Mt Hood [CA- Fall 2023]

outdoor adventure | farm experiences | main streets | fall fun

Mt. Hood Territory

The tallest mountain in Oregon, Mt. Hood rises over 3,420 metres above sea level as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic natural landmarks. The mountain's proximity to Portland makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to escape the commotion of city life, drawing visitors to its pristine slopes, panoramic views and endless year-round recreational opportunities. Approaching the mountain, though, reveals that there’s far more to the area than just the peak itself—an even deeper layer of history, culture and community within the surrounding region known as Mt. Hood Territory. This destination encompasses both the mountain itself, a dormant stratovolcano that towers over the Cascade Range, plus the fertile valleys and forests that surround it, as well as the 14 communities of Clackamas County that are nestled in its shadow. Small towns, farms, wineries and breweries here offer a taste of the local flavour. It's about a 6.5-hour drive from Vancouver to Mt. Hood Territory, or you could fly into Portland (from Toronto and Calgary, too) and use public transportation if you prefer to be car-free. No matter how you get there, read on for our picks on how best to make Mt. Hood Territory a peak getaway.

Start with the 220 hectares of old-growth Douglas fir, western red cedar and western hemlock that encompass Wildwood Recreation Site, located near the town of Welches, to explore natural stream and wetland ecosystems. Continue with The Molalla River Recreation Corridor, perhaps the best-kept secret in Mt. Hood Territory. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts across disciplines—from hiking the Molalla River Rim Trail Loop to camping at Three Bears Recreation Site—this gem in the heart of Molalla has more than 32 kilometres of trails taking visitors along the river and through towering trees. The corridor also serves as a gateway to Table Rock Wilderness—another in a long list of incredible natural wonders in this area.

With more than 1,600 kilometres of trails in Mt. Hood Territory, adventure opportunities range from a casual walk through urban parks to more ambitious hikes on difficult trails. In addition to Molalla River Rim Trail Loop, other hiking trails to try include Burnt Lake Trail in Mt. Hood National Forest, Hidden Falls Nature Park outside Clackamas, Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Oregon City, Mount Talbert Nature Park in Happy Valley and Milo McIver State Park in Estacada. At the latter, set out for a hike to the Milo McIver Bat Barn after twilight to see female big-eared bats swooping and diving for flying insects. Mt. Hood Outfitters is a top-rated source for guided tours and equipment rentals. Their knowledgeable guides can take you on an unforgettable adventure through Mt. Hood Territory's diverse natural landscapes, including the rugged terrain of Mt. Hood itself.

Family-friendly activities like kayaking to Willamette Falls near Oregon City offer an idyllic way to learn about the area's local history. Located just outside Portland, paddlers take in stunning views of the historic Oregon Trail on the way to the second-largest waterfall by volume in the United States while paddling through waters rich with sturgeon, herons, osprey and sea lions, depending on the season. For guided kayak tours, check out eNRG Kayaking. Another popular outdoor recreational outfitter in the area is Base Camp, where you can bring your dog along for SUP pup lessons.

is more than meets the eye

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The Farmlandia Farm Loop, meanwhile, features more than a dozen stops stretching from Wilsonville to Boring. Located in Wilsonville, Frog Pond Farm boasts more than 80 animals to watch, play with and feed, along with plenty of outdoor activities and games for the whole family to enjoy. Take a farm safari to admire goats, llamas, guinea pigs and even two camels named Dude and Jerry.

The South Clackamas Farm Loop is a self-guided farm tour featuring 20 unique destinations in the Canby and Molalla areas that offer everything from “u-pick” berries and locally crafted wines and ciders to meet-and-greets with alpacas and handcrafted cheeses. Swan Island Dahlia Farm, the largest dahlia grower in the U.S., sells flower bulbs and hosts an annual festival at the end of the summer, while Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch welcomes visitors to meet their adorable cuddly herd, learn about the history of these fascinating animals, and even take alpaca yoga classes every summer.

Oregon's commitment to locally sourced ingredients and sustainable farming practices remains one of the enduring characteristics of the state's identity. Family farms like Willamette Valley Melon Company, Our Table Cooperative and Fiala Farms, whose artisanal products have long been a cornerstone of Oregon's agricultural heritage—weathering wildfires and pandemic-related challenges to continue providing quality provisions to their surrounding communities. Stop by Hartnell Farms in Clackamas, family-owned since the 1900s, and try one of the more than 100 varieties of tomatoes, from cherries to heirlooms.

Moving along to Canby, Wayward Sandwiches, Siren Song and B’s Bake Shop promise to satisfy even the most discerning foodies. Short of the cheese and breads it uses, all of Wayward's ingredients—the meats, the sauces, the pickles—are made from scratch. Try the pastrami reuben sandwich, or perhaps the charred wings at Siren Song before indulging in B's Bake Shop's delicious pastries and coffee for a satisfying end to your culinary journey. But food is just the beginning of what Canby has to offer. Art-O-Maddic features an eclectic mix of more than 40 local, regional and national artists in all mediums, as well as artist-led classes offered throughout the year.

While Mt. Hood Territory is beloved for the natural wonders that first lured explorers to the rugged wilderness generations ago, the local shops and restaurants truly define the character of the region. Meander with ease between quaint shops and eateries in historic downtown areas, exploring culinary traditions and forward-thinking kitchens along the way.

Frog Pond Farm

Outdoor adventure

Farm experiences

Main streets

Molalla River Recreation Corridor

Wildwood Recreation Site

The Kitchen at Middleground Farms

Plan your trip

Oregon's

Another major hub within a kilometre walk of the Willamette River and paddle recreation is downtown Lake Oswego, which features riverfront parks, boutique shopping and lakeside dining at restaurants including Five Spice Seafood + Wine Bar, featuring specialty entrees like spicy seafood stew with fresh fish, prawns, Manila clams, bay scallops, squid, red peppers and Spanish yellow onions all in a spicy fumet with white rice. Not to be outdone, the perfectly charred pizzas at Pizzeria sul Lago and the old-world charms of St. Honore Boulangerie make Lake Oswego a culinary destination.

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Outfitters like Mobile Mountain Adventures and Mt. Hood Bicycle also offer guided tours and equipment rentals for visitors who want to explore the area's cycling routes, while the more adventurous can ride a chairlift to the Timberline Bike Park at historic Timberline Lodge—accessible on public transport via the Mt. Hood Express—and see why the League of American Cyclists awarded Mt. Hood Territory a bronze medal in 2022. A destination in its own right, the Sandy Ridge Trail System winds through nearly 32 kilometres of flowing single-track trails of all difficulty levels on the lower slopes of Mt. Hood. Trails range in lengths of up to eight kilometres, passing through verdant forests and along sparkling streams so cyclists can take in the scenery while enjoying the ride.

The oenophiles of the group will especially appreciate the distinct flavours found along the Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail, which spans the valley between Cascadia and Portland and includes 16 of Oregon's best boutique wineries such as Whiskey Hill Winery, Hanson Vineyards, King's Raven Winery, St. Josef Winery and Wooden Shoe Vineyards. Whether you're a beginner wine taster or a seasoned sommelier, the Trail offers everyone something to sip and savor plus the chance to chat with the winemaker, who is often the one pouring the glass. A free mobile passport guides visitors through the idyllic family-owned wineries and offers exclusive deals and discounts, providing an insider's look into the local viticulture scene while supporting local winemakers.

