You’ll probably be hungry or craving a cup of coffee, so the next stop off Hwy 26 is for donuts! You can’t miss Joe’s Donut Shop in the red and white block building. It’s small, but since 1976 Joe has been hand-making donuts so delicious that the shop has developed a cult following. It’s a tradition to stop for a donut on the way to the mountain. They have simple donuts but try the apple fritters, the maple bars, or a breakfast sandwich. Don’t forget the coffee, too. Joe’s Donut Shop is open 4 am ­– 5 pm Monday through Friday, and 5 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s usually also open on holidays!

Stop in Sandy to fuel up with gas for the car and Joe’s Donuts to fortify you for your drive up the mountain. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Wander Wildwood

Sufficiently fueled, you’ll be driving into the wooded foothills of Mt. Hood, through quaint mountain villages like Rhododendron, Zig Zag, and Welches. You’ll find the Wildwood Recreation Area just past Welches on your right. This is a favorite place to stop to admire the moss-laden trees and wander trails along the river. You can take a long hike or wander paved trails with boardwalks over the wetlands. I especially like seeing the green life springing from decaying logs (called “nurse logs”) on the forest floor.

Stumps and logs are full of new life on the forest floor. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Be sure to look for fish at the Cascade Streamwatch window built into the riverbank giving you a great view of underwater life. If you haven’t devoured your donuts by now, there are pretty places to rest and have a snack. Some of the benches have been carved with fish designs by a local artist.

Along the streamside path, there were art installations and carved benches. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

You can purchase a $5.00 vehicle day pass online or at the kiosk at the entrance to this BLM property.

After a great stop to enjoy the beauty of the forest, you’ll be headed up the mountain to Government Camp, where you’ll find the rest areas. Continue on Hwy 26, turning left on Timberline Road to enjoy the view of the mountain as you approach the historic lodge. Park in one of the day-use parking lots and walk up to the lodge. You’ll be at 6,000 feet of elevation so take it easy!

As you drive up Timberline Road, you’ll want to stop for a photo with the mountain. Photo courtesy Geoffrey M Nelson

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