Mount Hood Corridor facts for kids

The Mount Hood Corridor is a special area in Oregon. It stretches between the towns of Sandy and Government Camp. This beautiful region is located in Clackamas County. It gets its name from the famous Mount Hood, a tall volcano. For a very long time, this corridor has been a path for travelers.

Long ago, Native American tribes used these routes. Later, pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail also passed through here. The part of the corridor between Alder Creek and Government Camp is sometimes called Hoodland. It's a place rich in history and natural beauty.

Exploring the Mount Hood Corridor

The Mount Hood Corridor is home to many small towns and communities. These places offer a glimpse into the history and nature of the area. As you travel from east to west, you'll find different communities.

Communities You'll Find

Here are some of the communities located along the corridor:

• Government Camp
• Rhododendron
• Faubion
• Zigzag
• Welches
• Wemme
• Wildwood
• Mountain Air Park
• Salmon
• Brightwood
• Alder Creek
• Marmot
• Cherryville
• Firwood
• Sandy (a larger city)

There are also several other small neighborhoods. Each community has its own unique charm.

Historic Trails and Scenic Routes

The Mount Hood Corridor follows important historic paths. Part of the old Barlow Road runs through this area. The Barlow Road was a key part of the Oregon Trail. It helped pioneers cross the mountains.

Today, the corridor is also part of the Mount Hood Scenic Byway. This byway is a special road known for its amazing views. U.S. Route 26 is the main highway that goes through the corridor. Sometimes, it runs right next to the Sandy River. This river adds to the beautiful scenery.

How Communities Are Organized

Sometimes, smaller communities join together for official purposes. For example, during the United States 2000 Census, many parts of the corridor were grouped. They formed a single area called the Mount Hood Village CDP. A CDP stands for "Census Designated Place." It's an area that looks like a town but isn't officially incorporated.

In 2005, some communities decided to try something new. The towns from Rhododendron to Marmot wanted to form a "village." They applied to Clackamas County to create the Villages at Mount Hood. This idea was about these communities working together. It aimed to help them manage local services and planning.

Images for kids

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  A map showing the Mount Hood Corridor in Oregon.