There is a much shorter way to hike between Top Spur and Ramona Falls, via the PCT. But this Trail Trip uses the Timberline Trail to hike the section of the trail not hiked during Round-the-Mountain, Mazamas' annual segment hikes around Mt Hood. It's best done as a car shuttle, with more vehicles left at Ramona, where the parking lot is larger. Starting from Top Spur, the distance is 10.1 miles, the ascent is 1,950' and the descent is 3,800'. Highlights of this hike include AM views of Mt Hood and a PM visit to Ramona Falls.

Activity Notes

This hike's spots will first go to applicants who have Round the Mountain (RTM) in their Mazamas activity history, though others are welcome to apply. I'm offering Top Spur to Ramona Falls because we're hiking the only segment of the Timberline Trail not hiked during RTM.  This is a car shuttle hike. If we end up with 5-8 hikers, we'll leave one vehicle at Top Spur and the other at Ramona Falls. If we end up with 9-12 hikers, we'll leave one vehicle at Top Spur and two at Ramona Falls, where there is a lot more parking. All vehicles will need a NW Forest Pass, which is not available at Mt Hood National Forest trailheads.  Staring from Top Spur, we will first visit Bald Mountain's viewpoint of Mt Hood, then we will take one of the most forested segments of the Timberline Trail. It's so forested that we'll have to find our way past significant blowdown (ducking under, scrambling over, and/or diverting past downed trees) in the vicinity of Muddy Creek. Our stats are mostly downhill. In 10.1 miles we will ascend 1,925' but descend 3,800'. We will end up at Ramona Falls and then take the Ramona Creek Trail to the lower Sandy crossing and our prepositioned vehicle(s). This hike will be very stingy with mountain views. 
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 74 miles
Driving Time from Portland 2 hours
Distance - Round Trip 10 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Interesting Features Basalt Columns, Creek(s), Mountain Views, River(s), River or Creek Ford, Spectacular Views, Waterfalls
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