Quick Tips
- Use a GPS unit and learn private land boundaries
- Visit Mount Hood and nearby Mount Adams
- Fishing for sturgeon, steelhead and salmon in the Columbia River
- Black bears are common
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Elk | 240"-270" | 280"+ |
On The Ground
Dominated by Mount Hood, the tallest mountain in Oregon at 11,240 feet, this unit holds mule deer and crosses between blacktail and mule deer and elk with the characteristics of Rocky Mountain and Roosevelts.
This unit has good numbers of elk but gets a lot of hunting pressure, so a lot of bulls find seclusion in two wilderness areas and on private land.
Terrain
The western and southern halves of this unit are mostly in the Mount Hood National Forest, dominated by the roughly conical and volcanic Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon at 11,240 feet above sea level. The mountain has 12 glaciers on it. Timberline is at roughly 6,500 feet. The steepest parts of the unit are the rugged cliffs and mountain faces rising above the Columbia River and deep canyons that drain into the river. The steepest terrain is in Gorge Face Wilderness, Columbia River National Scenic Area and Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The city of Hood River, population about 7,500, lies about 25 miles north of the peak of Mount Hood. Sides of some ridges, such as Blowdown Ridge, also are steep. Between Hood Mountain and Hood River are many timbered and logged flatlands and moderate hills. Flat areas include Hood Valley, Dee Flat, Dukas Valley and Upper Hood River Valley.
Roughly 376 square miles
74% public land
Elevations from 200-11,200 feet
Vegetation
Grasses, moss, forbs, low shrubs and lichens grow above timberline. Cedars, pines, spruces, larches and firs grow in dense forests in most of the western half of the unit. The eastern third features farms, orchards, logging areas with brushy clearcuts, grassy pastures and meadows and strips of forest. Many oaks, birches and poplars grow along waterways.
Access
Hunters enjoy good access to most of the Mount Hood National Forest and most BLM lands. Some roads are closed during dry summer and early fall. Check for fire restrictions before you hunt. Hunters are asked to carry a shovel, a fire extinguisher and at least a gallon of water to put out any smoldering fires they might encounter. Part of the 63,177-acre Mount Hood Wilderness and the 65,822-acre Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness are in this unit. The southern boundary of the Hatfield Wilderness is the Bull Run Watershed Area, which is the source for culinary water in Portland and is closed to public access.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may choose from among 25 campgrounds in the Mount Hood National Forest. The Forest Service posts on its website a guide to area campgrounds. Hood River has several lodging options, including Columbia Gorge Hotel and Hood River Hotel. Several cabins on National Forest land are available for rent.
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