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Tumala (Squaw) Mountain

Clackamas County, Oregon

4.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

4.51 miles

Elevation Gain

1099 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Dan Moe

Tumala (Squaw) Mountain is a short, remote climb to one of the best views in Mt. Hood National Forest. Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain: 1157'Two hour drive from Portland keeps most day hikers away. Summer wildflower displays rival any in the Mt. Hood Nat'l Forest. Summit would make an unbelievable campsite. Site of a former fire lookout.

On a clear day, this short, secluded hike offers breath-taking views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson, as well as of downtown Portland, Coast Range, and the Roaring River Wilderness.

Begin the hike from the Twin Springs Trailhead and immediately take your first left at the T. Follow the trail up and over a hill before crossing two saddles, one of which affords views of the Squaw Lakes in the valley below. Once you've reached the second saddle, a moderate climb of around 1,000 feet lies ahead. Around a mile in, the trail switchbacks four times uphill before meeting the Old Baldy Trail. Stay to the left and continue climbing. Just shy of the summit, the trail reaches an old service road that accessed the old fire lookout, which once stood atop the summit.

Take time to explore and relax before returning the way you came!

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Tumala (Squaw) Mountain Reviews

Great little hike. Bit of a climb first quarter mile then one more saddle to get through. See all the mountains on top on a clear day. Info: https://nwhiker.com/MHNFHike64.html

I don't think we ever found the proper trail head, but we did find where the 505 trail crossed a logging spur. After starting up the trail with some hesitance, we found a well marked trail crossing of Old Baldy Trail and "Squaw" Mountain. The views from the top were breathtaking. We could see 6 peaks! We hiked on the 4th of July and only saw 3 other groups of hikers. If you are looking for remote and great views, you've found it. If you can find the trailhead that is.

Hiking this area is remote and beautiful. The trails are not well traveled, but fairly easy to find. I ended up dropping down into the Salmon huckleberry Wilderness area and followed the Eagle Creek trail back out. This is not to be confused with the Eagle Creek trail on the Columbia, this is near Estacada. Once into the wilderness area it is very beautiful and remote. The size of the old growth fir trees is well worth the drive time. I doubt you will see anyone else. I recommend this to anyone looking for something off the beaten path

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Salmon River Trail

Frustration Falls

Devil's Peak Lookout

Raft the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River

Veda Lake Trail

Little Zig Zag Falls