I was on a running vacation in 2016 and ran part of the Timberline Trail not knowing it was actually an entire loop around Mt Hood at the time until I talked to few runners who were actually doing it that day. But I wasn’t going to go with them as I only packed and planned for a 20-25 miler that day.
Three years later and I finally got my act together and just go for it. Wasn’t expecting anyone to join but Mara is always up for an adventure, so it was us again for another epic event!!!
I flew to Portland and got picked up by Mara since she was already in OR. We then headed over to Richard’s place, dropped off our stuff and went for a quick shake out run at Forest Park. Portland has a lot of funny signs … few that came to mind was one in the neighbhood by the park that reads “Twenty is Plenty.” Me being know for having a dirty mind, I said “ya, thats why the legal age is 18!” and we had a chuckle out of that but obviously the sign was for car speed. Another one was at a restaurant while we were walking around town after the run that reads “Come taste Summer” … :P
We planned to start the Mt Hood run at 7am, but ended up getting there a little late and started at 7:45am’ish. The day started off kind of foggy so we didn’t get to see much of the view, but the trails were amazing we were just soaking in the single track. Few miles in we ran into a fellow runner who was also also doing the same route. So we ended up running the entire thing together as he has so many awesome running stories to tell.
10 miles in we got to Ramona Falls. We took some group pictures and separated with Mara as she was heading back to the lodge while Howard and I continue on the Timberline loop. The rest of the trails would be new to me since the last time I was here, I turned around at this point of the trail as well.
The Timberline Trail is 100% SINGLE TRACK!!! This trail is a dream to run on. There were a lot of stream crossing but overall it was very runnable. The last 2 miles heading back to the lodge were up hill on sand, so that was a bit tricky to move around. I would recommend going counter clockwise because down hill on sand is much easier. And if its a hot day, you will get the exposed section out the way and save the second half of the run in the shade.
- Distance: 40.80 miles
- Elevation Gain: 9,770ft
- Running Time: 10:19:44
- Strava: Timberline Trail Loop
