By:
Submission
Dispersed camping, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, can be a great way to experience the forest- as long as everyone follows some rules and guidelines to protect forest wildlife, plants, water quality, and the health of others.
Dispersed camping is not for everyone- and that's fine as the Mt. Hood National Forest has over 70 designated campgrounds. Camping outside of campgrounds means no toilets, no drinking water, no metal fire rings, and no trash service. You are responsible for leaving the site cleaner than you found it and learning the skills of Leave No Trace camping before you head out.
Basic Rules & Guidance
Some areas are closed to dispersed camping, such as within developed recreation sites, along certain roads, and particularly sensitive areas. Contact your local Ranger District for more information.
You may camp on the forest for only 14 consecutive days.
Please choose an existing site rather than create a new campsite.
Camp at least 100 ft. away from streams, rivers, and lakes.
If you didn't bring firewood and intend to build a campfire only collect already down wood.
If your campfire is too hot to touch with bare hands- it's too hot for you to leave! Bring plenty of water and a shovel to help you put out your fire.
Check in advance if there are any fire restrictions in effect.
Treat or filter any stream water you collect for drinking, or bring water from home.
Your group must be under 75 people. If it larger you must obtain a (usually free) permit in advance from the local Ranger District.
When Nature Calls
Be prepared for your own sanitation!
To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6” deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container.
Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Animals might eat it, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it, and plus it's just gross.
Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you brought with you! Dispose of your garbage properly off the forest.
Leave No Trace is a framework minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. They apply to virtually every recreational activity and help increase your safety and enjoyment of the forest. Learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
The Mt. Hood National Forest belongs to all Americans- including those who will come long after us. Do your part to keep the forest clean every time you visit.
We were going towards Mt. Hood and took a small break to complete this small train. Due to the snow the trail was closed and there were no way to go inside thats the sad part. But the roads and nearby places are so beautiful that blown our minds. It was a true winter wonderland. The big trees and snowy roads made our Portland trip so memorable
Great place to spend some amazing leisure time. Great to hang out on a sunny day. Must visit for a family relaxing day out. Great vacation spot... just can sit and enjoy the beauty of Mt Hood from this place. The most important part is the trail you can go round and round and you will never get bored of it. Loved the Kayaking from Mt Hood Outfitters. They are awesome, definitely rent single kayaks and spend some quality time with friends n family. Best top notch place in Oregon. Truly special for friends, couples n family outing.
5/5 😍
Had a great early hike yesterday. Trillium lake.is beautiful frozen, but sadly couldn't capture the perfect mountain shot. Maybe next time!
Had lots of fun walking around the lake! Was a little confused at one part where there was post saying part of the trail would be closed until Fall of '22 (looks like the redid or are redoing a boardwalk). But there was an alternative path to get us back around the lake. Very pretty, picturesque & gets you away from the crowded areas
I would LOVE to go back here during summer for Kayak and camping! This is a little lake that looks like a dream, with a breathtaking view ♥️ We were blown away by the beauty! But the day we visited, it was quite chilly and windy. Couldn’t stay for longer, but ensured we captured some good pictures and memories. See you again in Summer, 24