Fall fun

Fall was also the time of year when many Oregon Trail pioneers arrived in Oregon City, a historic town located at the end of the winding route that stretched from Missouri to Oregon. Visitors can take a step back in time and explore the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive & Visitor Information Center, located at the very spot pioneers camped in when they finished their journey west, and get a glimpse of the hardships and hopes that propelled these people into forging new lives in the Pacific Northwest. The museum also offers fun and interactive family activities like candle dipping, butter churning and packing a wagon to experience a taste of life along the trail in the 1800s. The Museum of the Oregon Territory, overlooking historic Willamette Falls, is another way for kids to learn about the history of the region through fun hands-on exhibits like Kaegi Pharmacy—a complete pharmacy straight from the late 1800s and early 1900s—that allow them to put their creativity to work.

Dolan Creek Farm, Fiala Farms, Yesteryear Farms, Bushue's Family Farm and Liepold Farms host three activities each that passport holders can complete for a chance to win a Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail waffle knit beanie, made from 100% recycled poly yarn. Complete five activities, including taking a picture with Bigfoot and selfies with the goats, and you'll earn the limited-edition seasonal cap to commemorate your fall adventure.

As summer fades and the leaves start to change in fall, Mt. Hood Territory endures as a destination for fun and adventure. Scenic drives along Lolo Pass Road, a winding mountain highway that links the towns of Zigzag and Welches, is a must-do experience for anyone looking to revel in the stunning colours of nature. Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls and the Willamette Shore Trolley provide a cultural change of pace with their public art displays and vintage railway rides, respectively. More of a scenic walk and ride than a classic drive, the Gallery Without Walls is a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibit including nearly 90 permanent and loaned works of art scattered throughout the City of Lake Oswego. Use this guide to find the latest additions to the collection.

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Fall is also spooky season, and Mt. Hood Territory embraces the Halloween spirit with events like ghost tours and haunted hayrides. Expect a mix of history, folklore and the paranormal on the four tours offered by Northwest Ghost Tour. Canby Haunt, formerly Clackamas County Scare Fair, has a haunted house with different levels of creepiness. And if unsolved mysteries are up your alley, take note: The North American Bigfoot Center is right here in Mt. Hood Territory, featuring a wide array of Bigfoot evidence, as well as a life-sized Sasquatch replica nicknamed "Murphy" that acts as a centrepiece of the exhibit hall and is a popular backdrop for group photos.

Thousands of visitors come to Mt. Hood Territory each year to hike its trails, cycle its back roads, paddle its waterways and explore its bountiful forested terrain. With 3,000 square kilometres of land from the outskirts of Portland to the mountain itself, there is plenty of room for everyone.

For a less strenuous activity, spend a lazy afternoon on the 27-hole Riverbend Disc Golf Course in Milo McIver State Park. The juxtaposition of open fairways and dense forest is rare in disc golf, creating a one-of-a-kind environment that attracts fans of this niche sport from across the country. Metzler Park in Estacada is another option when Riverbend gets too crowded, though its 18-hole course is far from a consolation prize. Clackamas River Outfitters sells discs for those who are new to the game.

The scattered fields and pastures of Mt. Hood Territory, seemingly endless in their green expanse, find common ground in their dedication to showcasing the area's agricultural bounty. Whether on a day trip or a weekend getaway, visitors can savour the region's farm-to-table offerings by touring various local farm loops, where they can meet the growers themselves and taste and experience the region's surplus firsthand.

Triskelee Farm

Finally, there’s Oregon City's historic district. Check out Highland Stillhouse Scottish Pub, which not only features live music and an impressive beer selection, but also boasts a large outdoor patio on the cliff overlooking Willamette Falls. This natural backdrop is also the location of James Beard-winner Chef Gabriel Rucker’s second outpost of Canard, serving French onion steam burgers, duck gravy pancakes and all the greatest hits from the Burnside flagship in Portland. You Can Leave Your Hat On, White Rabbit Gifts and Mary Rose Boutique, with its line of sustainably sourced, body-positive clothing, are just a few of the quirky and unique shops that make a stop worthwhile.

