Forest Road 23 Cascade Loop

Forest Road 23 starts innocently enough near Government Camp but quickly turns into a proper test piece as you drop into the Salmon River drainage. The road surface shifts from gravel to loose rock as you navigate around washouts and cross Linney Creek — a crossing that’s claimed more than a few oil pans over the years. The loop connects to Forest Road 2618 through stands of old-growth Douglas fir, offering glimpses of Mount Hood’s southern flanks when the trees break.

This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and skid plates. The creek crossings aren’t deep but the rocks are sharp and unforgiving. Best tackled from July through October when snow clears the higher elevations. No permits needed, but fuel up in Government Camp — there’s nothing out here except trees and solitude. Multiple dispersed camping spots along the Salmon River make this perfect for a weekend loop that reminds you why the Cascades earned their reputation.