Mt. Hood Adventure

Summer FINALLY starts....

2009-06-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Government Camp is now the hopping little ski town it returns to be every Summer. From skiers, to snowboarders, vacationers to locals, we have it all in town right now! We also have the SUNSHINE and WARM WEATHER to go with it all, it is definitely time now to GET OUT and enjoy the season and all that there is to do OUTSIDE. Those hot city days are coming soon, and there is no better way to escape the heat, than coming to Mt Hood to paddle on a local lake, or take a bike ride on Crosstown trail, where the trees provide a nice built-in air conditioner. We rent inflatable canoes, hard shell kayaks and mountain bikes by the hour, half day and 24 hour rentals. We also deliver the boats to local Mountain lakes, so really, now you have no excuse. Come visit us! We are ready to point you in the right direction and enjoy providing up to date trail, campground and sightseeing information. Let us help you with your stay on Mt Hood. One stop in our shop and your trip will be planned, so what are you waiting for? Summer is happening NOW!

Mt. Hood Adventure hike to Trillium Lake

2009-06-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day for our hike around Multorpor Mountain to Trillium Lake and back through Summit Meadow. I had the honor to try and keep up with these two lovely ladies, but ended up eating some of their dust! It was fun for them to let me know that we traveled 26,059 steps along the way, and burnt 1,395 calories. These walkers can walk and we had a fantastic journey. I hope to see them again in the future. The flowers are starting at the 3700' elevation in Government Camp and the sunny patches that come through our beautiful canopy. We traveled just over 7 miles with memories to look at all along the way. Come in and see us so we can get out there together, or we can help point you out to a few secret spots!

Mt Hood Adventure goes to Bald Mountain!

2009-06-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

With some of my walking lately, I figured that I would be able to walk to Bald Mountain on Top Spur trail #785 with just patchy snow. I was wrong. Still quite a bit of snow, but with GPS and some awareness you can get to the southern portion of trail which is dry and leads you to the early wild flowers of the season.
Before you get there you will find that it is going to be a fantastic Beargrass year. Depending on which book you read you will find that Beargrass blooms every other year to 7 years apart, so seeing a flower load of this beautiful plant is well worth getting outside! The leaves of this plant are super strong and used for making baskets, clothing, hats, and I am sure a lot of other useful tools. The flower itself is like smelling your own feet, a little stinky but you can stand it!
I thought I would be able to drive all the way to the trailhead without hitting snow, but once again I was wrong. I am fortunate enough that my hiking boots are able to handle unplanned obstacles and walk a long way. With no shovel and solid snow, I parked and walked close to a half mile to the trailhead. Hoping that it would be patchy snow, bare trail, patchy snow, then the views I was after. Not a lot of parking at the snow at the snow line on the road, so if the one parking spot is already taken, your road walk to the trailhead may be longer. I would say two weeks from now will be primetime flower time and the road will be for sure melted out. Most likely still some snow on the trail in two weeks, but patchy.
Still up to 3 and a half feet in places. Maybe saw bare trail three times before we got far enough south that it was completely melted out. Ther are blazes (and my footprints) on the trees for the short Top Spur portion, but once you reach Timberline Trail #600, you are on your own. The best thing about getting out early is that the buttes are already in bloom and if you wait until the trail is completely melted out, so are the flowers! By all means, 10 essentials, being prepared and aware, and experienced if you are going to head out into the wilderness when the trail is not completely visible, or anytime for that matter. Be sure and be safe!
Larkspur, Paintbrush, Trillium, Wild Strawberry, and much more is out and about. Get on out there before the bees do. It is nice now, but one week it will be breathtaking.
This is one of my favorite views of the Mountain, and looking across to Yocum Ridge, my absolute favorite place on the Mountain! Maybe I will see you up there, but hopefully not! You can see the trail ends up bare by the time you make it out to the south so pack up your lunch and get the out of the city!!

