Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition local company and well known reputation guide in the world “Sherpa” people who actually guides you locally to the top of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier Mt. Baker, Denali or, any mountains in the Himalayas you name it.

Mount Hood, located about 50 miles east of Portland, Oregon, is one of the most climbed glaciated peaks in North America (#2 in the world behind Japan's Fuji-san according to some). While it last erupted in 1907 and still has active fumaroles, it is now considered a dormant volcano. Its relatively low altitude compared to Mt. Rainier or Mt. Shasta, easy approach, and short hiking/climbing distance (see South Side Route below) makes it much more popular among less experienced climbers. These climbers, lacking experience, and severe weather, which can move in quickly, account for most accidents. Skiers can descend directly from the summit. Dogs are permitted and frequently make the summit. We recommend Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition local guiding company to guide you to the top, if you’re not a experience climber.

The South Side Route, which begins at the 5,800' Timberline Lodge parking area, is the shortest (< 3 miles) and most popular route to the summit. Above the Palmer ski lift there are 3 variations of this route, the most popular of which is the Hogsback / Pearly Gates route. The Hogsback / Old Crater variation is used when the Pearly Gates are congested while climbers looking for more of a challenge can use the West Crater Rim variation.

Climbing Considerations
While Mount Hood has reportedly been summited by a woman in high heels, this does not discount the need for climbing experience on this mountain. An ice axe and crampons should be considered mandatory for most climbers, with climbing helmets being a popular addition, especially higher up.

• On warm days it is recommended you get an early start (which is closer to midnight than sunrise), to be out of rock fall areas by 10am.
• Due to the loose rock, climbers are urged to tread lightly, staying on the snow and ice while climbing and not dislodging any rock.
• Check and be wary of the summit cornice, especially during the winter and early spring.
• Do not linger around the fumaroles which create oxygen voids that have asphyxiated (suffocated) unsuspecting climbers.

South side (Aka timberline lodge) Approach:
Take US Highway 26 (US-26) towards Government Camp, turning north at the well-signed Timberline Lodge access road about a half-mile east of Government Camp. Follow this well paved road north 5 miles to the Timberline Lodge where year-round skiing and snowboarding (and restaurants) are available. In Portland, you can connect with US-26 East towards Government Camp on I-5 or I-205.

Cooper spur approach:
Take OR SR-35 to the Polallie Campground (about 20 miles south from Hood River or about 18 miles north from the US-26 / SR-35 junction) and head west on Forest Service Road 3512 to the trailhead at the Tilly Jane Campground, passing the Cooper Spur campground (after which the road is no longer paved). In the winter there is a marked ski trail from the ski area to Cooper Spur, just beyond Tilly Jane.

Wilderness permit (Mandatory):
Climbing the summit means entering the Mount Hood Wilderness Area which requires a free, non-quota, self-issued wilderness permit. These are available at the Timberline day lodge "Climbers' Cave" and all trailheads. The Climbers' Cave does not have a door and is thus open year round, 24 x 7.

Climbers' registration form (Optional): This is a general form stating the people in your party, planned route, climbing dates and emergency contact info. However, if you don't come back on your stated date, don't depend on this form to initiate a search for you. For South Side routes, this is also available in the Timberline Climbers' Cave.

Blue bag(s) (Optional):
Solid bodily wastes are supposed to be disposed of via plastic "blue bags" available at the Timberline Climber's Cave. These are generally not needed on day hikes up the South Side (hold it option ;-). The Climbers' Cave has a 24 x 7 restroom.

Eemergency locator transmitters (Optional):
There is a $500 fine if a rescue effort is launched for someone without a cell phone or Mountain Locator Unit (MLU). A MLU allows the county sheriff or rescue groups to pinpoint a climber's exact location which can drastically reduce rescue time and resources. Two things are required for a MLU to work: (1) the lost climber must have it and activate it; (2) the county sheriff must be notified of the lost climber (call 911) to activate their receiving equipment. MLUs are available for rent at the following locations, with only Mount Hood Inn beling local to the mountain:



For more information please email us or call 206-324-9000