We all know mountain biking can be an expensive sport. And while things like the Timberline Bike Park can break the bank, a two-dollar shuttle service offers riders a trip up the mountain to blaze back down the 15+ miles along the Timberline To Town Trail.
The Timberline To Town Trail is the best-kept secret for mountain bikers in the greater Portland area.
Riders can jump on a shuttle at multiple stops between Sandy and Government Camp to be shuttled up Mount Hood, to enjoy some epic downhill riding. We just did the Timberline to Town Trail a few days ago, and with not much information online about the entire experience, I thought I would put together a wee guide.
Here it is.. your quick and easy guide to the Timberline To Town Trail on Mount Hood in Oregon.
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Timberline To Town Trail FAQs
What is the Timberline To Town Trail?
The Timberline to Town trail is a trail that goes from Timberline Lodge (Timberline) all the way to Government Camp (town) and then can be continued down the Pioneer Bridle Trail, part of the Oregon Trail, down roughly another 10 miles to Rhododendron.
This trail is nearly 100% downhill riding, with two climbs right around mile 10. The climbs are short, but steep, and can be tricky with the rocks and roots in place.
The Timberline to Town Trail is perfect for those hoping to do some serious downhill riding, but be sure your brakes are working well before taking off.. you’ll be using them a lot!
How much is the shuttle?
The shuttle from Rhododendron to Timberline is $2. You must pay in cash and have exact change. If you think you’ll use the shuttle more than just for this ride, you can pay $5 for a full-day pass with unlimited rides.
Where can I get the shuttle for the Timberline to Town Trail?
The most common spot to get the shuttle for the ride is from Rhododendron. Across the street from Mt. Hood Foods, there is a large gravel parking lot. Park right up to the fence, and then jump on the shuttle here.
Alternatively, have a look at this map for other shuttle stops. It’s recommended to grab the shuttle a few stops before Rhododendron on the weekend, as you don’t want the shuttle to be full!
How long is the Timberline to Town Trail?
It’s said that the Timberline to Town trail is 15.5 miles. However, we ended up clocking in just over 17 miles. I think there is some unaccounted-for riding from the shuttle stop at the Timberline Bike Park to the actual trailhead on the other side of Timberline Lodge.
We also added in a short extra mile to have a snack at Little Zig Zag Falls.. something we definitely recommend anyone to do. It’s also a great place to filter water if you need water in the middle of the ride.
When is the Timberline To Town Trail open?
The entire Timberline to Town trail usually opens from late June to early July depending on snow melt. Once opened, it stays open until the snow comes again for the winter.
There are times when the upper part of the trail is closed due to snow on the trail. In that case, you can shuttle from Rhododendron to Government Camp, and ride down from there.
Jumping on the trail from Government Camp gives riders about ten miles of downhill riding!
What are the trail conditions for riding?
Riding this trail means you’re riding down an active volcano. We didn’t really think about what that meant for riding conditions until we were on the trail.
Being an active volcano, there are lots of sharp and rough rocks of all sizes, and loads of sand too.
The sand can easily cause riders to wreck with the downhill speed, and in fact, Jay even wrecked during our ride.
If you can ride this trail right when it first opens, that will give you the best riding conditions. As summer progresses, the trail gets super dry, causing lots of sand pits on corners.
The trail is classified as an intermediate, but with the speed gained with the downhill riding, you do need to be able to really control your bike when hitting roots, maneuvering through rocks, and slipping around in the sand.
Can I ride when there is snow on the mountain?
There’s snow on Mount Hood year-round. With that said, the trail doesn’t have snow year-round, and it’s actually closed until the snow is melted.
By mid-summer, this trail is typically cleared of snowpack. When it’s a late snow season, you can ride the trail from Government Camp to Rhododendron while the top part of the trail is closed.
Where is the actual trailhead?
When we got dropped off on the mountain, the signs leading to the Timberline to Town trailhead were kind of hidden.
At the shuttle stop, right at the day lodge for Timberline, you want to go up to the right of the day lodge towards Timberline Lodge.
There are signs directing riders from there. However, for easy explanation.. you go through the main parking lot for Timberline Lodge, and follow the road under two chairlifts. You’ll then see the actual trailhead for Timberline to Town Trail.
Keep in mind, you’ll want to use the bathroom and fill up your water at the day lodge where the shuttle bus drops you off.
Timberline To Town To Rhododendron Directions
- Start on Timberline To Town (follow signs to the left of Timberline Lodge)
- Right On Cross Town Connector (about 5 miles in..go left if you want to go into Government Camp)
- Stay right on Pioneer Bridle Trail at Glacier View area (parking and bathrooms here)
- Right Around 10 miles in, start the climbing
- Cross over Highway 26
- Enjoy flowing smooth riding with some jumps put in back to shuttle stop
Our Experience Riding The Timberline To Town Trail
Oh my goodness. This trail was nothing like we expected, but I’m not sure why.
We aren’t big downhill riders.. we’re usually riding more flowy single track that’s mixed with climbs.
