This trail starts right in Government Camp and visitors staying there can start right out their door. It connects with Crosstown Trail and Glade Trail so route options are expanded. There are views of Mt Hood and Ski Bowl. Skiway Trail is named for the old Skiway ski lift that went from Thunderhead Lodge to Timberline Lodge in the early 1950’s. The trail is parallel to the lower section of this old ski lift.
Skiway’s wide clearing is advantageous for skiing and snowshoeing. It has a few steep pitches that push it into that “most difficult” rating for cross-country skiers and mountain bikers. These steeper pitches can have loose rock also. On the other hand, Wally’s is also wide so that the winter snows collect more easily, but it is at an easier grade. A short loop can be made when combining Skiway with Crosstown Trail and Wally’s.
There are no unique trail regulations on these trails other than the uses that are allowed.
Take Hwy 26 to Government Camp and take the western entrance into Government Camp Loop Road (north side of hwy) and go 0.3 mile to Thunderhead Lodge. You will see the Skiway Trailhead sign just east of here. There is plenty of parking along the “Loop road”. Please don’t park in the Thunderhead parking lot.
For more information, visit:
Wally’s Trail #755 A
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/null/recarea/?recid=77751&actid=24
Skiways Trail #755 B< http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recreation/wintersports/recarea/?recid=53482&actid=91
Northwest Forest Pass | Not required |
Snopark Pass | Required November 15-April 30 |
Distance | Skiway 0.8 mile, Wally's 0.25 mile |
Elevation | Skiway 3800' - 4050' |
Snow Free | May to Early November |
Difficulty | Skiway - Most Difficult, Wally's - Easier |
Uses | Hikers, Bikers,Snowshoers, XC Skiers |