Exciting Getaways on Mt Hood.

Posted on: June 11, 2007

Photographs by Sarah Harmon of Hood Photography.

Mt Hood has many exciting options for a family vacation or a weekend away. Head up for the day, or stay overnight to soak it all in. It’s only an hour away from Portland. Ski Bowl and Timberline are not just winter recreation areas; they continue to serve active lifestyles year round. Opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and just relaxing abound in this “wilderness wonderland”. We can only name a few in this blog, and we hope you discover more.

Mt Hood Ski Bowl offers a ½ mile dual Alpine Slide which is open when weather permits. The Adventure Park at Ski Bowl offers a wide array of activities for the whole family. A $29 pass gives you all day access to the alpine slide, mountain bike trail permit, mountain bike skychair, Scenic SkyChair/hiking, Summer Tube Hill, Bouldering Rock Wall, Trampoline Slingshot, Space Rotation, and so many more activities. Adrenaline junkies will love the activities included in the Action Pass which includes access to the 100’ bungee jump, a launch on the Rapid Riser Reverse Bungee, and a ride on the 500’ long zipline along with the other fun Adventure Park activities. Ski Bowl also offers mountain biking rentals, private trails, racing, and guided tours. You may purchase one or more of these activities through the area’s ”A la Carte” Menu.

Want a little more altitude? Go skiing or snowboarding on Mt. Hood’s world-class glacier, the Palmer Snowfield; we recommend this only if you are an intermediate or advance skier. The snow on the glacier is best in the early morning when it is hard and icy; the snow becomes very heavy and difficult to negotiate in the late morning/early afternoon. You can purchase one-time, round-trip ride on the Magic Mile for sightseers. Timberline has an average winter snowfall of over 400 inches, and boasts the longest ski season in North America. This historic ski area boasts the distinction of offering one of the first chairlifts in United States; the original Magic Mile was the second to be built in the country. It was also the longest chairlift in the world when it was built in 1939. The historic Timberline lodge was one of President Roosevelt’s Public Works Project, and it showcases artisan’s carvings, stonework, and more. You can enjoy a fabulous meal or stay overnight in this wonderful national treasure. The US Ski Team also trains here in the summer for the fifth annual U.S. Ski Team National Development System (NDS) training camp. Heidi has hiked around Timberline in the summer, and the views of the Southern Cascades are awe-inspiring. Paradise Park is well worth the trip and the trailhead starts by the lodge. You could easily spend a whole day in this area taking in the natural beauty, and we highly recommend it.

Mt. Hood offers a wide variety of beautiful trails to hike. You can hike to waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, and beautiful forests. We suggest starting your adventure by checking at one of the . The Mt. Hood Information Center is another great source; it is located in Welches on Highway 26. These are also great sources to locate fishing lakes and streams. Some trails are listed on Cool Trails; Mirror Lake is pretty easy to get to and it offers an easy scenic trail around the lake. Hidden Lake is one of Heidi’s favorite hikes, with a reward of a cool swim after trudging the trail’s numerous switchbacks. We wish we could name all our favorite hikes, but we encourage you to venture forth and discover. Feel free to share your adventures here.

A Wilderness Permit and a Northwest Forest Pass are required for the use of many trailheads, picnic areas, boat launches, and interpretive site on National Forests throughout Oregon and Washington. The Wilderness Permit is free; you simply fill out a form at the trailhead and carry it while hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and enjoying the natural beauty. An annual Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased at many locations, including online, for $30.

Want an extended stay? Over 40 campgrounds are available for tenting, some are listed here under the “Barlow Ranger District”. Others are available on Recreation.gov. If your tent is an RV there are several RV parks including the largest one, Mt Hood Village RV Resort, in Welches. If your tastes prefer luxury then Collins Lake Resort is for you. Click here for more information on Mt. Hood cabin and condo rentals.

Whatever you choose to do, we hope you get out, get away, and enjoy what Mother Nature has given us here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.