Skiing on Mt Hood, Oregon: Part II

There are two ways up to Mt Hood, either from the south or from the north. I decided to go the northern route, which follows the Columbia River to Hood River, then turns south and heads up the mountain. It is almost twice as long as the southern way, but everyone goes that way and traffic can be very bad so it may just take as long.

Nordic Center hut at Meadows.

The drive along the river is always nice, the river is in almost a gorge the whole way so there are high cliffs on one side and the wide river on the other. Once you reach Hood River, it is always nice to stop and have a coffee or grab something before you head up the hill. There isn’t much at the Nordic center so it is a good idea to grab something before you go. Hood River is a nice small town with a great coffee shop, The Grind, at the eastern end of the main street.

With some supplies, I head up the hill, the resort/ski area starts at the 4500 foot level and the snow level was at about 3500 or so. Most of the trip up is snow free and very little traffic. The views are of orchards and some vineyards, open pastures and views of the mountains. The road is good until you enter a stream canyon and finally the snow begins to appear. Ice is the big concern and once the road turns white, the chains go on and the drive slows down for safety. The last few miles are where the chains are needed and driving slow makes it safe and easy.