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.