MOUNT HOOD NATIONAL FOREST

national forest in northwestern Oregon, U.S., extending along the Cascade Range southward from the Columbia River. Established in 1911 and formerly called Oregon National Forest, it covers an area of 1,060,092 acres (429,003 hectares). The forest provides timber, water, forage, wildlife habitat, and recreation; it is drained by the Columbia, Sandy, Clackamas, Hood, and White rivers and their tributaries. Mount Hood (11,235 feet ), near the centre of the forest, is Oregon's highest point. Features of the national forest include Mount Hood Wilderness Area; Timberline Lodge; Multnomah Falls (605 feet ); Austin and Bagby hot springs; Timothy Lake; and Eagle Creek Trail, leading through a region of waterfalls. Recreational activities include hunting, fishing, skiing, mountain climbing, and hiking. Headquarters are at Portland.