When you think of visiting Oregon, your mind might immediately jump to Portland, the largest city in the state and a haven for diverse interests. But just 90 minutes outside the city, Mt. Hood watches over protected National Forest land, friendly small towns, laid-back local businesses and enough breathtaking views to warrant consideration. Even in the summer, the mornings are cooler here, and you’ll find plenty of company from fellow RVers at the abundant campgrounds that surround the mountain. If you’re looking for a place to start planning a trip to Mt. Hood, here are some of our top recommendations.
Trillium Lake
Campground
Tucked away in the shady forests surrounding Mt. Hood, the Trillium Campground is a beautiful spot to park your RV. With generous-sized single and double campsites, it’s easy to make yourself comfortable but book in advance, because this spot fills up fast. Each lot comes with a campfire ring, grill, picnic table, and plenty of privacy; drinking water and vault toilets are available on-site. There are no utility hookups, but they do offer trash collection.
But the gem of Trillium Campground is Trillium Lake, whose cool, still waters reflect the image of Mt. Hood looming high above. With no motor boats allowed on the lake, it’s the perfect place for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, and more. The quiet waters make the perfect playground for wildlife, too. Keep your eyes peeled for a bald eagle circling overhead.
Standard non-electric sites from $22. Reserve a spot here.
Mt. View Orchards
Kid-Friendly Activity
This 50-acre apple and pear orchard is just north of Mt. Hood, in the town of Parkdale. Passed down within the same family for three generations, this small farm provides fresh produce distribution to local and regional businesses, as well as being open to the community.
Between July and October, bring the kiddos to pluck sun-warmed peaches, apples, and pears right off the tree—then find a quiet place to picnic on the grounds. In the fall, Mt. View Orchard offers the quintessential autumn activities of pumpkin picking and hayrides. Carlos the steer loves to show off his impressive horns to anyone looking for a photo opportunity. And don’t forget to sample the house-made hard cider and wines, the perfect complement to a relaxing afternoon on the farm.
The Gorge White House
Food
Overlooking Highway 35 in the town of Hood River, the Gorge White House stands as a local landmark. More than 100 years old and in pristine condition, this Colonial house is the perfect place to stop for lunch.
An unassuming food cart produces a full menu of sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and sides, overseen by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Jack Kennedy, son of the Gorge White House owners. The burgers are sourced from local Mt. Shadow meat, served on buns baked fresh daily. On the farm, you’ll also find fresh fruit, flowers, and tasting flights of local wines, ciders, and beers. The grounds are dog-friendly.
The food cart is open Fridays through Mondays.
Tucker County Park
Nature
Tucker Park makes a serene and refreshing stop as you make your way around Mt. Hood. On top of hosting campers, it offers a day-use area with covered shelter and it’s a designated viewing area on the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. The park backs up to the scenic Hood River, a refreshing stop after a long day of hiking and biking. Take a dip in the local swimming holes, but brace yourself for startlingly cold water. On a hot summer day, it may be the perfect relief from the heat. Don’t forget to bring your fishing pole—you might just get lucky.
Double Mountain Horse Ranch
Culture
Get a double dose of nature’s healing properties when you take in the scenery atop one of Margo Vankat Goodman’s gorgeous horses. At the Double Mountain Horse Ranch, Margo leads tours that wind through idyllic forests, display panoramic mountain views to their best advantage, and traverse storybook waterfalls nestled along the Pacific Crest Trail. With a U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit, Double Mountain Horse Ranch offers several exclusive trail rides in the Mt. Hood area. They even offer an immersive one-day camp for kids—perfect for travelers with horse-obsessed little ones.
Book a tour and take the ride of a lifetime—and tell Margo we sent you.
Plan Your Own RV Trip Guide to Mt. Hood, Oregon
