Mt. Hood National Forest Castle Canyon Hike Hike 08 Length: 1.8 miles round trip Elevation Change: 800' gain Season: Early Spring thru Late Fall Difficulty:   Challenging Permit:   NW Forest Pass Required Features: This is a short but challenging hike. The hike begins to climb almost immediately and climbs along a steep rocky ridge line within a dense forest. Only at the end of the hike do you get great views of the valley and surrounding area. A Virtual Hike in the Mt Hood National Forest All for the love of hiking!