Palmateer Point Loop via Pacific Crest Trail(edit)

Overview

The pleasant loop hike offers breathtaking views and vibrant wildflower displays, making it ideal for a sunny summer day. Starting on a section of the Barlow Toll Road, hikers pass the Oregon Trail campsite at Devils Half Acre Meadow before ascending a slope to enjoy panoramic views and blooming wildflowers at Palmateer Point. The next highlight is the serene Upper Twin Lake, offering picturesque vistas of Mount Hood. The return journey follows the Ghost Ridge section of the Pacific Crest Trail, following the divide between the eastern and western drainages south of Mount Hood.

For a shorter option, hikers can choose a route that skips Upper Twin Lake, reducing the total distance to under six miles. After reaching the Palmateer View-Palmateer Tie Trail Junction, they can go left and then right to join the Twin Lakes Trail, eventually reaching the Pacific Crest Trail and returning via Ghost Ridge.

Starting at the trailhead, hikers descend on the original track of the old wagon trail of the Barlow Toll Road. The trail leads through a deep old-growth forest of impressive Douglas-firs, western hemlocks, silver firs, and Engelmann spruce. They reach the Barlow Butte-Devils Half Acre Trail Junction, where an excavation in 1976 uncovered Oregon Trail artifacts, leading to speculations about the meadow's connection to Fort Deposit mentioned in trail diaries. Continuing straight, the trail crosses streams, descends on an old road bed, and reaches the northeast edge of Devils Half Acre Meadow.

From there, hikers proceed along the Devils Half Acre Trail, passing through various forest landscapes, crossing creeks, and witnessing lush meadows. They eventually arrive at the Palmateer View-Palmateer Point Trail Junction, where a left turn leads to the summit of Palmateer Point. Enjoying the panoramic views of Mount Hood, Barlow Butte, and the Barlow Creek valley, hikers can admire the vibrant blooms of various wildflowers. Returning to the main trail, they pass through woodlands with western white pines and a lush bog before reaching Upper Twin Lake.

After circling the lake, hikers ascend to Bird Butte Summit and descend through a dense young ridge crest forest. They then join the Pacific Crest Trail and traverse Ghost Ridge, surrounded by coniferous woodlands. Finally, hikers reach Barlow Pass and return to the parking area, completing the loop hike.

Getting Started

From the last traffic light in Sandy, drive Highway 26 through Zigzag and Government Camp for 30.9 miles and then bear right for Highway 35N and Hood River.

Drive 2.6 miles on Highway 35 and turn right onto FR 3531 for the Barlow Road and Pacific Crest Trail.

Go 0.2 miles down this road to a paved pullout area with a port-a-potty.