Majestic Mt. Hood
Other mountains are higher and larger, more imposing and famous. Others may claim harder to climb or better conditions for snow sports. Maybe there are some that have famous volcanic eruption histories like St. Helens or lay claim to being a national park such as Rainier. This one is the one I consider home. It has been my playground for a lifetime and it will always have a special place in my heart. Standing at 11,239 feet, Mt. Hood has 11 permanent glaciers on her flanks and is approximately 40 miles in circumference if you follow the Timberline Trail. It has one of the most iconic above treeline lodges in the world (Timberline Lodge) and a rich history as the playground of nearby Portland.
Over the years I have skied this mountain more times than I can count at any of the three major resorts that is supports. I have climbed to the peak and camped at its nearby alpine lakes. I have backpacked around it on the 40 mile trail and once took a limousine all the way from town for my honeymoon. I have literally lived on its water supply from the Bull Run watershed and enjoyed the fruit of its beautiful foothills in places such as nearby Hood River. I know this place as a friend and every time I see the craggy top of this volcano I feel that I am home.
The view that I have included with this post today is taken from the Hood River Valley on the Northeast slope of the mountain. Hood River is famous for its fruit orchards and also famous as one of the most iconic places for wind sports such as kite surfing and wind surfing in the world. I recommend if you are in this area in the Fall to take in the Hood River “fruit loop” as a taste filled adventure touring the many orchards that dot this valley. Or, take the Hood River railroad tour out of town up into the valley for a beautiful day of sightseeing.
Mt. Hood is one of the few places in the USA that has year round skiing and the U.S. ski team actually trains on Palmer Glacier at the Timberline Ski Resort. If skiing in the Summer is not your thing I highly recommend a drive up to the Lodge for lunch and then take the Magic Mile ski lift to the 7,000 foot level of the glacier for a view you will never forget.
This post was of course far from comprehensive in covering everything to do on Mt. Hood and the surrounding area. It is simply a moment to share a photo I came across that made me miss my home mountain and I thought I might give you a taste in hopes that you visit sometime either for the first of many times or as a return trip.
God Bless and have a wonderful day!
