Volcanic Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest peak, is a must-see when visiting the Portland, Oregon area. You’ll certainly see it from many vantage points in Portland. But, in a day, you can actually walk on that impressive mountain by taking a day trip to Mt. Hood. The Mt. Hood scenic loop will bring you in touch with mossy forests, entice you to throw a snowball on the mountain, and then return through the shady steep cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge.