One of many creek crossings along the trail.
Beautiful scenery awaits!
A little rain doesn't dampen our spirits.
Another Creek Crossing
One of many amazing views on RTM

Join the annual Mazama Labor Day Tradition!

Each year, the Mazamas celebrate their love of Mt. Hood with a 3-day hike around the Timberline Trail. Join us, as we set out from our base camp at Mazama Lodge each day for a 13 to 14-mile adventure. We carry only day packs, because each night we return to the lodge for great food, hot showers, a cozy bunk, and stories from your day on the trail.

Your adventure includes all meals and dorm lodging. Shuttle vans will transport you from our meeting place in Portland to Mazama Lodge, as well as to/from the trailhead each day.

Who should attend Round the Mountain?

You don’t need to be a 20-year old super athlete to do well on this 40-mile, 3-day hike. However, you should be well aware that this is a strenuous and challenging event that requires your commitment and preparation.  Expect these challenges:

  • Distance: About 13 miles each day
  • Duration: 3 consecutive days of challenging hikes
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,000–4,000 vertical feet daily
  • Terrain: Uneven terrain, steep inclines and descents, water and snow crossings
  • Pace: Choose the team that fits your hiking speed

If you are up to the challenge, our volunteer hike leaders are ready to help you achieve this dream, all while enjoying amazing views you can only get on foot from the trail. Be prepared to work, but be prepared to be WOW’d!

Sample Schedule

  • Friday: Travel from the Mazama Mountaineering Center to the Mazama Lodge, leaving around 4 p.m. That evening is spent getting together with hiking teams, enjoying appetizers and dinner, and in getting to know each other before the big event. An orientation of the next few days adventure will be laid out for you.

  • Saturday: Breakfast is each day at 6 a.m., pack a sack lunch and be on the way to the trailhead around 7 a.m. Spend the day hiking and return to the lodge for celebration of the day's exploration while enjoying a delicious dinner and cozy lodge ambiance.

  • Sunday: Spend the day hiking the second section of the mountain with your group. Return to the lodge for relaxation and a hearty dinner while sharing stories of the previous couple days of adventure.

  • Monday: The conclusion of your adventure! Spend the day trekking the last portion around the mountain, return to the lodge (5–6 p.m.) and set off for home after a well-deserved break and refreshments.

  • An additional night at the lodge for Monday can be purchased separately if desired.

Route Description

Below is the intended route. Be aware that the route may change due to unforeseen conditions after the snow melt. Groups may be heading in opposite directions so the route may be reversed depending on which end you start.

Timberline Lodge to Ramona Falls 

From the Timberline Lodge head west, climb uphill to the Timberline Trail and make a brief descent into Little Zigzag Canyon. Arrive at the ZigZag Canyon overlook which includes views of Paradise Park, across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi Head. From here, the trail quickly descends a cool, forested slope for one mile to the bottom of Zigzag River crossing. The route will traverse across the alpine meadows of Paradise Park and reconnect with the Timberline Trail dropping 2,000 ft. down to cross the Sandy River. This is one of the more challenging stream crossings around Mt. Hood and we will most likely have to wade or use a rope as a handline while making our way across. After reaching Ramona Falls, the route will exit via the Ramona Falls Trail and our waiting van. Appx. 14 miles

Top Spur to Cloud Cap

Starting out at the Top Spur Trailhead the route will skirt around Bald Mountain for the astounding views of Mt. Hood and then quickly reconnect with the Timberline Trail. We will wander along towards McNeil Point trail (a possible side-trip) and then into Cairn Basin. On this, the north side of Mt. Hood, we do cross several additional glacier rivers and are treated to late wildflower bloom displays. This section now includes the reroute of the long-closed area near the snout of the Elliot Glacier. Appx. 14 miles

Cloud Cap to Timberline Lodge

Begin at the Cloud Cap Trailhead. The route will cross the east side slope of Mt. Hood as it continues to gain elevation to the Timberline Trail high point at 7,300 ft. The trail then follows the top of Gnarl Ridge with excellent views. Continue on the challenging crossing of Newton Creek and a somewhat challenging crossing of the Clark Creek. Push onward through Meadows Ski Area ending up at Timberline Lodge and the waiting van. Appx. 14 miles

RTM Refund Policy

  • All cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee
  • Cancellations made 30 days before the activity begins are subject to $100 cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made between 29 days and 10 days before the activity begins will receive a 50% refund if we are able to fill your spot.
  • Cancellations made less than 10 days before the activity begins will not receive a refund.
  • Cancellations due to medical issues will be considered on a case by case basis and will require a doctor’s notification to be considered.