Mt. Hood Adventure SLEIGH RIDES

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!

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

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!

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"

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!

  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!

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!

  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!

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

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

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

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!