Cloud Cap Trailhead
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Latitude: 45.40243
- Longitude: -121.65486
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Elevation: 5850 feet
- Driving time from Portland: 2 hours
Contents |
Hikes starting here
- Elk Cove from Cloud Cap Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Cooper Spur Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Eliot Moraine Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Gnarl Ridge from Cloud Cap Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
Hikes including this location
- Tilly Jane Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
Description
The Cloud Cap Trailhead is located near the historic Cloud Cap Inn, a rustic lodge build in the 1890s. Though the lodge is not open to the public, the grounds are scenic and worth visiting as part of your trip to the area. The Cloud Cap Saddle campground has picnic tables, tent sites, and a vault toilet, but no drinking water is available.
In 2008, the Gnarl Fire swept through the Cloud Cap area, miraculously sparing the old lodge, but burning much of the forest along the Cloud Cap Road. When the road was reopened in late 2009, several water bars has been constructed to prevent runoff from the burned areas from washing out the road. Water bars are large dips in the road, and can make for a rough ride in a passenger vehicle. Keep your speed under 20 mph, and you will be able to spot the water bars in time to slow down—and several are large enough that you will want to slow down to about 5 mph.
Driving Directions
Drive I-84 east to Hood River and take Exit 64 for White Salmon and Government Camp.
Turn right, and then right again immediately. Drive 0.3 miles to a four-way stop. Keep straight here on Highway 35 South for Odell, Parkdale and Mt. Hood.
Drive 22.1 miles, and turn right onto Cooper Spur Road.
Continue 2.3 miles, and then make a sharp left turn onto Cloud Cap Road.
After 1.0 miles, come to a junction for the Cooper Spur Ski Area, and stay right.
Soon the road becomes gravel, and you'll be winding up for 8.8 miles, negotiating numerous water bars and passing Inspiration Point.
At a T-junction, turn right for Cloud Cap (a left turn here takes you to Tilly Jane Campground), and drive another 0.6 miles to the parking area below the Cloud Cap Inn.
Fees, Regulations, Facilities
- Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required
- Vault toilets, campground, and picnic tables
Page Contributors
- Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)
- User:Retiredjerry