Mt Hood Adventure on Zigzag Mountain trail

2009-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

I needed to get out of the office and outside yesterday. Things are a little off and there is no better way to calm down and think than to walk around in the forest for a while. The plan was to leave, right now, and walk from my cabin over to Zigzag Mountain trail #775. 5:30pm I left. Depending on snow, my usual loop on this trail would take me to West Zigzag Mountain trail #789, then junction with that trailhead on road 27, and then the 5.1 mile walk down the road to the junction with Pioneer Bridle trail #795 along Highway 26, then back on down the road to where I sleep. Right around 16 miles and I knew I would be spending half of the time enjoying the darkness.
I must have been taking a break and lying down for this photo, lie down to look at what I saw!
As expected there was still snow, but you can bounce from patch to patch without losing the trail. There were a couple of longer strectches but as long as you are aware of your surroundings, you won't have to leave bread crumbs. This is all said if it is in the daytime. Night fell on me while I was still in the snow patches and I was not sure how much I would find ahead. No GPS with me this time as I walk this route a couple times a year but I always carry map and compass along with the rest of my 10 essentials.
Flowers were out and it is definately time to be logging your mileage. If you wait to long, you will miss out on those first flowers. I missed out on the few Avalanche Lilies that I passed, but did see Star Flower, Common Indian Paintbrush, the Rhodies are blooming, and I think it is looking like a pretty good Beargrass year. Probably half of the Beargrass had stalks shooting up. There were Yellow Violets, Trillium, Fairly Slipper, and much more. Go outside.
I had a fast paced walk after dark was falling and wanted to make sure I was able to pass most of the snowy section before I got in to deep. It worked out good as I made it to West Zigzag trailhead up road 27 at 9:00pm, took a little break and was road walking for the next 5 miles. A gorgeous walk at night or during the day on road 27. Always deer, as there were last night. It was just their eyes reflecting in my headlamp, but they were there. It was a successful walk around and I was able to think a little clearer the more elevation I gained and the darker it got. The moon walked with me the rest of the way home and I walked into my cabin at 12:30pm for a midnight snack and a dream!

MT HOOD ADVENTURE IS READY FOR SPRING!

2009-04-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

The songs of the Varied Thrush now replace my winter alarm clock. It is much easier to wake up with the sun and a lot harder to catch and push the snooze button on the top of one those birds heads. The smell of Skunk Cabbage is in the air, Trilliums white flower polkadots the forest floor, and the sun is calling everything else out! Coltsfoot, Indian Plum, Salmonberry, and Yellow Violet are also offering color at lower elevations. False Solomons Seal and May Lilies are popping up and about ready to bust out. It is time for you to start busting out on the trails and logging your lower elevation miles right now. There is nothing like walking with the first flowers and then finding yourself still walking with the last berries. Oh yeah, it is odd that I find myself still walking with the first snow and even with it up to my eyeballs! Follow those flowers up to the higher elevations for some of the most spectacular views that you can see anywhere in the world. Go outside! Get out! Enjoy!

MT HOOD ADVENTURE VALENTINES!!!

2009-02-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more romantic then sharing a triple chocolate cupcake with the one you love! I was worried that there was going to be chocolate all over everybody, but it was a very successful indulgence. The wine went down nicely, in fact these super nice people were able to finish every last drop! We started a fire that hopefully continued well into the night! It was an absolute pleasure to spend the evening with the Tuebner's and the Sanow's.

MT HOOD ADVENTURE FINDS WILD ANIMALS IN THE FOREST!

2009-02-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

I was out for a snowshoe, enjoying the peacefulness of the forest, when six wild animals came out of nowhere! I was scared at first, shaking in my shoes from the sight of these small mammals, but then saw that they had their parents with them and I knew everything was going to be ok. I offered up some hot chocolate and found that these super nice people had traveled here from South Dakota and Florida. The Kenney's and the Spector's had traveled a long way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the most beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest. I tried to get them to stay the night in tree wells and never go home but they did not want to stay with me. Maybe next time. All of my best wishes to my 10 new friends.

A CRAZY WINTER AT MT HOOD ADVENTURE!

