Climbing Mt. Hood
Mount Hood, located about 50 miles east of Portland, Oregon, is one of the most climbed glaciated peaks in North America. Its relatively low altitude (compared to Mt. Rainier and Mt. Shasta), easy approach, and short hiking/climbing distance make it much more popular among less experienced climbers. The South Side Route, which begins at the 5,800 feet Timberline Lodge parking area, is the shortest (< 3 miles) and most popular route to the summit. Above the Palmer ski lift there are 3 variations of this route, the most popular of which is the Hogsback/Pearly Gates route. The Hogsback/Old Crater variation is used when the Pearly Gates are congested. Climbers looking for more of a challenge can use the West Crater Rim variation. I’ve climbed Mt. Hood twice in my life. Once in my twenties with friends and again in 2008 with my high school senior. I recommend you sign up with a guide service. On this most recent trip, my son and I went up to Timberline Lodge Friday morning and checked in at the climber’s hut. We were then taken up the mountain for several hours of safety training with crampons, ropes and the whole enchilada. We spent the night at the historic lodge and began the trek from the lodge at around 3:00 a.m. We boarded a snow cat which took us up essentially to the top of the Palmer Glacier and we hiked from there to the summit. My son and I, the 26-year-old guide and two other young men in their late twenties were paired up. Some older folks were also paired up with a different guide. This worked out well as my group moved easily at the same pace. The first time I climbed Mt. Hood was by way of the Pearly Gates. The second time my young guide grew impatient while waiting for a few groups on the Hogs Back and led us over to the West Crater Rim and to the summit from there. This was more of a challenge than I was looking for, but we were successful and it was certainly memorable! The views of the Cascade Mountain Range were spectacular from the summit. Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters were visible. I have to admit, it seemed a little odd when my son pulled out his cell phone on this trip (almost 30 years after my first attempt) to call his mother and tell her we made it to the top! I strongly suggest spending a night or even two nights at the lodge. With outdoor pool and jacuzzi for the sore climber and a four star restaurant, this experience is hard to match anywhere. Palmer GlacierThe Palmer Glacier is a glacier located on the upper slopes of Mount Hood. The glacier is a remnant of the massive glaciers that formed during the last Ice Age, and is the only location in North America that provides skiing and snowboarding all twelve months of the year. The only place in the country where you can get on lift-accessible snow throughout the entire summer! The Palmer Snowfield provides amazing skiing and riding above tree line to the 8,540′ level of Mt. Hood. Recommended for advanced intermediate and above skill level – there is nothing quite like carving turns and catching air on a warm summer day! During the summer ski season (approximately May through September), the upper half of the Palmer Chairlift terrain is divided into lanes for the same reason as a lap swimming pool. The lanes beside the lift are open to the public; the others are allocated to ski and snowboard camps, coaches and other organizations. The operators usually have the barbeque fired up at the top of the chair lift for lunch. There is nothing better than hard summer skiing on the groomed glacier only to kick back with a cold beer, barbequed chickened and potato salad while sitting at over 8,000 feet with stunning views! Only the lucky few will ever be able to enjoy this experience. http://www.timberlinemtguides.com/ |
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