1.6 hr
Overview
The Pioneer Bridle Trail heads up north of Rhododendron, crosses Highway 26, and then switchbacks up the slopes of Laurel Hill to Government Camp. Hiking up here, one is granted the experience of treading on, or near, a succession of five passageways representative of the history of ground transportation in the state: the Barlow Road, part of the Oregon Trail (completed in 1846); the Territorial Stage Road (1866), the first two-way road on the mountain; the Mt. Hood Loop Highway (1925); the Pioneer Bridle Trail (constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s on or near the track of the first two); and federal Highway 26 (1959), which provides the hiker with background noise for most of the walk. The Pioneer Bridle Trail #795 leaves from the parking area and heads into a woodland of big-leaf maple, Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western red-cedar, rhododendron, and salal. The wide track, popular with mountain bikers, begins on the level, but soon reaches a mossy slope and makes four switchbacks up. You can see where the Bridle Trail has made wider switchbacks around the Stage Road. The trail traverses up and levels along a slope with views across to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain. The path rises again and then reaches a level spot at a mossy saddle. You can continue around the ridge to the right, but look to your left for flagging and orange paint spots on trees. It is worth taking the diversion through here, as these markers follow the route of the Oregon Trail. Pass a mossy camp area and reach a sign tacked onto a tree stating “Original wagon route.” Rise up a steep slope: Sam Barlow was not an engineer, but he could cut down trees; he built his road up and along ridges, avoiding the need to make fills and cuttings, and kept away from side slopes where wagons could tip easily. The route here is not a boot trail, but the markings help guide your way and the wagon ruts are obvious in places. Head along a ridge and then drop down past an Oregon Trail marker post and reach the Bridle Trail again. G
Trail Stats
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478 m
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Photos
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