2009-01-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

It has been a crazy winter so far this year. No snow, lots of snow, snow in Portland, rain, and two weeks of beautiful sunshine! With that sunshine we also had inversion and low lying clouds to the south and southeast. We have been able to ride our snowmobiles above the cloud layer and witness some crazy views. Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, and other peaks way out to the south. Our guests, and myself, have pretty much fallen over backwords with what nature has had to offer. We are receiving a little more snow which will make the trails a little nicer, and then expecting more sunshine. This week would be a great time to get out there with us!

There has not been anything dripping from the clouds, but the trees have been sucking the moisture out of the these low lying pillows and fog. There was up to 6 inches of flock layering at least one side, if not the whole tree completely! Every day there is something new to see.

It is a winter wonder land even though there has not been any snow. LET'S GO!!!

What a day!

2009-01-13T13:09:00.000-08:00

It is a fabulous day here in Government Camp. The skies are blue, the slopes are groomed and it's LADIES NIGHT at Skibowl!! Ladies ski or ride for only $14 from 3-10 pm!! Don't forget to check out the giveaways inside the Starlight Lodge sponsored by Atomic and Betty Rides. The forecast is calling for more sun and the roads are clear getting up here. Take a day off of work, call in sick, just come up and soak up the January sunshine with the rest of us. There's no better weather to go on a snowmobile tour than sunny, opening still available for this upcoming Holiday weekend. Don't stay at home, GET OUT and come play with us!!

Forcast calls for FUN in the Sun in January!!

2009-01-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

The sun is poking through the clouds here in Government Camp this morning. The rain is on it's way out and we are so happy to see it go!! Of course, we would all prefer some fresh snow, but come on, admit it, it it's not gonna snow, wouldn't you rather have some sunshine shining? The sun makes all snow activities more inviting, but don't forget your sunglasses!!

Snowshoeing and cross country skiing has kicked off to a great start so far, lots of new people interested in trying each sport. We enjoy helping people get into winter activities, that maybe were never into it before. Are you the parent that drops their kids off at the Mountain to just go sit at a lodge all day, waiting for them to come back in, hours later, and say they are finally tired and ready to go home? Why not try cross country skiing or snowshoeing? There are plenty of trails in the area, for all learning abilities, and we would be happy to help you find the one that is right for you. Looking for a groomed trail to try cross country skiing? A trail you can take your best furry friend snowshoeing on? Give us a call, or better yet, stop by! We have maps to look at and plenty of free information, including a complimentary map of Government Camp and the trails in the area. If you are one that doesn't like to go at it alone or just want to be extra safe and go with a guide, we can set up on a guided tour, with a little advance notice. We offer two or four hours, snowshoe to bonfire, or get Chopper out on his cross country skis, for goodness sake. If you are coming to the Mountain and have any questions, get bored while your here, or just need a place to stop and get warm, we're your place to come! The fire is on and the coffee and hot cocoa is just down the hall at the High Mountain Cafe. We'll see you up here.....

MT. HOOD ADVENTURE BRINGS YOU BLUE SKIES!

2009-01-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

You could be right here! This is me atop Frog Lake butte with majestic Mt. Hood in the background. Blue skies are here for the next week and offering us the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore. Whether you are on snowmobile, snowshoe, or cross country ski's, we can help get you out there! Go by yourself or take us along with you. From the otters and the lakes, to the look out tower and higher elevations, we can point you in the right direction. If you are staying in town, play on the tube hill, take a sleigh ride, or listen to great music at the Ratskellar. See you outside, Chopper

Mt. Hood Adventure SLEIGH RIDES

2008-12-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

Mt. Hood Adventure is so happy to present horse drawn sleigh rides outfitted by Amanda with Sweitz Acres. The horses, Charlie and Rock, are as happy as can be showing you around Historic Government Camp. Now I have to flip a coin to decide what I would rather do, head out on our snowmobiles, the peacefulness of my snowshoes, or getting in the holiday spirit with the jingle bells of this fantastic sleigh ride. Reserve a spot or walk on up, Amanda, Charlie, and Rock would love to meet you. As always feel free to give us a shout if you need anything on THE MOUNTAIN. mthoodadventure.com or 503-272-3062.

The snow is unbelievable right now and if you haven't had the chance to make any turns or break any trail then you are really missing out. There is enough powder for everyone to enjoy so be safe and get on up here. Enjoy, Chopper

MT. HOOD ADVENTURE HAS CHANGED THEIR BOOTS!

