This is an outstanding little hike with immense rewards. The trail used to begin at the Polallie trailhead, but mother nature took care of that idea some time ago. Now you need to go a bit further upstream where Hwy 35 crosses the East Fork of the Hood River, and you'll see the trailhead sign off to the east side of the road. Not much area to park, but normally adequate.

Because the trailhead was relocated, the trail is new for about the first half mile. You actually lose a bit of elevation at first, then after you pass where the old trail begins, you start a very vigorous climb, thus the hike may be short but definitely moderate in difficulty.

As you climb the ridge you will be offered a variety of environments. You'll be in dense forest one minute, then in the open the next where you have a brief view of the cliffs around you. But it is not until you reach the top that you receive your true reward. When you summit, you'll be at an intersection of Trails #678 and #675. You will follow neither of these to your destination. Instead follow the small path referred to by a sign entitled "View". You will lose altitude now, as you descend to the vantage point where you will have spectacular views of Mt Hood and Mt St Helens to the north. Highway 35 is below you.

Follow Oregon Hwy 35 south of Hood River until you come to the Cooper Spur Resort access road. Just past this junction, and just past the Polallie Trailhead, and just over the bridge on the left side of the road is the trailhead for this hike.

If you are coming north on Hwy 35 from Hwy 26 near Government Camp, drive until you come to the Sherwood Campground and the Tamanawas Falls trailhead, then watch on the right side of the road just before you cross the river and you will see the trailhead for this hike.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Mt. Hood NF for current information: Click Here.