2.6 hr
Overview
NOTICE: As of Summer 2021, the stretch of the Timberline Trail between the Muddy Fork and the junction with the Yocum Ridge Trail is closed because of numerous large downed trees. This lower-level loop using the Pacific Crest and Timberline Trails can be done early in the season before alpine trails have melted out. The route takes in some of the more interesting features of Mount Hood’s west side, including Ramona Falls as well as short side trips to the stunning view from the top of Bald Mountain and the slowly decaying Upper Sandy Guard Station. In recent years, the volatile main channel of the Sandy River and its Muddy Fork have destroyed permanent bridges, so crossing those streams can be an adventure and ideally should be attempted only after a period of dry weather. Also note that this section of the Timberline Trail has several slide areas that could be tricky to cross before repair crews reach them in the late spring. The steep meadows and lush springs of the Bald Mountain and Yocum Ridges make this a prime wildflower hike in late spring/early summer. This loop is about 1 ½ miles shorter if you begin the hike at the Top Spur Trailhead. Take the wide, sandy trail leading up from the southeast corner of the parking area. You will be hiking among stunted mountain hemlock, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine on a carpet of moss, pinemat manzanita, and reindeer lichen. Beginning in about 1780, pyroclastic flows from Mount Hood buried the Sandy River, which continues to change its course as it carves through the soft strata. Pass the first of at least three glacial river crossing signs warning about safe passage when waters are high (There has been more than one drowning death in the area.) Come to the Sandy River-Ramona Falls Trailhead Trail Junction, and proceed past a large boulder to a Stop sign, where you’ll need to fill out a wilderness permit. Hike onward to the steep eroding bank of the Sandy River. The trail joins an alder-lined old road bed. Reach the bank of the river again, and then descend to
Trail Stats
0.0 km
787 m
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Photos
400px-MuddyForkLoopMap
400px-MuddyForkLoopMap
160px-Large_pyrola_%28Pyrola_asarifolia%29%2C_Sandy_River_Trail
160px-Large_pyrola_%28Pyrola_asarifolia%29%2C_Sandy_River_Trail
250px-Ramona_Falls
250px-Ramona_Falls
250px-Harsh_paintbrush_%28Castilleja_hispida%29%2C_Bald_Mountain%2C_Timberline_Trail
250px-Harsh_paintbrush_%28Castilleja_hispida%29%2C_Bald_Mountain%2C_Timberline_Trail
250px-Mt
250px-Mt
250px-Salmonberries%2C_Muddy_Fork%2C_Pacific_Crest_Trail
250px-Salmonberries%2C_Muddy_Fork%2C_Pacific_Crest_Trail
250px-Mt
250px-Mt
400px-The_Citadel_from_the_Muddy_Fork%2C_Timberline_Trail
400px-The_Citadel_from_the_Muddy_Fork%2C_Timberline_Trail