Muddy Fork Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Top Spur Trailhead
- End point: Muddy Fork Crossing on Timberline Trail
- Trail log: Trail Log
- Hike type: In and out
- Distance: 6.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 1000 feet
- High point: 4,400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: July - November
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Only to Bald Mountain
Contents |
Description
This hike begins at one of the more crowded trailheads, but quickly moves to some of the loneliest terrain on the mountain. Along the way, the scenery is dominated by evidence of the forces of nature at work that provide a terrific living laboratory for children and adults: the Muddy Fork canyon is literally coming apart at the seams, with several recent mudflows dramatically changing the landscape before you. The gleaming pyramid of Mount Hood towers above the entire route.
From the Top Spur Trailhead climb through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right, and immediately arrive at a somewhat confusing junction of four trails. The trail to the right is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the routes to the left and straight ahead are the Timberline Trail (no. 600).
Continue straight on the Timberline Trail into dense forest and, 150 yards from the main junction, you'll notice the unsigned trail that leads to the top of Bald Mountain. Rise gently in silver and noble fir forest, and pass a wilderness sign. Then the trail breaks out into an open meadow with a frontal view of Mount Hood before traversing a thimbleberry thicket. You'll make a descending traverse alternating steep meadows with thickets. Pass the junction with a short bypass trail that connects with the Timberline Trail on the other side of the Bald Mountain Ridge. The Muddy Fork of the Sandy River rushes more than 2,000 feet below. Look closely, and you can see the ghost forests on the valley floor, where recent mudflows buried whole stands of conifers along this volatile stream.
Traverse around Bald Mountain, and appreciate many more stunning views until you enter a wooded area. Pass a log stile; then traverse steep slopes through deep forest, crossing several small streams as you approach the valley floor. Some of these side canyons experienced recent washouts, so take care where narrow trail sections still exist.
At the 2.7 mile mark, reach an awesome display of the mountain’s force as you approach the valley floor. Here a 2002 debris flow knocked over hundreds of large conifers, stacking them like cord wood. The trail navigates the final stretch toward the northern branch of the Muddy Fork. Watch for trail markers to stay on course. Crossing the Muddy Fork may be difficult on warm summer afternoons, in which case the high bank above the first crossing is a nice stopping point. A large twin falls on the northern branch of the Muddy Fork can also be seen from this area.
If water levels permit, carefully cross the northern branch, pass through a rocky debris fan, and then hike through a low alder forest to the southern branch of the Muddy Fork, where spectacular views of Mount Hood and 400-foot waterfalls drifting down the sheer face of Yocum Ridge dominate the view. There are plenty of inviting boulders that make for fine lunch spots. To complete the hike, simply follow the same route back to the trailhead.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Green Trails Maps: Government Camp, OR #461 and Mt Hood, OR #462
- Adventure Maps: Mt. Hood Area
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Zigzag Ranger District
- Discover Your Northwest: Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map & Hiking Guide
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mt. Hood National Forest
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood Wilderness
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood
- Discover Your Northwest: Mt. Hood National Forest North
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at trailhead. Pass must be acquired beforehand as they are not sold at the trailhead.
- Self-issued wilderness permit
- Wilderness rules apply
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Muddy Fork
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Muddy Fork
Guidebooks
- PDX Hiking 365 by Matt Reeder
- Off the Beaten Trail by Matt Reeder
- Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood & Badger Creek Wilderness by Fred Barstad
More Links
- Top Spur Trail #785 (USFS)
- Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS)
- Muddy Fork (Outdoor Project)
- Bald Mountain and Muddy Fork (All Trails)
- Top Spur to Muddy Fork Hike (Went Hiking)
- Muddy Fork (My Hikes)
Page Contributors
- Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)
- User:retiredjerry