The Oak Ridge Trail is a lovely trail that takes you up out of the Hood River Valley, through a mixed conifer forest and on to open slopes with stands of Oregon White Oak.
The device said it was only .3 from our parked car but as all cachers know this is a straight line and the Oak Ridge Trail is anything but straight. Actually was about .9 miles of pretty much straight up with, I lost track, a lot of switchbacks. But the Bazillion Dollar View of Mt Hood and the Hood River Valley below was so worth it.
I've done this hike in the spring when the wildflowers are awesome. And go all the way to the top to Bald Butte you're looking at about a little over 4 miles one way. This is a spectacular hike with 5 geocaches up the Oak Ridge Trail, 4 before you get to the Bazillion Dollar View. A whole Surveyors Ridge Series on top, 56 caches in the series with a few others thrown in for good measure. This would be a drive adventure.
Just for reference: The Green circle with the white star represents GC4FH6G Parkdale Travel Bug Inn here at the Old Parkdale Inn. Geocaching search for caches shows over 500 caches within a 10 mile radius of the Old Parkdale Inn. We'll share with you some of our favorites.
Another reference: riders on the Oregon Timber Trail descend into the Hood River Valley via this trail.
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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.