Yes, Mount Hood is a renowned winter destination, but don’t dismiss it as a summertime vacation spot.
Welches serves as a perfect base for mountain-based adventures that are the ultimate antidote when the thermostat hits 90+ degrees in Portland. (Look for house rentals through Airbnb, VRBO or Vacasa.)
Hit the Salmon River Trail and cool off in the river on sweltering summer days. If you’ve got young kids, Little Zigzag Falls is a perfect easy hike. The trail is truly enchanting, with moss-covered stones reminiscent of Kristoff’s family in Frozen; pebbly, shallow banks to explore; and a picturesque waterfall at the end.
Government Camp’s Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl offers a slew of activities, but your kids may just want to do the Alpine Slide, over and over and over. (Pro tip: There’s free Wi-Fi if you need to check in with work while the kids play.) Or bring a picnic and then hike around at Trillium Lake.
When it’s time to fuel up, head to Mt. Hood Brewing for solid pub fare including a standout fish ’n’ chips plate and fried chicken sandwich — and a well-received kids’ menu. (Limited indoor seating and takeout.) Pro tip: The Killer Burger truck sometimes sets up shop in the Mt. Hood Village Market parking lot in Rhododendron.
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