This is the final analysis of data from the 2025 Timberline Trail survey results. With 114 responses, this year’s survey provides valuable insights into how hikers experienced this iconic 40+ mile loop around Mount Hood, and how trends have evolved since our 2024 survey.
Let’s dive into the final set of data results from the 2025 Timberline Trail survey!
Did you complete your hike as planned?
2025 Results: 95% completed as planned, 5% did not.
This is our highest completion rate ever, up from 92% in 2024 and 89% back in 2022. Whether it’s better preparation, improved trail conditions, or more realistic planning, Timberline Trail hikers are increasingly finishing what they start.
Early Trail Departures
2025 Results: Only 9% left the trail earlier than planned, 91% completed their full planned route.
This is a dramatic improvement from 18% in 2022, 17% in 2023, and 14% in 2024. The early departure rate has been cut in half over four years!
Perhaps the hardest decision to make on a hike that takes some preparation is whether to leave the trail early. This could be for a variety of reasons. However, often leaving the trail is a wise decision rather than pushing on and potentially making a situation worse. With multiple exit points around Mount Hood, hikers have options when conditions change, though some northern trailheads like Vista Ridge and Elk Cove remain quite remote.
Emergency Services and SAR Calls
2025 Results: Only 1% (approximately 1 hiker) needed to call emergency services or SAR.
This matches 2023’s low rate and is down from 2-3% in other years. It’s worth emphasizing that on Mount Hood, there is no charge for SAR callouts, and calling for help early is always preferable to creating a more dangerous situation.
Health and Injury Issues
The 2025 survey revealed familiar patterns in hiker health issues:
Most Common Issues (% reporting NO issue):
- Major Injury: 100% no issue – great news!
- GI Problems: 89% no issue
- Sunburn: 83% no issue
- Ankle Pain: 79% no issue
- Back Pain: 77% no issue
- Knee Pain: 61% no issue
- Blisters: 52% no issue
- Foot Pain: 47% no issue
The good news: no major injuries were reported this year. The most common issues continue to be foot-related; blisters (48% experienced some level) and foot pain (53% experienced some level). Knee pain affected 39% of hikers to some degree; not surprising given the significant elevation changes on the trail.
Camping Etiquette and Leave No Trace Practices
Good trail etiquette helps make the experience more pleasant for all hikers and ensures the trail stays in good condition for years to come. Here’s the percentage of hikers who reported following these practices “All of the time”:
- Filter water: 81%
- Bury waste 6″+ deep: 78%
- Camp on durable surfaces: 74%
- Camp 100ft from water: 67%
- Wash hands before eating: 22%
Filter Water: by now most hikers are aware of the recommendation to filter water. Even so, I’m surprised this isn’t closer to 100%. There are few locations around Mount Hood where I would be comfortable without filtering water, but even so always filter.
Wash Hands: a very reliable hiking expert (Inga Aksamit) would be somewhat shocked by this result. Her recommendation is to always wash hands before eating. At just 22% compliance, this remains an area for improvement!
Toilet Paper Disposal
2025 Results:
- Pack out: 57%
- Bury: 32%
- Use a bidet: 11%
This is the most positive trend in this year’s survey! Pack-out rates jumped to 57% (up from 44% in 2024 and 42% in 2022), while burial dropped to 32% (down from 45% in 2024). This represents a meaningful culture shift toward stronger Leave No Trace ethics.
The bidet option has also grown to 11%, offering a zero-waste solution that’s becoming more popular in the backpacking community.
Demographics
Gender Distribution
This year saw a nearly even split:
- Male: 51%
- Female: 48%
- Non-binary/Non-conforming: 1%
This is a nice balance compared to 2024 which skewed more male (57% vs 41%). The trail continues to attract a diverse hiking population.
Origin
- US: 97%
- International: 3%
The Timberline Trail remains predominantly a domestic destination, though we’d love to see more international hikers discovering this gem!
Hike Dates
The 2025 hiking season spanned an impressive range:
That December 12th completion is remarkable! August remains the most popular month, which makes sense given snow melt timing and generally stable weather.
Four-Year Comparison
Here’s how key metrics have trended over the four years of our survey:
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Responses | 156 | 123 | 148 | 114 | — |
| Completed as planned | 89% | 93% | 92% | 95% | ↑ Best! |
| Left early | 18% | 17% | 14% | 9% | ↓ Best! |
| Trail runners (single day) | 6% | 8% | 10% | 12% | ↑ Growing |
| First-timers | 51% | 67% | 68% | 68% | Stable |
| Clockwise direction | 57% | 60% | 58% | 62% | ↑ |
| No smoke issues | 86% | 83% | 78% | 92% | ↑ Best! |
| Pack out TP | 42% | 49% | 44% | 57% | ↑ Best! |
| Slept with food | — | — | 46% | 42% | Concerning |
2025 Season Summary
Key takeaways from the fourth annual Timberline Trail Survey:
✅ 95% completion rate – highest ever
✅ 92% smoke-free – best conditions in 4 years
✅ 12% trail runners – single-day completions doubled since 2022
✅ 57% pack out TP – significant culture shift
✅ 9% left early – half the rate from 2022
2025 was an excellent year on the Timberline Trail with record completion rates, minimal smoke issues, and continued growth in Leave No Trace practices. The main area of concern remains food storage practices, with 42% of hikers still sleeping with their food.
Looking Forward
For the 2026 survey, I plan to add clarification around bear hangs vs. critter hangs, and potentially expand questions about early-season and late-season conditions given our June 6th starter and that remarkable December 12th completion!
Thank you to all 114 hikers who participated in the 2025 survey! Your responses help create a valuable resource for future Timberline Trail adventurers and contribute to our understanding of how this iconic trail is being used and experienced. And that completes the Timberline Trail Results 2025 – Final Analysis.
Timberline Trail Results 2025 – Part 1
Timberline Trail Results 2025 – Part 2
