Mount Hood, Oregon

A climb of Oregon's highest peak - Mount Hood

Mount Hood, Oregon - Pictured from the south

MOUNT HOOD - OREGON'S HIGH POINT

Mount Hood had always been on our list. Like many who aspire to summit the peaks of the Pacific Volcanoes, it was more an inevitability that anything. But a challenge nonetheless. When the time came, two of our team members were available - which would be just enough to ensure safety and maximize flexibility and speed. So we prepared in Washington, and set off for Portland and Timberline via car. We were in for a long, yet rewarding couple of days.

Most successful trips start with some degree of preparation.

Mt Hood from the road as we approached from Timberline, Oregon. This angle, and sightings from the sky inspired the following Mountain Stationery work:

As it does for many climbers, the night ended early as the sun set to the west of Mount Hood. We watched, somewhat tentatively, and looked up at the sections we knew to be most challenging. The Pearly Gates loomed well above - guarding the final approach to the summit. Taken in Summer, this below photo lacks the snow we encountered - but an inspiring vantage nonetheless.

The day ended and we settled in for the night - hoping to sleep for one or two hours in the driver and passenger seat of our small truck. As many a mountaineer knows, the night before a summit can be a sleepless one. The looming task ahead, excited nervousness, and generally less-than-preferable sleeping conditions conspire to make for restless nights... All on a night we need sleep the most. This was our dilemma. At thirty minutes after midnight, we stopped pretending to sleep, and committed to the task now upon us. Upon opening the doors, we were met by a cold wind. A hint of what was to come. By headlamp, we prepared our bags, donned our equipment, and mentally shifted gears for the ascent. After final checks, we took our first steps toward the summit - through a parking lot which soon gave way to snow.

Our route would take us parallel to the Magic Mile ski lift and up to the highest structure on the mountain.

Morning ascent.

Up the Hogsback, Mount Hood, Oregon.

Descent down the Old Chute, Mount Hood, Oregon.

We were thrilled to reach the summit - and wish we'd had a Mount Hood Summit Success sticker on hand. But we will next time! Click the image above to access yours, and TELL YOUR STORY.