White River Campsites ~ Mt Hood National Forest

Flickr album link: White River Campsites

The southern slopes of Mt Hood is where the White River headwaters are located and dozens of streams flow downhill into this waterway. There are several reservoirs and small lakes in this area too, so it goes without say that it will be necessary to pack a fishing pole for any given hike. This end of the Mt Hood National Forest is a deep wilderness area that is literally a dream come true for those who wish to escape from the modern world, even though it is not too far away from the primary attractions that the mainstream tourists flock to. Best of all, there are plenty of camping options to choose from, so it is easy to plan an extended stay. 

When seeking a campsite on the southern slopes of Mt Hood, Barlow Road is the travel route to look for. This dirt road begins on Oregon Highway 35 near the snow parks and it follows the streams south to several campgrounds and unique points of interest. There are a few developed campgrounds along the roadside, while the hiking trails go to remote primitive camps next to picturesque lakes. There are also a couple of large dispersed camping sites and one such spot can be found next to the river.

​This end of the Mt Hood National Forest definitely offers a traditional deep woods experience, so plenty of peace and quiet can be found. World class fly fishing opportunities abound everywhere in this region, while seasonal hunters flock to the remote campgrounds every autumn. Late summer berry pickers and birding enthusiasts will stay busy in these deep woods too. The campgrounds in the White River section of Mt Hood certainly offer a great escape like no other, so be sure to check it out when planning a trip to the big volcano!