The Hood Loop

The Hood Loop is a circumnavigational bikepacking route that takes you on an up close and personal tour around Mt Hood. With deep-forest roads and some of Oregon’s finest singletrack, this route keeps things interesting and provides intimate views of the mountain. Due to snow at higher elevations on the Lolo Pass and Surveyor’s Ridge portions of the route, this ride is best done in the months of May through October.

The route is roughly 1/3 Paved Forest Roads, 1/3 Dirt/Gravel Forest Roads, and 1/3 Singletrack.

The route is intended as a clockwise loop from the Zigzag Ranger Station. As you start out climbing the gentle grade of Lolo Pass Rd you will soon leave civilization behind and embark upon a long climb on a paved forest road with very little traffic.

Topping out at Lolo Pass, you will be greeted with stunning views of Mt Hood and then a nice long descent down the north side of the mountain. Then the climbing starts again but a quiet and peaceful forest road will guide you along through a magical landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for views of Mt Adams to the North. Descending into Parkdale you will see the “Lava Flow” which is a geological attraction not to be missed.

Parkdale has some great food and beverage options as well as a grocery store for re-supply.

Navigating though the orchards on picturesque country roads you will eventually come to the base of Surveyor’s Ridge where your climbing will start again. This portion is a long and gradual climb on mostly secluded gravel roads. When you gain the ridge you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Mt Hood and the valley floor below. You will also be treated with your first taste of singletrack as you turn your treads onto trail at Surveyor’s Ridge N Trailhead.

This starts your journey onto some of the finest Singletrack you will find anywhere. With mountain views peeking out around nearly every corner you will find it difficult to focus on the trail in front of you! You will be riding on the Oregon Timber Trail at this point but going from North to South instead of the OTT suggested direction. There are fresh trail markers that now guide you in both directions so keep your eyes out for those to stay on course.

Topping out near Lookout Mountain you will be treated to one of the most stunning views of Mt Hood. Then the 4×4 road tumbles down towards Gunsight Ridge Trail. This section of trail is tough going but the views are epic and the downhill sections are worth the effort.

Eventually descending down to the White River you will end up on the Historic Barlow Road. This is the original wagon trail from the infamous Oregon Trail. Continuing on you will cross HWY 26 and start to climb up towards Timberline Road. Once you cross Timberline Road you will be back on Singletrack trail again for the remainder of the ride. The classic “Crosstown Trail” to “Pioneer Bridle Trail” descent will leave you with a smile on your face as you roll back to the Zigzag Ranger Station to complete your loop.

• Paved: 33%
• Smooth Gravel: 25%
• Rough Gravel: 9%
• 4×4 Road: 0%
• Singletrack: 33%

• Parking: check with the USFS to leave your vehicle at the Hunchback TH at Zigzag Ranger Station.
• The route can also be accessed via public transportation from the Portland area.
  • Transportation is from PDX (airport) or Union Station (train station) on the MAX train (Portland area light rail) to the Furthest East stop at the Gresham Transit Center. From there you catch the Sandy Area Metro bus to the town of Sandy. There you transfer to the Mt Hood Express (operated by SAM – Sandy Area Metro). You get off at the “Dorman Center/Salmon Road” stop and then pedal about 1/8 mile East to the Zig Zag Ranger Station. That is the official start and finish for The Hood Loop.
• There are two main population centers along the route where you can find grocery stores, restaurants, and bars (Parkdale and Government Camp).
• There are ample campgrounds and water sources throughout. Having a means to treat water is recommended.
• As you climb up Surveyor’s Ridge from Parkdale, there is no reliable water until you reach Gibson Prairie Horse Camp. Please plan accordingly.
• Mountain bikes with suspension forks, dropper posts, disc brakes and +2.3″ tires are recommended due to the singletrack portions of the route.

• The creator of The Hood Loop, Cedar Kyes, started an Outfitter/Guide/Shuttle business on Mt Hood (www.oregonterritoryoutfitters.com) and he leads outfitted and guided rides on this new route as well as a couple other overnight rides for beginner/intermediate riders. Oregon Territory Outfitters has a fleet of completely dialed bikepacking bikes available for demo/rent. Each bike comes complete with a sleep system, cook system, and storage system. Cedar also offers shuttle and logistical services for Oregon Timber Trail riders (and by default Orogenesis riders).
• Check out the Oregon Territory Outfitters teaser video on Instagram for The Hood Loop route.
• To learn more about some of the organizations that steward and maintain the trails around Mount Hood, check out Hoodland Trails Collective, Oregon Timber Trail Alliance, Northwest Trails Alliance and 44 Trails Association.

Cedar Kyes created and stewards this route. Here is a little about Cedar:

Cedar has offered to be available to answer questions if you are planning a trip on this route. Please also get in touch with any updates on route conditions that may be relevant to other riders.

Please submit your questions and comments on the route via the contact form below.

“The 1.1 million acres of the Mt. Hood National Forest are the homelands of many Indigenous nations, including the Wishram, Wyam, Tenino, Walla-Walla, Wasco, Clackamas, Molalla, Multnomath, Taih, Chinook, Paiute, Kalapuya, and Klickitat. The confederated tribes of Warm Springs, Siletz, and Grand Ronde also call this place home and their presence is still felt here. We honor these peoples and their long standing stewardship of this land.” -Cedar Coast Kyes