2008-12-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

Our Mandy today in front of Mt. Hood Advnenture. It's SNOWING!!!
It is finally time! We have officially changed out of our hiking boots and can start our rotation of winter snowshoe, cross country, ski, and snowboard boots... There is almost a foot of fresh snow on the ground and it is fluffy! The artic air is offering us some great snow to start out the season with. We are officially in operation and super excited to be getting out there!
Check back daily to hear the inside scoop on what the weather is looking like, what tours are going out and about, what is happening in town, the best bands and music, and anything else that might be going on. Respond to our blog, give us a call, or send us an email with any questions you might have about what is going on and what to do.
As of 10:00am there is about a foot of freshies and the temperature is 26 degrees. It is snowing and we are expecting snow for the next few days, a small break, and then more snow for the weekend.
If you are not on the mountain right now, then it is time to rearrange your priorities and head on up! We look forward to seeing you soon. Chop

Fall Arrives, but the Adventures don't stop yet

2008-10-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting colder, the leaves on the trees are starting to change colors and fall off their branches. It must mean one thing......the season is changing again. Fall is one of my favorite seasons on Mt Hood, but if you ask me which one is my absolute favorite, I'll tell you all of them. I live seasonally and plan according to weather. Some of my favorite things to do this time of year is hunt down and pick as many hucklerries at possible, before the first freeze. A very time consuming berry to pick, but if you know the flavor, you know it's worth it. Wild mushroom season on Mt Hood is typically from September through November, and new ones are popping up everyday. (Stop by a local bookstore and pick up a book before going out to pick and eat wild mushrooms) Wild mushroom hunting is a fun fall hobby. That is, if you like mushrooms. I never knew how wandering through the woods looking for a needle in haystack (finding an edible mushroom) would be so much fun.

Fall is also a great season to go hiking.....it may be a bit colder, but the views are just as good and the fall colors on the hillsides are worth the pictures you'll take. Plus the trails are a bit quieter this time of year, making your day in the woods, just what you look for heading into them. What also makes Fall so special, is the first snow fall of the year always happens around October. Government Camp received it's first blanket of snow, last Friday. Of course it has melted here in Govy, but the picture you'll take of Mt Hood will be mostly white rather than brown. So, come on up, and spend some of the last good days of weather doing what you love. Being outside, breathing the fresh Mountain air. Life doesn't get more relaxed than that, and we all know that we can use more of that about now.

Snow hiker!

2008-07-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

There has been something very odd as I have been walking around in the forest this "summer". This funny white stuff tries to throw you off your course, wear you down, and sometimes even put you right on your _____! At least now you only have to worry about snow just under the 5000 foot level, but on the north slopes and the nooks and crannies, there is still up to 5 foot of snow! At most points along the trails, it will be a patch of 5 foot snow piles (which are fun to play on and do trail tricks), then trail, then snow pile, then a patch that extends further than you can find trail. Then what?

Well, as many times as I have walked Burnt Lake trail #772, I felt very comfortable in my surroundings even though I was no where near the trail. Map and compass are fun for me and I enjoy figuring out a plan of action. On this hike I was playing around with the GPS system that Mt. Hood Adventure rents at their shop and I have to admit, I loved it! I have never been a big fan of GPS, extra batteries, and putting one more thing in my pocket. (My pockets consist of my wallet, my Suunto Observer minus it's wristband, one fine point Sharpy pen, my Write in the Rain notebook, my camera, a hanky with sweat and nose run off, and one pocket that I store litter that people have left for me). I am surprised my shorts stay on! I could just follow the trail on the GPS and I would run right back into the trail and get that feeling of comfort.

Be aware that not all the trails are in on the GPS software, as with my hike when Burnt Lake trail #772 junctions with Zigzag Mountain trail #775. In this case I did use my map with GPS to find the ridge I was supposed to be on and hit trail right where I knew it was. At that point I was on the ridge that was mainly free of snow, so the next 8 miles where a breeze!

There is still snow out there, so always be prepared and be aware of your surroundings.

