Getting Out to Mount Hood

Any season merits a trip to Mount Hood; brisk hikes in the spring, wildflowers in the summer, colorful leaves in the fall and snow covered ski runs in the winter make it a great weekend get-away only an hour from Portland.

Situated in the Mt. Hood National Forest, the mountain peaks at 11,235 feet (3,429 meters) and is home to the Mt. Hood Meadows ski area as well as the historically famous Timberline Lodge.

During the warmer summer months, the Mt. Hood meadows are full of wildflowers and hikers passing through on the Pacific Crest National Scenic trail which goes all the way from the Mexican border in southern California to the Canadian border in northern Washington. The summer season also allows the lover of back road driving to take advantage of the hundreds of National Forest Service roads that lace through the Mount Hood National Forest area. Roads which in the winter lead to snow-park areas where people park their vehicles to take off on a snow shoeing or cross country skiing, in the summer time are full of a diverse display of foliage.

In the winter, the mountain is known for the skiing at Mt. Hood Meadows. And Portland being as supportive of public transportation as it is, even without a car you can reserve a seat on the Meadows Park & Ride shuttle to get up to the mountain to ski or snowboard for only $59, which includes a lift ticket.

Attracting outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, the mountain is a nature lover’s paradise. But even if you want a bit of rustic class, you don’t need to look far. Timberline Lodge, constructed in 1937, has managed to keep its authentic charm while providing high quality facilities. After a day of hiking or skiing, take a seat in one of the large wooden chairs in the bar and enjoy the view of the mountain through the lodge’s classic large windows. Also at the lodge, on the ground level, is a small museum documenting the history of the building. Enclosed by glass panes, recreated rooms have been built, to give the visitor a glimpse of the past. An original lodge room has a kerosene lamp in the corner, and old hiking boots on the floor. The small ski-patrol’s chamber houses an ancient pair of wooden skis, as well as numerous first items in their original packaging from the 1920s.

Not up for a whole weekend at the mountain? Come for evening sundown when the mountain extends into the grayish blue of the sky, the colors of the sun reflecting in the snow fields. Afterwards book a table at the Cascade Dining room, where head chef Leif Benson concocts the ultimate in Northwest cuisine.

Article By Anna Brones, Intercrossings

[image by MesmanImages, flickr]