Mt. Hood, located about 50 miles east of Portland, offers residents from around the area the opportunity to explore the beauty of the untouched outdoors.  Just about everything you could dream of is possible in the Mt. Hood area: horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and so many more activities.  With such a plethora of options, Mt. Hood is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, particularly during the peak summer months.  Similarly, families can experience the great outdoors together with manageable hikes and easy kayaking adventures thus making Mt. Hood one of the prime adventure destinations within the Pacific Northwest.

On a hot summer day, nothing sounds much better than a trip up into the mountains to go for a leisurely kayak or canoe adventure.  Fortunately, the Mt. Hood area offers a number of options when it comes to kayaking and/or canoeing.  Within close distance to the mountain are Timothy Lake, Frog Lake, Clear Lake, and beautiful Trillium Lake.  Rent kayaks or canoes in nearby Government Camp, OR, and start to enjoy your beautiful day on the water.  Guided tours are additionally available for the inexperienced or for those who simply want to enjoy a care-free journey.

 Another popular summer attraction to do on Mt. Hood is horseback riding.  Enjoy a leisurely ride through miles of the famed Mt. Hood National Forest all on horseback.  Guided tours are available that include well-trained horses, saddles, stirrups, and the necessary equipment.

 For those who like the move their feet, the Mt. Hood National Forest offers a wide array of hiking, with options from the easy to the extremely difficult.  No matter what trail you choose, you will be guaranteed a breathtaking view of the surrounding Cascade Mountain Range and, of course, Mt. Hood.  There are hikes that run past mountain lakes, through open fields with flowers blooming in every direction, and past georgeous waterfalls.

 If its something a bit more adventurous you crave, then one can try their hand at the miles of mountain bike trails or the various opportunities for rock climbing.  Guided tours are available for rock climbing which should lessen the worry of some novices.  Likewise, there are guided mountain bike tours available for host of difficulty levels in addition to mountain bike rentals.  Of course, if you're experienced and just want to hit the trail, the whole Mt. Hood area is your playground.

 Of course, one doesn't have to seek out extreme adventure to enjoy a day on the mountain.  Fishing is a popular recreation for the mountain lakes and streams whereas the area offers a number of golfing options.  The beauty of nature is in full-force onMt.Hoodso bird-watching is also a popular activity.  Additionally, photographers from the professional to the amateur alike, find the entire area a wonderful opportunity to snatch some pictures.

 So whatever the activity you desire, Mt. Hood has it.  Shake off those boots and go enjoy the vast wilderness that is the outdoors in the Cascades.