The Mt. Hood National Forest encompasses 1.1 million acres. There are four ranger districts on the Forest that include a wide variety of ecosystems centered around Mt. Hood, the tallest mountain in Oregon: Barlow, Clackamas River, Hood River, and Zigzag Ranger Districts. This volcanic mountain is 11,125 feet tall and beloved across the state. Approximately one-third of the Forest is designated wilderness.
Mt. Hood National Forest offers a range of year-round recreation opportunities including skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating. The Forest also provides about one-third of the state's drinking and agricultural irrigation water.
Plan Your Visit
Always Carry a Map
Get your destination safely and always use a map on national forests. Unfortunately, your phone's GPS navigation app can be inaccurate and lead you astray. Learn which maps are right for you and how to get them!
Cutting Firewood
Firewood season is open April 15 to November 30, 2025. Firewood cutters are required to have a valid firewood permit along with load tags, firewood cutting map, and a current firewood information sheet.
Firewood Permits
Summiting a Glaciated Volcano
Mt. Hood climbers traveling above 9,500 feet elevation must carry the Mt. Hood Climbing Permit, available for purchase on Recreation.gov. Mt. Hood climbing rangers share climbing conditions twice weekly from April through early July.
Climbing Conditions
Recreation Residences
Mt. Hood National Forest is home to 549 privately-owned recreation residence cabins dating back to 1915. Current and future cabin owners have certain regulations they must follow.
Summer Cabins
National Forest Roads
Maintaining the Forest's 3,000 miles of roads is a lot of work and natural events like landslides or floodingcan occur any time. Learn how you can be prepared for changing conditions on National Forest Roads.
Road Conditions
Camping in Solitude
Dispersed camping, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, is a great way to enjoy the peace and solitude of the Forest. Learn about camping regulations and Leave No Trace ethics before your next weekend adventure!
Dispersed Camping
Current Fire Restrictions & Incidents
Fire restrictions can impact whether you're allowed to have campfires or cut firewood. Stay current on local fire restrictions and wildfire information.
Mt. Hood Fire Info
Northwest Forest Plan & Amendment
The Northwest Forest Plan covers 24.5 million acres of federally managed lands in California, Oregon, and Washington. It was established in 1994 to address threats to threatened and endangered species while also contributing to social and economic sustainability in the region. Over 30 years later, the Northwest Forest Plan needs to be updated to accommodate changed ecological and social conditions.
NW Forest Plan
Recent Press Releases
Barlow Ranger District plans prescribed burn near Rock Creek Reservoir in the weeks ahead
Release Date: April 22nd, 2025
Climbing permit for summiting Mt. Hood available online
Release Date: April 14th, 2025
OR Route 224 temporarily closed at Pipeline/Three Lynx Road
Release Date: February 24th, 2025
View All Press Releases
Features
Timberline Lodge’s historic legacy one year after fire
On the night of April 18, 2024, fireplace embers started a fire in the attic and roof of the iconic Timberline Lodge. Thanks to the hard work of…
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