Molalla River Recreation Corridor

The world’s first farmstead creamery plus distillery, TMK Creamery distinguishes itself by offering "single-cow cheese," where all the milk from a block is sourced from just one dairy cow. Enthusiastic admirers of these cows—also known as "cowleberties"—are invited to meet the source of their favorite cheese, as well as try "cowcahol," a vodka made with the spent whey from their cheese and other special creations. Nearby MoonRidge Farms grows blueberries, lavender and yacon, a South American herbaceous plant known for its sweet flavour and healing properties.

Locally known as the “friendly farm in your backyard,” Graham & Tooze Farm Store is another popular stop for those seeking fresh eggs, candles, herbal remedies and colorful clothing. Luscher Farm and The Kitchen at Middleground Farms are also worth stopping for, offering unique experiences and delicious farm-fresh foods. Triskelee Farm, located outside of West Linn, is a must-visit for animal lovers. Befriend goats, alpacas, rabbits, peacocks and ostriches who call this scenic farm home. A tipsy tour of the grounds is available for adults who want to sample beer and wine from local vineyards and breweries while taking in the stunning views.

Milwaukie's Main Street is home to boutiques shops alongside family-owned restaurants serving farm-to-table menus. Restaurants like Ovation Bistro pride themselves on constantly innovating and reimagining French-Asian fusion dishes while using locally sourced ingredients. Head to The Beer Store for an evening of local brews and live music or Decibel Sound & Drink for a relaxing cocktail. Leave some room for Decibel's famous deviled eggs, and check the calendar for when monthly tiki night events take place. The Silver Lining Consignment Shop and Made in Milwaukie are good places to snag one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The Milwaukie Farmers Market is another highlight, offering fresh produce and goods from local farmers and artisans.

Visitors looking for a refreshing beverage can download the mobile passport program for the Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail that connects the region's breweries, cideries and distilleries. Oregon City Brewing Company, Ale & Cider House in West Linn and Mt. Hood Brewing Co. in Government Camp Loop are popular stops on the trail offering a wide range of locally made and creative brews.

outdoor adventure | farm experiences | main streets | summer events & festivals | fall fun

As summer fades and the leaves start to change in fall, Mt. Hood Territory endures as a destination for fun and adventure. Scenic drives along Lolo Pass Road, a winding mountain highway that links the towns of Zigzag and Welches, is a must-do experience for anyone looking to revel in the stunning colors of nature. Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls and the Willamette Shore Trolley provide a cultural change of pace with their public art displays and vintage railway rides, respectively. More of a scenic walk and ride than a classic drive, the Gallery Without Walls is a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibit including nearly 90 permanent and loaned works of art scattered throughout the City of Lake Oswego. Use this guide to find the latest additions to the collection.

Liepold Farms is also a participant in the inaugural Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail passport program. Something between a scavenger hunt and a bingo card, the Harvest Trail passport program sets visitors on a quest to explore the region's pumpkin patches, petting zoos and corn mazes, earning stamps and prizes along the way.

Local farms adapt to the changing season with Liepold Farm's annual Fall Harvest Festival in mid-September, featuring a five-acre corn maze. Frog Pond Farm's pumpkin patch and Spooky Farm Walk, as well as good, old-fashioned autumnal fun at Fir Point Farm's Harvest Festival, are other great ways to soak up the season and get in touch with the local community. Liepold Farms is also a participant in the inaugural Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail passport program. Something between a scavenger hunt and a bingo card, the Harvest Trail passport program sets visitors on a quest to explore the region's pumpkin patches, petting zoos and corn mazes, earning stamps and prizes along the way. Dolan Creek Farm, Fiala Farms, Yesteryear Farms, Bushue's Family Farm and Liepold Farms host three activities each that passport holders can complete for a chance to win a Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail waffle knit beanie, made from 100% recycled poly yarn. Complete five activities, including taking a picture with Bigfoot and selfies with the goats, and you'll earn the limited-edition seasonal cap to commemorate your fall adventure.