Craving mountain air, forest trails, and peaceful riverside views? Head to Welches, Oregon! Nestled in the Mt. Hood Corridor along Highway 26, Welches is a gateway to outdoor adventures in the Mount Hood National Forest. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, golfing, or just relaxing in a cozy cabin, Welches offers a laid-back mountain getaway year-round.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Welches is from June to September for hiking and outdoor fun and December to March for skiing and snow sports. Fall brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds, while spring offers rushing waterfalls and quiet trails.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Welches is located along U.S. Route 26, about 1 hour east of Portland and 20 minutes west of Government Camp.
- By Plane: Portland International Airport (PDX) is the nearest airport, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: The Mount Hood Express offers public transit between Sandy, Welches, and Government Camp.
Where to Stay
- Mt. Hood Oregon Resort – Full-service resort with a golf course, spa, restaurant, and cozy mountain lodging.
- Whispering Woods Resort – Spacious condo-style accommodations with forest views and access to trails and recreation.
- Cabins and Vacation Rentals – Plenty of rustic cabins, riverfront homes, and pet-friendly options perfect for couples or families.
Top Attractions
⮕ Hike Along Cascading Waters on the Scenic Salmon River Trail
The entire Salmon River Trail is a popular 14-mile hiking path that crosses the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness. Most hikers enjoy the first three to five miles and then go back, making it a nice day trip. The first two miles are mostly flat. Then come two steeper miles that end up at the viewpoints. Along the way you will be able to catch a glimpse of Final Falls, Falls and Vanishing Falls upstream. The lower part of the trail runs through old growth forests full of huge Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock trees. Along the trail grow lush sword fern, deer fern, maiden hair fern and a carpet of oxalis. In the spring, hikers enjoy blooming trilliums, false solomon seal, and fawn lily. Along the upper parts of the trail grow Rhododendron, salal and Oregon grape, in full bloom in the spring.
E Welches Rd, Welches, OR 97067
⮕ Explore Nature Trails and Family Fun at Wildwood Recreation Site
The Wildwood Recreation Site is a 580-acre natural area near Welches, Oregon, surrounded by the Mount Hood National Forest. It consists of old growth forest crossed by five miles of interpretive trail that mostly follows the Salmon River. Along the trail is a fascinating Cascade Streamwatch, a viewport into a mountain stream bed under water, as well as live fish habitat. There is also a boardwalk trail through a wetland, and access to the nearby Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness and the Sandy River. Wildwood offers educational programs for scientists, researchers and students in order to gather and analyze environmental data about the salmon environment. A range of streams and wetlands provide a rich and diverse environment for fish such as steelhead, Cutthroat trout and Chinook salmon. Other frequently seen wild animals are beavers, blacktail deer, rabbits, raccoons, and snakes.
65670 US-26, Welches, OR 97067, Phone: 503-622-3696
Where to Eat
⮕ Grab a Gourmet Wrap or Burger with a View at Wraptitude
Wraptitude provides gourmet wraps, burgers and beers to all the Mt Hood folks, travelers, hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers, skiers, snowboarders and mountain climbers. This charming, no frills outdoor sports-themed restaurant in Welches, Oregon, is snuggled among the trees on the slopes of Mt. Hood. It uses grass-fed local beef and organic, local produce whenever available. They have twelve beers on tap and great organic, fair trade, carbon-free coffee. They also have two stages, horseshoe pits, patio that can fit 50, and a grassy fenced area for dining al fresco, listening to live music, enjoy favorite drinks and delicious gourmet wraps and burgers with friends. Friendly staff can give you information on local bike trails and events.
67441 E Sunset Hwy, Welches, OR 97067, Phone: 503-622-0893
⮕ Unwind with Comfort Food at Mallards Cafe & Pub
Located at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort in Welches, Oregon, Mallards Café and Pub offers spectacular views of the surrounding golf course and the majestic mountains all around. Cozy and laid-back pub offers seasonally crafted food in the pleasant indoor space or outside on the patio. You can enjoy casual lunch that includes juicy burgers and delicious fish and chips, washed down with a cool local beer. The bar has enough flat-screen TVS that nobody will miss their favorite game. For a romantic dinner, the resort has the elegant Altitude restaurant that offers creative cuisine that takes advantage of Oregon bounty.
68010 E Fairway Ave, Welches, OR 97067, Phone: 503-622-3101
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Mount Hood National Forest – Endless trails, alpine lakes, and scenic drives for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.
- Wildwood Recreation Site – Family-friendly park with accessible trails, interactive stream exhibits, and picnic areas.
- Three Nines Golf Course – Play a scenic round of golf at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort’s beautifully maintained course.
- Trillium Lake (30 min) – Popular nearby destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, and postcard-perfect views of Mount Hood.
More Places to Eat
- Altitude Restaurant & Lounge – Located at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, offering Northwest cuisine and cozy fireplace dining.
- The Shack Restaurant – Casual, homey breakfast and lunch spot known for generous portions and comfort food classics.
If you are interested in local events:
- Mt. Hood Jazz Festival (August, nearby Government Camp) – Enjoy world-class jazz surrounded by mountain scenery.
- Holiday Tree Lighting in Welches (December) – A charming local celebration with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
- Hoodland Farmers Market (Seasonal, nearby) – Shop local produce, crafts, and baked goods just down the road from Welches.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Welches, Oregon:
- Government Camp (20–25 min) – Mount Hood’s alpine village with skiing, snowboarding, and summer mountain biking.
- Timberline Lodge (30 min) – Historic lodge and film location for The Shining, with year-round snow and breathtaking views.
- Mirror Lake Trail (20–25 min) – A short but rewarding hike to a stunning lake with Mount Hood reflections.
- Sandy Ridge Trail System (20 min) – Mountain biking paradise with trails for all skill levels in a forested setting.
- Rhododendron & Zigzag (5–10 min) – Quaint communities with local shops, trailheads, and riverside access nearby.
FAQ:
-
Where is Welches located?
- Welches is an unincorporated community in Clackamas County, Oregon.
- It is situated between Zigzag and Wemme, within the Mount Hood Corridor.
-
What is Welches known for?
- Welches is one of the Villages at Mount Hood and is surrounded by spectacular nature that attracts outdoorsy folks.
-
What hiking opportunities are available in Welches?
- The Salmon River Trail is a popular 14-mile hiking path that crosses the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness.
-
What is the Wildwood Recreation Site?
- The Wildwood Recreation Site is surrounded by the Mount Hood National Forest and features old-growth forest.
-
What recreational amenities are available in Welches?
- The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort has a popular golf course and the Mallards Café and Pub, which overlooks the golf course.
Plan Your Trip