore charming downtowns where you can savor locally sourced cuisine, browse unique shops and learn about the rich history of the region. Here are a few of the one-of-a-kind museums you'll find here:

• North American Bigfoot Center: This is a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the legendary Sasquatch. This museum houses an extensive collection of Bigfoot-related artifacts, including casts of footprints, eyewitness accounts and even thermal images. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to delve into the science and folklore surrounding this enigmatic creature, leaving them to ponder the question: fact or fiction?
• End of the Oregon Trail Visitor & Interpretive Center: Find exhibits that recreate the hardships and triumphs of the pioneers who completed their arduous journey along the Oregon Trail. Enjoy fun and interactive family activities like candle dipping, butter making and packing a wagon. A film showing in their theater titled “Oregon’s First People” was created in partnership with the Grand Ronde Tribe to shed light on the indigenous peoples that lived in the area centuries prior.
• Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum: Immerse yourself in the lives of early Oregon Trail pioneers, explore the development of the iconic Timberline Lodge, discover how alpine skiing impacted the area and learn about the cultural significance of Mt. Hood for Native American tribes. Interactive displays and engaging exhibits bring the area’s past to life, offering a deeper appreciation of life on Mt. Hood.

Visitors to the North American Bigfoot Center are greeted by Murphy, a life-sized sasquatch replica which acts as a centerpiece of the exhibit hall and is a popular backdrop for family photos.

Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is renowned for its maker culture, and craft drinks are no exception. From one-of-a-kind craft breweries to on-farm cideries to award winning distilleries, and even an inventive hard citrus drink, these craft brews offer a great way to cool off and relax after your adventure. Here are a few places to stop into:

• Ruzzo’s Retreat: We’re sure you’ve heard of hard cider and hard seltzer. But what about something in between? Ruzzo’s hard citrus is a fermented drink flavored with botanicals and fruits. Explore what Ruzzo is all about at their Damascus location.
• TMK Creamery & Distillery: For a truly unique tasting experience, venture to TMK Creamery & Distillery in Canby. The folks at TMK are so dedicated to a zero-waste cheesemaking process that they’ve found a way to turn their whey byproduct into a deliciously smooth vodka-like spirit. Visit their on-farm distillery, taste the vodka and delicious cheese and meet the cowlebrities that make it all possible.
• Stone Circle Cider: Discover the tradition of English cider making at the cidery located on their farm, where each step of the cider making process from growing specialty cider apples to aging cider throughout the season is handcrafted to perfection. Enjoy the tasting room or outdoor seating area with pond and fire pit.

Want even more locations to visit? Check out the Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail. The Tap Trail mobile pass features a handy map to help you find locations near you. And with over a dozen participating breweries, cideries and distilleries, there is so much to explore.

Relax with a hard citrus in the great outdoor space at Ruzzo’s Retreat.

Ready to trade the scorching sun for a summer filled with cool mountain breezes and exhilarating adventures? Don't wait – book your direct flight to Portland International Airport and get ready to experience the refreshing beauty of Mt. Hood Territory!