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Camper submitted image from Cloud Cap SaddleView 11 Photos
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Cloud Cap Saddle

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Hikers tackling the Timberline Trail will find Cloud Cap Saddle a logical base camp, positioned high on the north side of Mount Hood where the road ends and the mountain begins. Getting here takes commitment. The access road is rough dirt and rock, and multiple reviewers are clear that a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle is the minimum requirement. In good summer conditions some drivers have made it in a sedan, but wet or early-season conditions make the route genuinely hazardous, and there is a recorded conditions line campers can call before heading up.

The campground itself is small. Three sites sit among tall conifers, spaced closely but opened up by the tree canopy overhead and sightlines toward the surrounding ridgelines and Mount Hood's upper slopes. There is no water on site, so all drinking water must be packed in. Toilets and picnic tables are provided. Cell service is listed as available, though coverage at elevation can vary. Just up the road from the sites stands a historic inn now used by the Forest Service, worth a short walk to look around.

"Do the Timberline Trail and this will be a stop," noted Sophie K., and that framing captures the campground's main draw accurately. Nearby, Tilly Jane Guard Station provides another option for campers working this section of the mountain, and McNeil Point Dispersed Camping sits to the west for those wanting more flexibility. The campground is open June through October. Expect bugs in August, bring cash if you plan to pay a fee, and pack a thorough first aid kit given the remote location and long emergency response times.

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Map & DirectionsCloud Cap Saddle is located in Oregon near Government Camp

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Hood River, travel approximately 13.1 miles south on Oregon Hwy 35 and turn right (east) onto Cooper Spur Road, approximately 0.3 miles south of milepost 74.  Follow Cooper Spur Road 2.4 miles to Cloud Cap Road (Forest Road 3512) and turn left (southeast).  Follow Cloud Cap Road (Forest Road 3512) approximately 9.8 miles. Alert: Forest Road 3512 is narrow and winding and may require a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle

Coordinates

45.38013056 N
121.67489275 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Cloud Cap Saddle

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spectacular Mount Hood views and unique mountaintop location accessible only by rough 4WD roads. The 3-site campground offers a backcountry feel with conflicting reports on water availability.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2020

Beautiful and remote

It's a long drive up a very bumpy dirt road to get here, so make sure you have 4-wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle. The campsites are walk in and there is no water, so it's definitely roughing it. But the stars up there are incredible, and there are lots of great hiking trails nearby.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Bridget H., June 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Bridget H., June 5, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Beautiful! One of the best backpacking trips I’ve done

beautiful area. Do the timberline trail and this will be a stop! Lots of bugs around in August, but this little campground had running water, an outhouse, and a glimpse of civilization in the middle of the backcountry. It costs money which was a shock to us considering we had been backcountry camping, so if you’re planning on hiking in, bring some cash.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Sophie K., July 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Sophie K., July 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Sophie K., July 30, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2017

So so pretty but TINY and REMOTE

This “campground” is at the top of a mountain and there is also a beautiful old little lodge you can look at (but not sleep in). This was the smallest “campground” we’d ever been to, just 3 sites! The drive can be dangerous in bad weather, there’s a number you can call to hear about the conditions. We liked this because it felt almost like you had hiked up the whole mountain and were backpacking instead of sleeping a few feet from your car. You should be ok driving up in a sedan in the summer. It’s a nice place to park and do long day hikes, then come back to sleep, and drive back down in the mountain. Kind of strange as a “campground” but the views are amazing. Mt Hood views are great.

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

So Sweet I Can't Title

The road up is very rough. I would not recommend it for cars without four wheel or all wheel drive. The drive up is beautiful and the glimpses of Mount Hood on the way up are worth the ruts. The sites are close in. Despite this it seems open due to the tall trees scattered throughout and the views to the left and right. There's an old inn that is now used by the Forest Service that has an interesting history just a little way up the road that is cool to check out. Definitely worth it for the views alone but it leads to some wonderful hikes up Mount Hood. As a note, it takes over an hour for an ambulance to get there so bring a beefed up first aid kit and maybe a buddy with some training if you're a cautious person.

  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Amanda L., June 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Amanda L., June 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Cloud Cap Saddle by Amanda L., June 30, 2016
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cloud Cap Saddle Campground look like?

Cloud Cap Saddle Campground features tall, scattered trees that create an open, airy feeling despite the sites being relatively close together. The small campground consists of just three sites nestled in a high mountain setting with incredible views. The area offers spectacular stargazing opportunities on clear nights. A historic lodge building adds character to the landscape, though it's not available for overnight stays. The campground's high elevation position provides a wilderness feel with glimpses of civilization, creating a unique camping environment that balances remoteness with minimal facilities.

What facilities and amenities are available at Cloud Cap Saddle Campground?

Cloud Cap Saddle Campground offers basic facilities including an outhouse and running water during the season. The campground is quite small with only three sites, making it a primitive but charming option for those seeking a more rustic experience. The sites are walk-in, and there are no RV hookups available. Campers should come prepared with their own supplies as amenities are minimal. A fee is required for overnight camping, which might surprise backcountry campers who are used to free dispersed camping in the area.

Where is Cloud Cap Saddle Campground located on Mt. Hood?

Cloud Cap Saddle Campground is situated high up on Mt. Hood, accessed via a rough dirt road that requires four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. The campground sits at a high elevation offering stunning views of the mountain. Near the campground is a historic lodge that visitors can view from the outside. The remote mountain-top location provides isolation and spectacular scenery, but requires careful planning to access safely, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Are there hiking trails accessible from Cloud Cap Saddle Campground?

Yes, there are excellent hiking opportunities directly accessible from Cloud Cap Saddle Campground. The Timberline Trail passes through this area, making it a convenient stop for backpackers tackling this popular route around Mt. Hood. Various hiking trails branch out from the campground, offering different difficulty levels and spectacular mountain views. The campground serves as a trailhead for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas. This location is particularly valuable for backpackers looking for a night of slightly more established camping during a longer trek.

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