However, this trail is not that. It’s all downhill — all off the saddle — and all definitely testing your grip strength.
The ride was super fun, but I would certainly go earlier in the season or after a bit of rain next time we ride this trail.. as it was super dusty and dry.
In fact, it was so dry that it was easy to get washed out on a lot of the corners, making us have to take the corners slower at times. Jay even took a pretty good spill getting stuck in some sand.
Experience on black diamond trails definitely helped on the Timberline to Town Trail.
The whole experience, from jumping on the shuttle to leaving Timberline, was amazing. It was super fun and worth every bit of the $2 we spent on the shuttle ride. I mean come on, $2.. can’t beat it.
I would say, if we didn’t have much experience riding, and weren’t able to control our bikes going over lots of big rocks and navigating through tricky roots, rocks, and soft sand.. it wouldn’t be that enjoyable.
We stopped multiple times just from our hands freezing up on the grips.. and a few times just to catch our breath and give our arms a break.
There was one section of full core engagement for a long time over some big rocks toward the last third of the trail. Both of us said that if that section lasted any longer, we wouldn’t have really liked it much.
The end of the trail was definitely the highlight with super flowy motions and lots of little jumps along the way!
Bathrooms Along The Trail
There are three different bathrooms along the trail, listed below. If you think you’ll need to use the restroom more than that, follow these basic principles to going the bathroom in nature.
- Bathrooms at Timberline Day Lodge (at the shuttle drop-off)
- Glacier Snow Park (about five miles into the ride)
- Little Zig Zag Falls Trailhead (about 10 miles into the ride)
Extra Stops Along the Ride
Timberline Lodge
In 1937, the Timberline Lodge was built for people to come and enjoy the mountain. Today, the historic lodge still accommodates guests, but it also has multiple restaurants and bars.
The lobby, restaurants, and bars are open to not just the overnight guests of the lodge, but for day visitors as well. And it’s well worth a visit.
Stopping at Timberline Lodge, you’ll find a small museum with information about the construction of the lodge, and you’ll even see replicated rooms with the original lodge furniture.
It’s beautiful inside the lodge and is a great part of Oregon’s history to enjoy.
Interested in renting a room at the lodge. Stay at the lodge, ride down the mountain, and then shuttle back to the top for a nice drink overlooking Mount Hood! Check out room rates and availability here.
Government Camp
Government Camp is a great stopping point about 5 miles into the ride. Grab a beer at Ratskeller in Govy, or consider ice cream from Volcano Cone.
To get to Government Camp, at the junction about five miles into the ride, go straight down The Glade Trail, to E. Blossom Trail Road.
Going down E. Blossom Trail Road, you’ll hit the main part of Government Camp.
Heading back up the same way you came down then, continue left on Cross Town Connector to continue down the mountain.
Little Zigzag Falls
Riding down the trail, we noticed an area that looked extremely familiar. We were certain Little Zigzag Falls was right around the corner. We popped on the map just to be sure, and sure enough only 700 feet away was the trailhead to the waterfalls.
This little detour is only about a mile in total, and makes the perfect place to stop and refuel at a picnic table along the water. If you bring a water filter like this, you can filter water straight from the stream to get you through the uphill that’s shortly after this point.
I’m not totally sure you can actually ride your bike on the trail to Little Zigzag Falls. You may have to walk your bike up to the falls, which is totally doable without any obstacles.
To get to Little Zigzag Falls, shortly after the trail parallels Highway 26, you’ll go around a sharp left corner with a trail going off to the right leading to an old road. Take a right down that road, and you’ll quickly see the trailhead.
If you’ve gone through the tunnel before you turn off, you’ve gone too far.
Top 5 Tips For The Timberline To Town Trail
- If riding on a weekend, catch the shuttle a few stops before Rhododendron to ensure you get a spot for your bike!
- Bring extra water, the only spot to fill up is at Timberline.
- Go early in the day, the trail gets pretty warm by the afternoon.
- Plan for time to enjoy the views from Timberline Lodge before your ride!
- Bring exact change for the shuttle.
Timberline Shuttle Information
The Mount Hood Express runs multiple times daily. For the most up-to-date schedule of the shuttle pick-ups, check the shuttle schedule here.
The most common shuttle stop for this ride is in Rhododendron, however, some people choose to only do the top portion of this trail (which is actually the true Timberline to Town Trail) and for that, you’ll grab the shuttle bus from Government Camp. Head here for a map of shuttle stops.
What To Pack For The Ride
- Water Filter for filtering water at Zigzag Falls
- Hydration Bladder
- High Energy Snacks
- Cash in small bills
- MIPS Helmet
- Lightly shaded glasses for keeping dust out of your eyes
- Riding Gloves
More Things To Do In Oregon
We’re Oregon natives and have spent a lot of time in the state. Being from Southern Oregon, we have more posts on that general area.. however, with our seasonal gig in Northern Oregon, we’re slowly creating guides to the Mount Hood region of Oregon!
Mt Hood Lakes | The best places to cool off after a ride!
Oregon Travel Page | all our Oregon Guides in one place
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