Nestled among the pines of the Mt. Hood National Forest, near the Sandy River, a curious basalt summit awaits, offering stunning views of the forest and mountains—including the snowy peak of Mount Hood to the east. Welcome to French’s Dome, an isolated cylindrical rock formation highly popular among hikers and outdoor climbers of all skill levels.
If you’re coming from Portland, take Highway 26 toward Mt. Hood. After passing the town of Zig Zag, turn left onto Lolo Pass Rd., a direct route of about 10 km that leads to a dirt parking area marked by a sign indicating the start of the trail.
Please note: A Northwest Forest. Pass is required for parking here.
From the parking area, we followed the downhill trail for just a minute on foot until we reached the base of the rock. There, we encountered different groups of climbers waiting their turn to tackle one of the 20 routes on this massive rock, which spans about 25 meters in diameter and stands between 24 and 49 meters high.
⛰️MY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Start early: Especially if you plan to climb beginner-level routes, as this area is very popular and fills up quickly.
- Always come prepared with extra layers of clothing, food, and a headlamp.
- Don’t forget your helmet, harness, and all necessary gear for safe climbing.
- ARIAL® 9.5 mm climbing rope: Lightweight and durable, ideal for climbers seeking reliability for new projects. Features Duratec Dry treatment for maximum longevity and performance in adverse conditions.
- To capture this incredible experience, we used GOPRO highly resistant to impacts and cold conditions.
