Mount Hood Huckleberry Festival and Barlow Trail Days

This annual festival was established in 1992 to educate the public that natural resources such as wild salmon and wild mushroom  habitats need to be preserved, respected, nurtured and restored to have these heritage resources around for future generations.  The festival approach is educational and celebratory.  With assistance from the Oregon Mycological Society, a special “live” exhibit is featured, with the focus on preserving fungi species, proper methods of harvesting, ecology and food safety. Exhibits on the wild salmon and special hikes emphasize the preservation of their habitat. This free festival is all-volunteer operated.

We love this festival because it helps to preserve the heritage of the natural environment of the Cascades, particularly the huckleberries, including the Oregon Trail that crossed over Mount Hood.  It was initially started in 1890 by Samuel Welch, an Oregon Trail guide, trading post operator, and founder of the Village of Welches, who was celebrating the opening of his hotel.  He decided that everything should be celebrated in regard to nature and history.  The festival continued until the Great Depression of the 1930s, when it was decided that there was little to celebrate and it was disbanded.  Volunteers re-established the festival in 1984; it is totally volunteer-operated. 

• Event held annually on the weekend prior to Labor Day
• Located on private land
• ADA accessible
• Trained guides available
• Visitor center on site