This loop on the southeast side of Mt Hood is spectacular in the late fall when the huckleberry leaves are red and other bushes have changed color. It's about a 12 mile loop and we usually tackle it going counterclockwise. Part of the trail is considered wilderness, but most is forest land. Park at the Elk Meadows trailhead and have your Northwest Forest Pass hanging in your front window. Follow the Elk Meadows trail, cross the bridge over Clark Creek, and then at the Newton ridge sign, turn left up the hill. If you get to Newton Creek, you've gone to far. After a nice long uphill with views of Newton Creek far below you, turn left onto the Timberline Trail 600 and continue hiking south. Making your way into the Clark Creek area (advanced downhill skiers know the area as Heather Canyon at Mt Hood Meadows), you will have to find a way across Clark Creek. Luckily, in the fall one can jump rock to rock to get over the rushing creek. Continuing through Heather Canyon you will see beautiful waterfalls and once you meander up the hill, you will be walking underneath ski lifts. You will come to an intersection where you need to take the left fork and head downhill. Cross the Mt Hood Meadows access road and continue down, passing a couple of waterfalls. After 12 miles you will arrive back at your car.