Mt. Hood
From Peak to Valley: An Insider's Guide
Edited by Brian BarkerBy Rachel Ritchie, Christopher Van Tilburg, Kasey Cordell, and Kelly O'Connor
According to Multnomah tribal legend, the mountain we call “Hood” was once a chief who was filled with so much jealousy over a woman that, enraged, he turned into a volcano.
Today the 11,249-foot-tall mound of rock and ice gurgles with a molten core just 60 miles east of Portland, its perfect, A-shaped peak rising like a child’s drawing above the city’s skyline. Generations of Portlanders have grown up sledding, skiing, and tossing snowballs on its slopes. City zoning laws protect our views of it. In short, we feel possessive. Only the gods could imagine what we might feel if we were to lose Hood to another city. (Fortunately, it’s not going anywhere.)
Crafting a guide to such an icon is no easy task. But we’ve worked hard to highlight 23 essential experiences, from a doughnut shop whose sweets will rev you up on your way to the mountain to a three-story alpine palace that’s yours for the relaxing. We dish up details on the secret stashes of fresh powder at Mt Hood Meadows and recount unforgettable tales of alpine adventure. You’ll even learn about the mountain’s storied canines.
Published: December 2009
Your recent Mt. Hood focus was a huge disappointment. It neglected several unique attractions and new accommodation in Governement Camp. Completely There was no mention of Skibowl, America’s largest night ski area with 34 lit runs and any of its ongoing special events, including the extensive midnight fireworks show held each year Skibowl on New Year’s eve, with skiing open til 2 a.m. Mt. Hood Adventure, located in the well-known Ratskeller building in Govy, is the areas leading recreation provider and the only company with a permit to provider guided snowmobile trips in the Mt. Hood National forest. Collins Lake Resort Chalets and the Grand Lodges provide new, quality accommodations making overnight and extended stays enjoyable. These are businesses that have made a commitment to the area and provide jobs to locals. To not mention them in a showcase issue is a great disservice to them and your readers. Your showcase Mt. Hood issue is grossly incomplete. There is more going on now then just good old Timberline and snowrider slang.
I am holding the map “Mt Hood Ski and Snowshoe Trails.” I can not find a 5 mile round trip snowshoeing opportunity from White River. The White River trail is 5.7 miles one way. That would make for 11.4 miles round trip. Which trail is your article in reference to?
Just to clarify, Brian Barker contacted me. From his email I believe he was in reference to starting at the White River snow park and hiking NW up to the 6000’ mark on boyscout ridge. That is a 5 mi round trip.