McGee Creek Trailhead is a small, no-frills starting point for McGee Creek Trail #627, which leads into the Mount Hood Wilderness. It is in the Hood River Ranger District, reached from Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18), with a short climb up a spur road at the end.
Coming from Zigzag, drive north on Forest Road 18, cross the summit, keep right, and watch for the trailhead sign. From Hood River, the route runs through Dee and along Lost Lake Road before joining Forest Road 18, where the pavement turns to gravel. Parking fits about five small vehicles, and there are no toilets, drinking water or other amenities.
Getting there
From Zigzag, OR
- Travel north for 10.6 miles on the Lolo Pass Road (Forest Service Road 18) which is paved one lane each direction.
- Go over Lolo Pass and stay right on Forest Service Road 18.
- When you come to a sign for the McGee Creek Trailhead, turn right and head up the hill to the trailhead.
- Trailhead is accessed via Forest Road 1810 and 640 via Lolo Pass (Road 18).
From Hood River, OR
- Travel south on Oregon Hwy 281 towards Odell/Dee (it goes by the airport).
- Just south of the Hood River, turn right towards Dee/Lost Lake.
- Travel approximately 10 miles and turn right to Dee/Lost Lake.
- Cross over the railroad tracks and turn left onto Lost Lake Road.
- Follow Lost Lake Road through the orchards of Dee and a few 90 degree turns.
- 3 miles from Dee, stay left toward Lost Lake (Forest Road 13).
- Travel 3 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 18.
- Travel 3 miles and take right fork continuing toward Lolo Pass (Forest Road 18).
- After 5 miles, the road turns to gravel.
- Continue following Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18) for another 4 miles.
- Turn left (southeast) at Forest Road 1800-620.
- Travel 0.25 mile to the first hairpin (also the junction of Forest Roads 1800-620 & 1800-640).
- The trailhead is on your right with parking for a few cars.
From the Forest Service
Rules and restrictions
Wilderness regulations apply within Mt. Hood Wilderness.
Season details
Typically accessible in May.
