Mt Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and is always capped with snow. At a height of 11,000+ feet, it is omnipresent in the Portland eastern horizon.  

The mountain has 12 glaciers and snowfields and has the distinction of having the longest Ski season in the USA. 

When we arrived on an April day, it was lightly snowing with ski lifts running and skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes.

Mt Hood is about 50 miles from Portland, which makes it the winter wonderland for Portland residents and visitors. The ski season is usually open year-round with lots of winter sports events.

See the main Portland article here.

The road up the mountain is scenic with lots of small farms giving way to Pine forest and snowbanks. 

At the end of the drive, you will come across Timberline Lodge - the center of winter fun. It was built during the Depression to create jobs for the unemployed workers. It ended up being a work of art. It is now a National Historic Landmark.

The Lodge was mainly built from recycled material to reduce cost, but you wouldn’t know that while admiring its architecture or when you go inside. The indoor main hall is elegant with 3 fireplaces. The place is warm and cozy.

Inside you can find several restaurants, bars, and cafes – and of course classic lodge rooms. The luxury-minded visitors can rent a Condominium. 

Outside, you can either watch the skiers and snowboarders zipping by on the slopes or you can be part of the action.  

If you are not a skier, you can still have some fun at Mt Hood. Try a ride on a snowcat to a Height of 8500 feet or ride a chairlift on a summer day. You can also enjoy mountain biking or hiking during summer days.

The lodge also hosts many events throughout the year like Stargazing Party, Hood to Coast Rally Race, and a Music Festival. 

Get more info about Timberline Lodge, winter sports activities and events here.

On the way to Mt Hood, you will pass a great place for adventure seekers. The Mt Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl is a great place to try Ziplines, Alpine Slides, Bungee Jumping, and Horseback Riding.  The kids can try Pony Rides, Miniature Golf, Go-Carts, and other fun rides.  Get more details here.