Forest Road 23 Cascade Loop
Cascade forest loop with attitude
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Government Camp, Oregon |
| Land manager | Mount Hood National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma run FR 23 without modifications?
A stock 4Runner or Tacoma with factory skid plates will handle it, but rock sections can tag low-hanging bumpers on lifted-but-not-armored rigs. Lifted with skid plates is the sweet spot — stock trucks should go slow and pick lines carefully.
When does FR 23 actually open after winter, and is July safe to start?
July is generally the earliest safe window — snowmelt lingers into June at the higher elevations and the creek crossings run high and fast until mid-summer. Check with Mount Hood National Forest directly before heading out early in the season, conditions vary year to year.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to run this loop?
No permit is required to drive the trail, but a Northwest Forest Pass is required if you park at any trailhead within Mount Hood National Forest. Dispersed camping is free but limited to 14 days in one spot.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The creek bed crossings are where this trail earns its attitude — water depth and rocky approaches vary by season and can catch drivers off guard. Rock surfaces through the forested sections also demand steady throttle control and good line selection to avoid high-centering.
There's zero cell service out there — how far is the nearest gas and should I carry water?
Government Camp is your last stop for fuel, roughly 10-15 miles from the trailhead — fill up before you leave town. Carry all your drinking water in; the creek crossings aren't treated sources, so filter or bring enough for the full 1-2 days.
Trail track
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