Riley Horse Campground

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About Riley Horse Campground

Overview

Riley Campground is an equestrian facility located northwest of Oregon's majestic Mt. Hood. Horse corrals are tucked into the forest near the campsites, and several horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground. A variety of recreational and sightseeing opportunities are available for visitors to enjoy.

Recreation

Several hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground, including the 5.3-mile Cast Creek Trail, which was reconstructed in 1998 and leads from the campground to the Zigzag Mountain Trail. Combined with the nearby 4.9-mile Horseshoe Ridge Trail and part of the Zigzag Mountain Trail, visitors can make a nearly 14-mile excursion. The Sandy River Trail follows the river and stretches about 3 miles.

Fishing is available in nearby Lost Creek, as well as the Sandy River, which is not far from the campground. Anglers can expect a variety of trout, salmon and whitefish. The rivers are popular for fly fishing. Scenic drives and picnicking are also popular activities.

Facilities

The campground offers single-family equestrian campsites. Most of the sites are equipped with horse corrals or cross rail hitching posts, tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Horse owners are responsible for cleaning up after their horses.

The campsites are intended for equestrians, but may be used by others. McNeil Campground (1/4 mile away) and Lost Creek (1 Ã?Â½ miles away) are good alternative sites for those without horses. McNeil does not accept reservations. Horse corrals or hitching racks are provided at the sites.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in the Old Maid Flat geologic area of Mt. Hood National Forest at an elevation of about 2,100 feet. It sits alongside Lost Creek and is near the Sandy Wild and Scenic River. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

A deviation from the road coming into the campground (Forest Road 1825), will lead to a trailhead for spectacular Ramona Falls, on the Sandy River. The 7.1-mile, moderately difficult trail leads to cascading waterfalls and is one of the most popular hikes in Mt. Hood National Forest.

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Riley Horse Campground Reviews

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Top Spots in or near Rhododendron

Ramona Falls Loop

Rhododendron, Oregon

4.7

7.17 mi / 1148 ft gain

I'd been wanting to do this hike for quite a while, and when I found work taking me to Portland, I made my return trip through the Mt. Hood wilderness area. I started this Hike from the Ramona Falls trailhead, which is the most popular starting point. The easiest way to find the trailhead, is to type "Zig Zag Ranger Station" into a maps app. The turn off (Lolo Pass Road) is pretty much direct...

Burnt Lake and Zigzag Mountain

Rhododendron, Oregon

5.0

12.27 mi / 3225 ft gain

After getting your back country permit from a park ranger, you can park your car and head up Zigzag Mountain. There's a tiny 'parking lot' (lot of dirt) where you park that's right by the trailhead. The hike up to the campsites is roughly 4 miles, and it is all uphill. Not only are you surrounded by the tall trees in this national forest, but you cross over some beautiful creeks, and pass by a...

Hike to Sandy Glacier Caves

Mount Hood, Oregon

4.5

12.5 mi / 2800 ft gain

The hike to the caves begins at Top Spur Trailhead. The hike to McNeil Point is 5.4 miles one way, and 2200 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts in the forest, but will eventually open up to views of Mt Hood, as well as St. Helens, Adams and Rainier on a clear day.There is a shortcut up to McNeil Point that is steeper and shorter, and it ends right at the stone hut at McNeil Point. It is di...

Timberline Loop Trail via the Top Spur Trail

Mount Hood, Oregon

4.0

2.26 mi / 627 ft gain

Starting at the parking area, cross the dirt road to start hiking up from the Top Spur Trailhead. In 0.4 miles you will reach the Pacific Crest Trail intersection, take a right onto the Pacific Crest Trail. In a couple hundred feet you will reach a larger intersection of a bunch of different trails and there will be a wooden kiosk with information about the area. At this point take the trail to...

McNeil Point via Top Spur Trailhead

Mount Hood, Oregon

4.9

7.17 mi / 2428 ft gain

The hike to McNeil Point begins at Top Spur Trailhead, in the Mt. Hood National Wilderness. Follow signs for McNeil Point along the Pacific Crest and Timberline Trails heading north. Though there are numerous camping opportunities along the way (most of the route follows the PCT), an old stone shelter greets backpackers at the Point itself, with stunning views of the sun setting over the Coast...

Little Zig Zag Falls

Rhododendron, Oregon

5.0

0.66 mi / 131 ft gain

The hike along Little Zig Zag River is definitely one of Oregon's hidden gems. Although the waterfall isn't as highly rated in comparison to other impressive falls like Multnomah Falls, Abiqua Falls, or Bridal Viel Falls, it is still quite the sight to see, and most definitely worth the visit. The short 1/3rd of a mile hike along the Little Zig Zag River starts at an easy to access parking lot...

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