Mount Hood is the highest peak in Oregon and one of the most frequently climbed glaciated mountains in the world. Its sharp cone dominates the skyline only 45 miles (70 km) east of Portland, and a dozen glaciers keep the peak permanently snowbound. Two major ski areas are found on the south side, and the lifts at Timberline run year-round. The standard south side route follows the Palmer Glacier above the highest lifts. The upper portion of the ski descent from the summit used to be considered quite extreme, but recent ablation of the glacier has reduced the risk somewhat, although the large bergschrund (crevasse) is still hazardous.
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Starting Elevation: | 5900 ft (1800 m) | Weather Conditions: | Clear, light winds, very hazy | |||
Summit Elevation: | 11239 ft (3426 m) | Temperature: | 40-70 F (5-20 C) | |||
Roundtrip Distance: | 7 miles (11 km) | Visibility: | Hazy, less than 20 miles (30 km) | |||
Skiable Vertical: | 5300 ft (1600 m) | Ski Conditions: | Corn snow and slush |
This was a Mountaineers Backcountry Skiing trip, with a party of six led by Craig Miller.