Gunsight Trailhead is a small parking area in the Hood River Ranger District where Bennett Pass Road (Forest Road 3550) meets Bonney Meadows Road (Forest Road 4891). From the north end of the lot, the trail follows a ridgeline, weaving between old-growth timber and alpine meadows, with views east across the Badger Creek drainage and west toward Mt. Hood.
Parking is tight, with space for three or four cars and no amenities or water. From Highway 35, about a quarter mile south of milepost 64, turn onto Bennett Pass Road and drive 4.2 miles. These forest roads were not built for ordinary passenger cars, so a high-clearance vehicle is the smart choice.
Getting there
From Hood River, OR
- Take Oregon Hwy 35 south 32.5 miles, approximately 0.25 mile south of milepost 64, to Bennett Pass (Forest Road 3550).
- Follow Bennett Pass Road for 4.2 miles to the trailhead at the junction with Bonney Meadows Road (Forest Road 4891).
- The trail leaves from the north end of the parking area.
- These roads are not designed for regular passenger vehicles.
- High clearance is highly recommended.
From Portland, OR
- Travel 31 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26 and exit onto OR Hwy 35.
- Follow OR Hwy 35 for 6.4 miles to Bennett Pass Road (Forest Road 3550).
- Turn right onto Bennett Pass Road and follow it for 4.2 miles to the trailhead at the junction with Bonney Meadows Road (Forest Road 4891).
- The trail leaves from the north end of the parking area.
- These roads are not designed for regular passenger vehicles.
- High clearance is highly recommended.