Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing. There are more than 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers) of hiking trails in Mt. Hood National Forest, with options ranging from beginner to expert. 

One of the most famous attractions at Mt. Hood is the Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark that's open throughout the year. The building's exterior was used as the notorious hotel in the 1980 film The Shining.

Mt. Hood tours typically include visits to other attractions in the area, from the Columbia River Gorge—known for its waterfalls and trails—to the Hood River Valley, a popular wine-tasting region with great views of Mount Hood.

• Mt. Hood is a good pick for outdoorsy travelers. 

• Pack water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for your visit.

• The Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the Columbia River Gorge across more than 60 miles (97 kilometers) to Olallie Scenic Area—a high lake basin under the slopes of Mt. Jefferson.

• There are six ski areas on Mt. Hood, one of which (Timberline Lodge) has a year-round lift service.

Mt. Hood is about 50 miles (81 kilometers) east of downtown Portland. Day trips that include transportation are a great option for travelers who don't have rental cars (or don't want to drive in the snow). The journey from Portland to Government Camp takes around 75 minutes.

There's plenty to do in Mt. Hood and the surrounding Mount Hood National Forest, depending on the season. Skiing and snowboarding are usually available from late fall through spring, with fewer crowds Monday through Friday. April through mid-June is generally the safest period to ascend Mt. Hood, as there are fewer chances of avalanches or rockfalls. The historic Columbia River and Hood River are great places to swim, hike, and windsurf in summer.

Mt. Hood is the second-most climbed mountain in the world, with over 10,000 people summiting the peak each year. This adventure is not for the faint of heart (or the poorly prepared). Even the easiest climb from Timberline Lodge is still very technical and requires crampons, ice axes, ropes, and climbing gear. The climb generally takes 8–10 hours round-trip.

Yes, Mount Hood is worth visiting. The winter months offer fantastic skiing, while summertime is excellent for hiking, biking, and zipping downhill on the Alpine Slide at Skibowl. Mount Hood is also the site of Timberline Lodge, where the 1980 cult classic, The Shining, was filmed.

The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway measures 105 miles (169 kilometers) and takes around three to four hours to drive, depending on how many stops you make. It runs from the Portland-area city of Troutdale to Government Camp, the gateway to Mount Hood, and ends in the town of Hood River.

The best time to visit Mount Hood depends on what you're interested in doing. January and February are peak season for skiing and snowboarding, but the slopes often open much earlier, usually in November, and remain open until spring. Late spring through early fall are ideal for hiking.

No, you don't need reservations to visit Mount Hood. However, many of the area's ski resorts require guests to purchase lift tickets in advance. Many camping areas surrounding Mt. Hood National Forest require reservations, but day visitors can buy a parking pass on the spot.

If you're visiting Hood in the winter, devote your day to skiing or snowboarding, with a break for lunch at Timberline Lodge or an evening cosmic inner-tubing session for good measure. Summer visitors can spend a morning hiking and an afternoon cooling off in Frog Lake or Timothy Lake.

Yes, there are restrooms at Mount Hood. The ski resorts in the area all have public restroom facilities, as do the area gas stations, restaurants, cafes, campgrounds, and even some shops. Many trailheads in the area have vault toilets. You'll also find restrooms at Timberline Lodge and the Government Camp Rest Area.