Bald Mountain Hike Oregon

Bald Mountain Hike from Top Spur Trail Head 

The Bald Mountain hike begins at one of the more crowded Top Spur trail-heads, but quickly moves to the mountain. On a clear day At the summit of Bald Mountain, we can able to see the stunning view of Mount Hood.

Make a 2.4-mile loop out of Top Spur Trail #785, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Timberline Trail #600 to circle the upper reaches of Bald Mountain with killer views of Mt. Hood and the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River Valley in the south side of Bald Mountain. This hike, with its short distance and awesome view, is very popular hike on a clear day.

From the Top Spur Trail-head, climb through beautiful, old-growth noble fir forest for one-half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right and immediately arrive at a confusing junction of four trails and Mount Hood Wilderness registration box. The trail to the right, and downhill, is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) and is marked with a sign to Timberline Lodge. The route to the left is the northward section of the Timberline Trail (Trail No #600), with a sign to Cairn Basin. The trail straight ahead, and uphill, is the southbound section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to the Muddy Fork, and is the route to Bald Mountain.

·         Trail Head: Top Spur Trail head

·         End point: Bald Mountain

·         Trail Log: Trail Log

·         Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip

·         Elevation gain: 550 feet

·         High Point: 4,591 feet

·         Difficulty: Medium

·         Location : Mt. Hood Wilderness

From the registration box at the junction, continue on the Timberline Trail toward the Muddy Fork for about 450 feet, and then watch for an unsigned trail heading left and uphill, between two large trees. This is the historic Bald Mountain Trail. Follow this rustic path over a couple of logs as you climb parallel to the Timberline Trail, below. After a few hundred feet, switchback left, and soon reach the more open forest on the slopes of Bald Mountain. The tread is always obvious, though you'll step over a number of fallen logs that have accumulated over the decades since this trail was maintained.

Bald Mountain hike gives a great view of Mt. Hood and looking down into the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River. There are waterfalls visible where the Muddy Fork cascades down the steep slopes. There are also signs of landslides where the water pooled up behind an ice dam and then broke through, causing a "muddy" flow in the "sandy" soil - hence the name Muddy Fork of the Sandy River. This hike is Combine of Top Spur, Pacific Crest Trail PCT and Timberline Trail to circle Bald Mountain with a great view of Mt. Hood and Muddy Fork valley.

This trail is within the Mt. Hood Wilderness. A Northwest Forest Pass or other valid pass is required for your vehicle at the trailhead.

Top Spur Trail Head Directions:

From Sandy, OR - take US Hwy 26 east for 17.5 miles and turn left at E Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18) and travel 4 miles. Turn right at Forest Road 1825 and travel 0.7 mile. Continue straight onto Forest Road 1828 for 5.6 miles beyond turnoff to Riley Campground and Lost Creek Campground. Keep right at the fork and continue onto graveled Forest Road 1828-118.  Drive 1.6 miles to the trail-head on your right.