Oregon's largest and best known mountain stands guard beside the Columbia River within viewing distance from Portland. The summit area is incorporated in the Mount Hood Wilderness. Several glaciers, including the Reid, Zigzag and Sandy glaciers, have developed on the west and northwest slopes of Mt. Hood, which receives up to 300 inches of snow each year.In 1792, WR Broughton of the Lewis & Clark Expedition discovered and named Mt. Hood and the river in honor of Lord Hood of British Admiralty. Perhaps Mr. Broughton was over tired that day, or maybe he was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and magnitude of the area to have purged the word ‘Hood’ from his mind. Perhaps we’ll never know the answer, nor does it matter. Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory is a 'World Class' vacation destination with something for everyone. The mountain is enjoyed by recreationists during summer and winter seasons alike.
The higher elevations of this dormant volcano receive 60" to 100" of precipitation per year, almost all of it in the form of snow. The mountain is easily accessible, about an hour east of Portland on Highway 26. It can also be reached by following Hwy 35 south from Hood River for about 45 minutes.
Mt Hood is the most frequently climbed glaciated peak in North America. All routes to the summit are technical climbs, and should not be attempted without experience and a guide.
