Old Salmon River Trail
A relatively flat, soft hike following a glacial river through a lush, old-growth forest
Old Salmon River Trail
OVERVIEW
An easy, kid- and dog-friendly trail meandering along the Salmon River as it carves through a fairy wonderland of old growth and native, riparian habitat.
ADDRESS
Old Salmon River Trailhead
Welches, OR 97067
Directions
15 minutes from Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet
FIELD NOTES + INSIDER TIPS
Level: Easy | 5 miles | 200’ Gain | 1,640’ High Point
This hike is a mainstay for our family because it’s usually open year-round, relatively flat and full of interest for young and old alike. It’s also accessible for all ages with stairways climbing most of its hills and rustic bridges crossing every tiny stream along the way. The mulchy, rich humus also provides ample give for a low-impact trek.
Almost everyone knows about this magical place though, so try to hit the trail early to avoid weekend crowds. If you do, you’ll get the trail’s 10-foot-thick red cedars and emerald pools (perfect for summer swims) all to yourself on the way out. Sorry, no guarantees coming back.
While the average time to hike from the Old Salmon River Trailhead to the Salmon River Trailhead and back is about 2.5 hours, our crew tends to take it slow. A leisurely pace allows us to spot the catalog of delicate, flowering natives that dot the trail. Vanilla leaf, inside-out flower and false Solomon's seal feel like pixies floating underneath the giant trees, some of which are hollowed out just enough for little explorers to make a temporary home. If that’s not enough to keep those active minds entertained, you can also spot “nurse logs” that provide a rich foundation for saplings and all sorts of creatures, from beetles to banana slugs.
Choose Your Own (Length of) Adventure
Between both trailheads, there are five additional pull-outs on Salmon River Road (see the map below) that offer alternate access points for hiking. Believe us, they come in handy on busy weekends when the main trailhead parking areas are full and on those days when you’re not up for the full five miles.
In fact, our most traveled route turns around at our favorite beach near the 1.2 mile mark. A short path opens onto a shore of sand and rocks bordered by uprooted trees. You’ll know you arrived if you spot a rock outcropping on the opposite bank sporting a tiny alcove on its mossy face. Find a flat area for a one-of-a-kind picnic or just sit on your favorite rock and inhale some trail mix. Either way, you’ll be eating in awe of the majesty surrounding you.
Access to Rivers, Roads and Bridges
A closer swimming hole sits just .4 miles in, past the unmarked junction that leads left to "Trailhead B" on the map. Our advice is to take a dip on your way back, so you don’t get too cold on the hike. The swim feels even better if you tackle the full five miles, which includes some stretches along the remote road, more wooden footbridges and a campsite with toilets and water.
Eventually, you’ll reach your turnaround, but don’t double back right away. Take a moment to walk across the concrete bridge and hover above one of Oregon’s iconic Wild and Scenic Rivers. Fun fact: The water you see is runoff from the Palmer Glacier. Who knows, you may have carved some turns on it while skiing at Timberline last winter.
No matter how much of the Old Salmon River Trail you travel, you’re sure to find great vantage points of the river. Our favorites are the secluded spots where you can get lost in the sound of rushing water, skip a few rocks and look for passing fish.
From Swimming Holes to Post-Hike Watering Holes
Who doesn’t end a hike with an ice-cold beer or a growling stomach? No matter what you’re craving, it’s within a 10-minute drive because this trail is so close to civilization. If you’re heading back to the Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet, take the route west on Highway 26 through Welches. Here, you’ll find Koya Kitchen (one of our family favorites) dishing up asian-fusion delights and Wraptitude’s stellar menu of burgers.
If your final destination is elsewhere, remember that there are dozens of other trails to explore in the Mount Hood Wilderness. You can read about more of our favorites, and when you’re ready to tackle the next one, we would be honored if you made our home away from home your basecamp for endless adventure.
