Hiking to Bald Mountain may look intimidating but the trail is actually classified as Easy and Family Friendly. For a round trip the total distance is 2.0 miles with only 550 feet in elevation gain. With convenient rock outcrops at the viewpoint that you can sit in and enjoy before heading down there is no reason not engage with your inner hiker at Bald Mountain. Learn more about Bald Mountain for your future trip below.
This hike begins at one of the more crowded trailheads, but quickly moves to one of the most forgotten spots on the mountain. At the summit of Bald Mountain, you’ll not only be treated with a stunning view of Mount Hood, but will also see traces of an old fire lookout that stood here in the 1940s. You’ll likely have the summit to yourself.
From the Top Spur Trailhead, climb through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one-half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right and immediately arrive at a confusing junction of four trails and Mount Hood Wilderness registration box. In 2010 new signs were been posted at this junction, making it slightly less confusing (albeit missing basic mileage and directional arrows). The trail to the right, and downhill, is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) and is marked with a sign to Timberline Lodge. The route to the left is the northward section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to Cairn Basin. The trail straight ahead, and uphill, is the southbound section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to the Muddy Fork, and is the route to Bald Mountain.
SRC: Find more photography and helpful information for planning your trip to Bald Mountain at: www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Bald_Mountain_from_Top_Spur_Hike
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