Cloud Cap Inn — Attraction in Hood River

Cloud Cap Inn is an astonishing place to start your mountain top day hike. This is only an Inn historically as it is now a base camp for the Crag Rats search and rescue organization. The road up is quite rugged as it is washed out by snow melt each year, so a capable vehicle is advised. The Inn itself was operable from the late 1800's to the early 1900's and is a remarkable building although only accessible on the outside. The views from the inn are quite nice, but the real beauty comes when you get up above the tree line and are able to see the Columbia River, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, and Mt Rainier to the north. Most people are familiar with Timberline Lodge and the south slope, but the north slope is far less crowded and arguably a better view. There is also overnight camping available if you would like to stay a while. There are dozens of trails with many different views and things to see. Snow/glaciers are accessible by a mildly lengthy hike all summer long. It is quite a lovely and gorgeous place to visit. There are also picnic tables at the Inn if you want to pack a meal. An outhouse is available in the parking lot as well. Enjoy...

I don’t know if it’s worth the view to just drive up here. There are probably better places if you’re just looking to drive up and get a good view. If you’re hoping to access the wilderness trails, then the parking lot here is...

The Inn is a search and rescue base. It is not open to the public. The road is awful and closed most of the year. There are better places to access Mt Hood...