Oregon’s highest peak is blessed with some incredibly scenic trails. They’re also some of the most popular and crowded in the state. However, solitude seekers and folks looking for the trail less traveled have many choices in the shadows of Mount Hood. The short and sweet—and at times steep—trail to Barlow Butte is one of them. From this long-gone lookout site you can savor decent views of Hood’s south face as well as miles of rolling ridges and glacial-carved valleys to the east and south.

Make sure not to start hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail from the trailhead. Head instead down the Barlow Road. This historic road was used as a segment of the Oregon Trail allowing emigrants to bypass floating down the treacherous Columbia River from The Dalles. The Barlow Road was by no way an easy route, however. After 0.1 mile (0.15km) in beautiful old-growth forest—the same forest pioneers passed through, come to a junction.

Now head left here on the Devils Half Acre Trail and hike for 0.2 mile (0.3 km) to a junction. Bear left here on the Barlow Butte Trail and soon enter the Mount Hood Wilderness. Non-contiguous from the wilderness area embracing Mount Hood, this wilderness unit and other non-contiguous units of the Mount Hood Wilderness were created in 2009. The Mount Hood National Forest is one of the most heavily logged in the country. The wilderness additions assure that the remaining old-growth groves near Mount Hood will remain unmolested by chainsaws, roads, and other activities  not compatible with wilderness.

Now start climbing in earnest up the north slope of Barlow Ridge. At 1.3 miles (2.1 km) reach a junction. Here, a short spur leads left to 5,069-foot (1,545 m) Barlow Butte. A fire tower once stood here and trees have now obscured the once sweeping views. There’s still a good view of Mount Hood, the valleys below, and the elongated Barlow Ridge. But better views—and wildflowers—can he had by continuing along the ridge a little farther.

Retrace your steps to the main trail and continue southeast along the ridge for another 0.5 mile (.8 km) or so. The way comes to a couple of open rocky areas with excellent views of the Barlow Creek Valley. You’ll also catch some good glimpses of Mount Hood as well as Oregon’s second highest summit, Mount Jefferson. Throughout the summer, wildflowers grace the viewpoints. The trail slowly descends to a 4,800-foot (1,463 m) saddle where a spur trail (hard to follow) drops off of the ridge to the north. The main trail continues southeast, but it hasn’t been maintained in years and is difficult to follow. It’s best to turn around from this spot. Retreat back to a favorite viewing area, and while the view might not be the most stunning in the wilderness, the solitude can’t be beat!

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Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than 20 books. For detailed information on other nearby hikes, pick up a copy of his Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge (Mountaineers Books).

Location: Barlow Pass, Mount Hood National Forest

Distance: 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 1,200 feet (366 meters)

Difficulty: moderate

Trail notes: Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency pass required. Dog-friendly. Trail in Mount Hood Wilderness—wilderness rules apply. Practice Leave No Trace principles.

Trail highlights: lightly used trail to old lookout site granting good close up views of Mount Hood and Barlow Creek Valley used by Oregon Trail emigrants. Summer wildflowers

Contact: Mount Hood National Forest

Getting to the trail: From Portland follow US 26 east to junction with SR 35 near Barlow Pass. Then bear right and continue north on SR 35 for 2.6 miles (6.8 km) to Barlow Pass Sno-Park near MP 60. Then turn right onto FR 3531 and proceed 0.2 mile (0.3 km) to trailhead.