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a. Mt. Hood

Oregon > Oregon Volcanoes

Description

Mt. Hood is Oregon's tallest peak and is one of the most popular alpine summits in the world. This iconic mountain lies 70 miles east of Portland and is part of the Cascade Range. Glaciers lie on all sides.

Home to multiple ski areas and a National Forest, Mt. Hood receives a huge amount of use from outdoor enthusiasts all year. It provides the closest alpine climbing to Portland, as well as the closest skiing.

Getting There

The direct route from Portland is easiest: Take I-84 to the Wood Village exit, take a right, and drive through Gresham and Sandy on Hwy. 26. Government Camp is the closest town to the mountain.

An alternate route takes I-84 East from Portland to Hood River, and then the Mount Hood Highway (Hwy. 35) South to join up with Hwy. 26.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The beautiful north face of Hood with Eliot Glacier. The Cooper Spur goes up the prominent ridge on the left. The Sunshine ascends the right skyline and the north face routes go up the left-leaning couloirs on the face.
[Hide Photo] The beautiful north face of Hood with Eliot Glacier. The Cooper Spur goes up the prominent ridge on the left. The Sunshine ascends the right skyline and the north face routes go up the left-leani…
Climbing rime ice on the Steel Cliffs, Mt. Hood, Oregon
[Hide Photo] Climbing rime ice on the Steel Cliffs, Mt. Hood, Oregon
The Eliot Glacier at sunrise with Mt. St Helens in the distance.
[Hide Photo] The Eliot Glacier at sunrise with Mt. St Helens in the distance.
Summit
[Hide Photo] Summit
Elliot Glacier Ice Cave. January 2018
[Hide Photo] Elliot Glacier Ice Cave. January 2018
Looking up Cooper Spur from Tie-In Rock. Jan 15, 2009 8:05am
[Hide Photo] Looking up Cooper Spur from Tie-In Rock. Jan 15, 2009 8:05am
Mt. Hood as seen from the northeast.
[Hide Photo] Mt. Hood as seen from the northeast.
Phil on Mt. Adams with Hood in the background, June 1999.
[Hide Photo] Phil on Mt. Adams with Hood in the background, June 1999.
Mt. Hood in winter
[Hide Photo] Mt. Hood in winter
Just passin through.
[Hide Photo] Just passin through.
North Side of Mt. Hood
[Hide Photo] North Side of Mt. Hood
White River Glacier/Canyon
[Hide Photo] White River Glacier/Canyon

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Adam Stackhouse

[Hide Comment] According to recent news reports, this is the 2nd most climbed mountain in the world. Any clue as to the 1st? Dec 18, 2006
Andy Laakmann
Bend, OR
[Hide Comment] From what I've heard, Mt. Hood is the 2nd most glaciated mountain climbed in the world. Mt. Fuji is #1. Dec 18, 2006
Andrew May
Westminster, CO
[Hide Comment] Has anyone climbed Hood in August?
I'm considering it but it would be my first climb involving glacier travel and I'm not sure I'm up to it. Any thoughts?
Thanks. Jul 11, 2007
Nate Farr
Flagstaff, AZ
[Hide Comment] Hood's not recommended in August because rockfall gets too bad. Most people would say up until June, and then again once the rock freezes up in the late fall. Mar 6, 2008
Roswell
Newnan. Ga
[Hide Comment] Conditions Mid-March to Mid-May and if possible to climb. Reliable source for checking conditions would be appreciated. Dec 17, 2013
Fred Knapp
[Hide Comment] Mt Hood: A Climber's Guide is now available. This is a fabulous book compelled by Bill Mullee with writing and input from over 30 Hood veterans, including Fred Beckey and Jim Wickwire!

Purchase it now and get a free 2-year subscription to the eBook!

stores.sharpendbooks.com/mt… May 16, 2014
youlead514
[Hide Comment] Are there any "safer" routes that can be done in August? Getting off the main one would be nice anyway. May 26, 2015
Chris C
Seattle, WA
[Hide Comment] The only downside to this mountain is the long and boring walk from and to the parking lot. The true definition of a slog. Jan 16, 2017