The original access road to the McIntyre Ridge Trail was closed in 2005, due to a maintenance backlog on the deteriorating dirt road, and ongoing OHV vandalism at the trailhead. Now the hike is accessible from the New McIntyre Trailhead, which not only provides a quick route to the beautiful ridgetop meadows, but also provides a paved access for all but the final one-third mile to the trailhead. At just over 40 miles from Portland, McIntyre Ridge provides one of the most convenient wilderness hikes in the region.

Activity Notes

Breath taking Mt Hood views This hike will be partly on snow and require Microspikes Driving Directions Drive 30 miles east of Portland on Highway 26 to Firwood Road, located at Shorty's Corner, about two miles east of Sandy. Turn right onto Firwood and continue a short distance before following Firwood right at a 3-way stop, then through several turns until reaching Wildcat Mountain Road at a 4-way stop, 3.4 miles from Highway 26. From the Firwood Road junction, turn left onto Wildcat Mountain Road (Forest Road 36) and follow this paved, two-lane road for 8.9 miles to the Mount Hood National Forest Boundary, where the road narrows to one lane with turnouts, and becomes Road 3626. Drive carefully here - sight distances are poor due to overgrown shoulders in many sections. Reach an unsigned fork at 9.4 miles, where the paved spur to the Douglas Trail heads downhill and to the right. Turn right, and follow this paved spur, immediately going left at a second unmarked fork 100 yards from the first junction. The road narrows and the paved route climbs through dense woods for a short distance before ending at the Douglas Trailhead.
Please be sure to pack your facemask and to review the Mazama COVID policies (updated 3/30/21).
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 80 miles
Distance - Round Trip 10 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Maps MH12
Awards Qualified Awesome Ridges Award, Mt. Hood Award, Wild Ones
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