Timberline to White River Glacier Loop

Ending just a few thousand feet shy of the mountain top, Palmer Lift doesn't start operating until most ski resorts are nearing their close. This leaves most of the mountain nearly uninhabited and ideal for exploring with close up views of the complex summit above and well into Oregon down below.For those interested in an early day adventure, sunrise over the lower stretches of the mountain is ...

The hike begins at Timberline Lodge, which sits on Mount Hood at 6,000 feet of elevation. Find the Timberline trail behind the lodge by following any of the maze of trails heading east and you will be on your way! After 1.2 miles, you reach Little Zigzag Canyon where you will descend approximately 1000 feet to reach the bottom before heading straight back up again. This portion of the trail is ...

Starting at 6,000 ft of elevation at Timberline Lodge, start your climb up the south side of Mt. Hood. If you head out at noon, in 6 hours you can make it about an hour past the last ski lift, called Palmer, where you can set up camp for the night. You may need to dig out a flat spot for your tent.Leave early the next morning for the summit, by 4am. This "final ascent" is at least 600 ft of ice...

The Pacific Northwest has an abundance of beautiful, technical and fun Alpine ascents.  For those looking to feel the rush of mountaineering but not wanting to push for a summit attempt, Illumination Rock on the southwest ridge of Mt Hood, offers a beautiful way to spend an afternoon or potentially more.  With vistas to the west and south and a clear view to the summit Illumination Rock was a r...

From the mount hood scenic byway in Government Camp, Oregon turn on the road that heads up to the Timberline Lodge. Follow that road to the end and park in the lot all the way at the top. In the ski season you need a pass to park there, but if you go in June, July, Or August (aka when the wildflowers are there) you can park for free. Walk up the little dirt road to the left of the Overflow park...

Starting out at 6,000 feet elevation at Timberline lodge and climb approximately 1 mile with 1,000 foot elevation gain or you can take the mountaineering trail for a round trip of approximately 2.7 miles. For the out and back trail go behind the lodge and follow the Otto Lang trail which may be easiest to spot by the snow plow trail that seems to stay pretty fresh, but you may have to move over...