Mt. Hood Meadows has more than 8 miles of hiking trails for a Mt. Hood’s Premier Chairlift-served Hiking Experience and summer activities.
The snow is melting, the weather is getting warmer, and the wildflowers are on their way. Summer has arrived on Mt. Hood and Mt. Hood Meadows will kick off their 2026 Summer Operations kick off this Friday! Another season of hiking, wildflowers, waterfalls, scenic chair rides, special events, relaxing on the deck, and a whole lot more.
Mt. Hood Meadows, 19 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn, will launch summer scenic chairlift and hiking operations with 8.5 miles of hiking trails from the base area. The trail system connects the base area to woodland trails through meadows of wildflowers to magnificent overlooks and waterfall hikes.
Hike Waterfalls and Wildflowers
Starting at the Meadows parking lot, take the service road up to Upper Heather Canyon Falls then hike the Timberline Trail past Pencil Falls and back down to the lodge. The wildflowers were amazing. The views were stunning. Take a bit off your mileage with a ride on the Stadium chair lift for trail access.
Umbrella Falls and Sahalie Falls is a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until September.
Meadows will host events on the Sun Deck with Mt. Hood as the backdrop. Summer on the mountain will see scenic chairlift rides, hiking, games on the deck, retail and food and drink. This list is just a start:
July 11, 18 and 25 – Wildcraft Experience
July 12 – Mountain Clean up
August 1-2 – Hood Hundred
August 15-16 – Wy’East Trail Fest
August 22 – Summer Brew Fest
Summer Hiking Interpretive Signs
Seven interpretive signs were placed along hiking trails at Mt. Hood Meadows. The signs provide hikers insight and perspective on the mountain environment, forest ecology and history of the area. The information on these signs enhance the intimate walk with nature and provides hiker something to ponder while they wander to create a greater appreciation for this mountain environment.
The signs are placed in the base area (History of Mt. Hood, Wildlife, History of Mt. Hood Meadows), along the Bear Grass Trail (Wetlands), and near the top of the Stadium chairlift (Fire Ecology, Glaciers, Volcanology). “This is a true real-time learning experience about the significance of wetlands, the effect climate change is having on our glaciers, why forest fires are an essential part of the mountain ecosystem and what wildlife you have a good chance of encountering while hiking. We feel presenting this information in the moment will be impactful and make those visiting think a little more about the nature of our mountain.” says a Meadow’s spokesperson.
Thank you for trusting us to be your home away from home. We’ve posted our Hospitality and Health Policy on our website. We invite you to read online reviews for the Old Parkdale Inn. And then we encourage you to go directly to our website and Book Direct for all the right reasons.
We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.
Book your stay at the Old Parkdale Inn and take advantage of our partnerships:
Wet Planet Whitewater Adventures – A 10% discount will be applied at checkout when you use the code we provide to book online.
Cascade Canyon Guide – request code for 10% off trips
