2.1 hr
Overview
In the good ol’ days, before there was a surfaced road or even a Timberline Lodge, skiers and hikers wishing to reach the timberline from Government Camp had to slog the three miles and 2,000 feet up the slope using the traditional routes of the Alpine and Glade Trails. A network of trails still exists on this slope, now augmented by mountain biker routes, and hikers will find this a quiet journey (until Timberline Lodge, that is) early in the summer, when some big snow banks discourage most bikers. The route described follows the Alpine Trail, crosses the open slopes above the Lodge, and then descends via the looping Timberline to Town Trail to the more direct Glade Trail. Huckleberries abound along the Alpine and Glade Trails in August, and there are frequent views south to the central Cascades from both of these routes. This is also an excellent snowshoe hike, sticking to the Alpine and Glade Trails, but just stay out of the way of skiers! From the west end of the rest area parking, walk up the ski slope between the Summit Ski Area cafeteria and a pumphouse. Mount Hood rears above the clearing of this bunny ski run. About 225 yards above the parking area, you’ll see a tall trail sign and power poles to your left at the east end of a residential street. Head in here, and follow the Crosstown Trail #755 to the Crosstown-Camp Creek Loop Trail East Junction. Go right here on the Campcreek Loop #754, and begin hiking uphill on “Waterline Road” in a dry slope forest of lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and mountain hemlock. Huckleberries ripen here in late August, and lupine blooms in July. Chipmunks rustle in the bushes. Pass a large wood water tank on the left and then a campsite on the right. At the Alpine-Camp Creek Loop Trail Junction, keep right on the Alpine Trail #660. Reach the top of the Summit ski slope, and keep left on the Alpine Trail. Pass the junction with the Westleg Ski Trail, and soon you’ll come close to Westleg Road. Keep straight at this four-way junction, getting more views up to Mount Hood.
Trail Stats
0.0 km
637 m
0 m
0 m
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Photos
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