Have some fun in the forest, Chop.

The Sun says "Get Out"

2008-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Well, the Summer has officially started. And I'm not talking about the calendar date passing by, the sun is shining and the weather is absolutely perfect for a hike in the cool shaded woods, a paddle around your favorite Mountain lake or a little of both! Mt Hood Adventure offers the best two combinations into one tour! Join us for a Hike and Kayak combo tour, scheduled throughout the month. You start from Mt Hood Adventure's headquarters and hike "over a bridge" and "through the woods" for a few miles to your destination lake with a beautiful view of Mt Hood. On the way you learn about the flora and fauna and the history of the area. Lunch and your kayak will be waiting for your arrival at Trillium Lake. After lunch, it's off to paddle around the lake and have some fun! The best part of this tour, is you get to have all the fun and you don't have to do any of the work! This tour is available July 22, August 7th, 19th and 29th. $100 per person, includes guide, delivery of kayaks, personal flotation device, paddle and lunch. Give us a call if you have any questions or if you would like to set this tour up. 503-272-3062.

Mt Hood Adventure also offers rentals and delivery of kayaks and inflatable canoes to local lakes and campgrounds. We have mountain bike rentals, and can also set you up on a rafting trip on the Deschutes River in Maupin or the White Salmon River in Washington. Call your Adventure Specialist for more information or to set up your white water fun. We say "Get out" cause Summer only lasts so long, and we are already half way through it! So stop by today and let us help you make the best of your time on Mt Hood. Your Adventure Specialist looks forward to speaking with you soon.

The Trilliums are out!

2008-06-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

The flowers are finally coming out in the Government Camp area. Trillium, Wild Strawberry, and some of their other friends are making 1st appearances of the season. The snow is still on the trail, but starting to melt and be patchy enough to make sure you are traveling in the right direction. A good pair of waterproof boots are recommended, if not snowshoes still in places and elevations higher than 4500' to 5000'.

The good news is while we start getting a few miles in here and there, we can get our other outdoor "fix" out on the lakes by kayak or canoe. Join us for one of our paddles, rent from us and head out on your own, or bring your own. The bald eagles are out at Clear Lake, the Osprey are always around, and the fishing is great right now! Get out there! Chopper

JUNE IS HERE!

2008-06-02T10:16:00.001-07:00

June has been able to creep up on us this year, and start the Spring a little later than usual. We can celebrate the Spring until Summer Solstice on June 21st. Mt. Hood Adventure is bringing in the Summer with a Summer Solstice Hiking Party on the 21st, so let us know if you would like to hang out with us and bring out the sunshine. The anticipation is killing me and am ready to get these snowshoes off my feet and replace them with my hiking boots. Our kayaks are on their way and are ready to be named (by the first person to take them for a paddle) and put on the lake, let's go! It is finally time to get outside.

Sunshine is on the way!

2008-05-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Mt. Hood Adventure has been receiving new summer retail every day now. We have a lot of great gifts, souvenirs, and essential gear to help you in the forest. Think of us if you need anything. Anything as trail information and conditions, a present for your 6 year old nephew, any questions on that flower that you saw, track that had long claws, or anything to do with the Mt. Hood area and Clackamas County.

I am very excited about our new fleet of recreational kayaks that are perfect for the lakes in the area. They should be arriving soon, but it is going to take a few extra days for the white stuff to melt this year. Let's go take a paddle around sometime.

A little lower in elevation, where I keep my den, the flowers have taken off and the first phase is almost over. I enjoy watching what pops out and in what order. I highly recommend some of the trails under 3,000 feet to catch that first glimpse of COLOR!

I started my walking season off on a mellow walk starting near sea level and camping at around 1400 feet elevation. I don't really want to tell you where it is since I would rather you come up here and take a snowshoe with me. I will give you a few hints. There are lots of waterfalls, the trail was blasted our of rock back in the day, the words "Eagle Creek" have a lot to do with it, and we stayed at 7.5 mile camp. Glacier Lily, Shooting Star, Larkspur, and Calypso Orchids were a few of the flowers that were in full bloom. The waterfalls were running pretty good as well. No mosquitos, and I did see one fly. A very pleasant trip. As always, if you have any questions or comments you can reply to my blog, or give me a call in the shop. I would also like hear what you have seen or experienced and any secret spots that you may think I will enjoy. Enjoy! chop

I AM NOT WAITING FOR SPRING ANY LONGER!

