The Mt. Hood Byway is a picturesque route around Mt. Hood and some of the original Barlow Road portion of the Oregon Trail. The route was traveled by the wagon trains carrying settlers to the Oregon Territory and on to the Willamette Valley. We found mention of this route in the newspapers as early as 1918 when it was suggested that with the completion of the Columbia River Highway it was fitting to complete a road over the route of the historic Barlow Road to Mt. Hood and dedicate the highway to soldiers of World War I. While this Byway can be viewed as a driving route, it is an invitation to explore a unique destination. No where else can travelers go exploring to understand the geological activity of the last Ice Age and a few miles down the road hike into wilderness areas, picnic along one of three wild and scenic rivers, only to end the afternoon with a walk in the footsteps of the settlers who traversed the area on the final leg of the westward migration to settle in the Oregon Territory. Today's traveler will delight in exploring cities, towns, and rural areas along the way, as well as wilderness areas and national forest lands. With easy access from the metropolitan Portland area, this is an enjoyable day trip but also full of experiences that invite the traveler to linger longer in a destination like no other.
The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway is not only a scenic drive for sightseers, it is also a historic route that ties geological, Native American, routes of early explores such as Lewis and Clark, and Oregon Trail history together making it an educational experience. The Byway leads travelers through and past many historical markers, memorials and museums. It is easily connected to the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway/All-American Road, thus offering easy access to three of the unique natural wonders of Oregon: Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood.
The Scenic Byway encompasses much of Highway 26 and Highway 35 with a connector frm the Historic Columbia River Highway through Troutdale, Wood Village, Gresham and across some beautiful and unusual terrain into Sandy where the connection with Highway 26 begins. Along the route the traveler will encounter primeval forest, farmland, wild and scenic rivers, national forest lands, and small, welcoming communities.
Travelers have the opportunity to enjoy the numerous outdoor recreation opportunites along the Byway. Much of the route gives access to Mt. Hood National Forest with hiking trails for recreation enthusiast of all skill levels. And that is only the beginning of the year - round outdoor recreation possiblities. Whether it is skiing or snowboarding on the mountain, rafting or kayaking on a scenic river, windsurfing on the Columbia River or catching a trophy fish with a special fly, there are activities for all ages of interests.
This Scenic Byway beckons travelers to enjoy the bounty of Oregon. From farmers' markets, Christmas tree farms, wineries, fruit farms, and orchards (pears, apples, and berries), and chocolatiers, to the mushrooms and salmon that call this region home, there is treasure to be had by each visitor to the region. The Byway is dotted with many well established family favorite dining spots and many restaurants feature local products in their cuisine.
| For a printable version of the map, click the link at the bottom of this page. |
Route Description and Detailed Driving Directions:
---The Scenic Byway route starts at the west end of the Historic Columbia River Highway/All-American Road where the Troutdale Bridge crosses the Sandy River and Glenn Otto Park Road. Access is from Interstate 84 at exit 18.
--- Glenn Otto Park Road is also named Historic Columbia River Highway and traverses through downtown Troutdale.
--- The route then follows the Highway to Halsey Steet where the route goes west with a left turn on Halsey to the intersection of 238th Street in Wood Village. (Length of Miles: 2.7 miles)
--- With a left turn on 238th going south, (which turns into 242nd - Hogan) the route continues to Burnside Street and then makes a left turn onto Burnside. (Length of Miles: 2.7 miles)
--- The route goes east on Burnside to Palmquist Road where a left turn makes the 1 - Block connection to a right onto Orient Drive. (Length of Miles: 1.3)
--- It then follows Orient Dr. to the east and veers to the left onto Dodge Park Boulevard. (Lenght of Miles: 2)
--- It follows Dodge Park Blvd and turns right onto Lusted Road (lenght of miles: 3.7)
--- Follow Lusted Road to the intersection of Ten Eyck Road with a left turn. (Lenght of Miles: 3.3)
---The route follows Ten Eyck to the intersection of Highway 26 at the east end of Sandy. (Lenght of Miles: 4.4)
--- The route then goes west with a right turn onto Highway 26 to Bluff Road and turns right onto Bluff Road to Jonsrud Viewpoint. (Lenght of Miles: 1.6)
--- The route then returns onto Highway 26 and goes east with a left turn on Highway 26. (Length of Miles: 1)
--- The route continues east on Highway 26 with left turn side trips on the Highway 26 Business Loop through Government Camp and left turn up Timberline Road to Timberline Lodge and Ski Area. (Lenght of Miles 29.2)
--- Continue from Hwy 26 to Timberline Lodge and return back to HWY 26 (Length of Miles: 12)
--- From Timberline Road in Government Camp, the route continues east on Hwy 26 to the interchange with Highway 35. (Length of Miles: 2)
--- The route continues north on Highway 35 to Highway 30 in Hood River(Length of Miles: 39.5)
--- The Byway ends at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 30, the Historic Columbia River Highway/All-American Road on the eastern outskirts of Hood River.
----------- Total Byway mileage: 105)
Click here to view and download the Mount Hood Scenic Byway Map.
| A view to the southern slope of Mount Hood from Trillium Lake. |
