Free forest camping with Oregon's tallest peak as your view, an hour from Portland.
Mt. Hood NF surrounds Oregon's iconic stratovolcano with miles of dispersed camping on creeks, lakes, and ridges. Lost Lake reflects the mountain perfectly; the Clackamas River corridor is lined with quiet free sites.
Why it's special
An iconic 11,000-ft peak, old-growth forest, easy Portland access, and free camping that doesn't feel suburban. The Pacific Northwest distilled.
Best time to go
July through September. Snow lingers on higher forest roads into July.
Getting there
US-26 east from Portland, OR-35 north from Hood River.
Know before you go
- Northwest Forest Pass required at many established trailheads ($5/day).
- Dispersed camping is free, no pass required.
- Bears, mosquitoes in early summer.
- Fire restrictions intensify through August.
Pro tips from boondockers
- Lost Lake (small fee) for the Instagram shot of the mountain.
- Free sites along the Clackamas River are quiet weekdays, packed weekends.
- Hood River for resupply and beer.
- Trillium Lake has the other iconic mountain reflection — go at sunrise.
Combine with
Columbia Gorge, Portland, Mt. Adams.