Fall Hiking In Mt Hood Territory

The Wildwood Recreation day-use area features some of the best fall hikes on Mt. Hood with boardwalks and accessible interpretive trails that travel through forests and wetlands. Salmon return to the Salmon River to spawn during the fall and the Cascade Streamwatch Trail leads visitors to a fish viewing window below the stream level, so you can get an up close and personal view of life under the water.

Canemah Bluff is a scenic little nature park tucked away in a historic neighborhood in Oregon City. Known for spring flower blooms, this is also a fantastic fall destination with ample opportunities to do some leaf peeping. Head to the bluff overlooking the river where you'll see trees sporting their golden hues, brilliant oranges and vibrant reds. Take one of the trails and you're sure to find plenty of colors for a great fall outing. 

An extensive network of more than 20 miles of trails can be found in the Molalla River Recreation Area. The trails vary in difficulty for a wide range of trail users, from beginners to experts. The area also provides access to the Table Rock Wilderness. Fun photo op: Offered as a retro convenience, a payphone is located along the route to the area, since it is a bit off the grid with spotty cell reception. (Photo courtesy Bureau of Land Management)

Note: Day use is OPEN up to the Table Rock Wilderness trailhead and 150 feet on either side of the Molalla River Road. All other trails in the Table Rock Wilderness can be difficult to follow because of lack of maintenance and down trees following the 2020 wildfires.

Located in the urban rush, Mount Talbert Nature Park feels a world away. Four miles of trails wander through this forested area. Home to deer, Western gray squirrels and a large variety of birds, you’re sure to spot some critters while visiting. (Photo courtesy Metro)

What could be better than a waterfall during the fall season? Hidden Falls Nature Park is aptly named, as it's a beautiful waterfall hidden between two neighborhoods. It's an easy .84 mile pave trail that winds through the trees before offering fantastic views of the eponymous fall, which is framed by beautifully colored foliage during the autumn months.  

While not a hike in the traditional sense, the Gallery Without Walls self-guided walking tour is well known for displaying dozens of inspired works of public art. During the fall many of those sculptures are enhanced by surrounding trees bursting forth in brilliant shares of reds, oranges and yellows. The art, which is already stunning, is made even more so when framed by nature's own artistic skill. 

Planning a trip to Mt. Hood? One thing to remember, especially for first-time visitors, is the mountain's dynamic weather patterns. It can be sunny and warm one moment, then turn into a downpour or even a snow flurry the next, no matter the season. You "otter" be prepared for anything by remembering to pack the 10 essentials. Additional bonus items to bring can include a trash bag which could work as a poncho in an emergency or for picking up litter you find along the trail.