2008-05-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

MT. HOOD ADVENTURE IS EXCITED TO PRESENT YOU WITH A SUMMER FULL OF SPECIAL EVENTS, FAMILY FUN, AND MT. HOOD MEMORIES!

Wow, I can not believe how much snow has fallen this year. It has been a fantastic winter for recreation, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or just throwing snowballs! You name it and there was enough snow for it. Mt. Hood has also taken leaps and bounds. We are bringing recreational kayaks to Mt. Hood Adventure this year, you can rent them or our canoes and venture out on your own, or you can take a guided paddle around one of the lakes in the area. We also deliver them to Timothy, Clear, Frog, and Trillium Lakes! Just give us a call and we will get you all set up.

Make Mt. Hood Adventure your one stop shop to rent gear, find the best trails, check on road and trail conditions, get help identifying plants and animals, or anything else that may pop up. We enjoy helping you plan your adventures, and like even more to hear about them when you are done.

At the lower elevations the Spring flowers have popped out. Your Trillium, Salmonberry, Indian Plum, Skunk Cabbage, Oxalis, Bleeding Heart, and many more daily are showing off their colors. If you are planning some longer mileage already, than I would recommend attaching your snowshoes to your pack as you will most likely reach snow during your trek. I will know more on the snow levels this Monday and Tuesday. My days off are Mondays and Tuesdays, which I usually spend one and often both days walking around in the forest. On Wednesday evenings you will be able to check out my blog on where I went, what flowers and animals are out and about, the snow level, and some interesting facts and comments about the hike I just did. I like sharing what I have seen with others and I usually break the rules and hike alone, so I hope it entices you to follow in some of my footsteps! It is time to get out there and enjoy! See you on the trails, Chopper.

A great SNOWMO season comes to an end

2008-04-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

It was a great snowmobile season here on Mt. Hood. Mt. Hood Adventure grew by leaps and bounds this year! Entering our fourth year we had a newly expanded Forest Service Permit, moved into our new digs on the second floor of the Ratskeller Building downtown Government Camp, opened up our retail shop, and became an official Visitor Information Center for Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. We are sad to see the season come to an end.

Even though there is still a lot of snow on the mountain, the quality of the snow and the trails for snowmobiling has really deteriorated. It is now getting really bumpy and sloppy. The quality of the tours is not what we would want to present to our guests, so we have decided to call it a season. You can still rent snowshoes and have a great time out in the woods.

We are busy preparing our summer calendar and ordering new equipment. We are excited about our new kayaks to join our fleet of canoes. This summer you will be able to rent canoes, kayaks, and bikes from us at Mt. Hood Adventure. Stop on in and let us help take care of all of your summer mountain recreation and vacation needs!

The Adventure Goes On

2008-04-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

Mt. Hood Adventure is up to the task! The freezing level is heading down to the 800 ft. level this coming week. We would never have thought that we would have mid-winter type tours going on in mid-April. Chopper is still going strong with the Snow Mos and the snow shoes are still renting like crazy. What a spring. Why not bring your mom up for a cooooool snowmobile tour in MAY! What a surprise that would be.

And the Winter Continues

2008-04-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Is it ever going to stop?!?!?! Our record breaking winter is still here on Mt. Hood. Our snowmobile tours are still going strong. Our sister company, Mt. Hood Skibowl has something like 208 inches of snow STILL ON THE GROUND! This is the most snow in a season since the late 1800's!!!! It is incredible. We are offering 20% off of snowmobile tours if you can find it in yourself to come up and give it a try. It is like a mid-winter trip! We are also having some great sales in our shop right now, including the sale of some of our rental snow shoes. This is the time of year to get them, so if you want a great deal on some snowshoes of your own, now is your chance. Check out our website at http://www.mthoodadventure.com or give us a call at 503-272-3062. We are looking forward to taking you out on a great spring trip!