Shake out the winter cobwebs with these low-distance Mt Hood area hikes

As you think about putting away your skis and snowboards and start pulling out your hiking shoes and hydration packs for spring hikes, here are three trails that will get you excited, get your heart pumping and get your legs in shape for longer hikes this summer (2 of these hikes are short versions of longer hikes). Lower elevation trails (2500 feet and below) are free of snow and uncrowded this time of year.

Castle Canyon Trail – #765

Castle Canyon Trail offers a good season-starter for a 2-hour hike through lush forest. The steady uphill climb leads to a craggy viewpoint looking out across the Zigzag River Valley.

Hunchback Mountain Trail – #793

Hunchback Mountain Trail is a 9-mile strenuous trail with over 3000 feet of elevation gain, however, a steep, switchback 1.9 mile hike from the trailhead leads you to a rocky opening with sweeping views of the Welches Valley, the Salmon River and the Cascade Foothills. Turn around and head back to your car for one of your first spring hikes.

Salmon Butte Trail – #791

Salmon Butte Trail is a long view hike perfect for long summer days, however the first 2 1/2 miles gradually meander along an old road bed, making this a moderate and easy early season hike. Build up to the full 12-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Salmon Butte for breathtaking views of the Mt Hood National Forest.

10 Ways to Have Fun in the Snow When You Visit Mt Hood

Who doesn’t love rolling balls of snow and building a snowman? Or snowwoman, or snowdog? Anyone can do it and have fun in the snow. Plus the moving around will help keep you warm, too. You can build a snowman just outside the front door of many Mt Hood Vacation Rentals. The higher elevation at Government Camp Vacation Rentals is your best bet for having snow all around you. If the snow hasn’t reached your elevation, you will be a short drive to one of many Sno-Parks and snow play areas throughout the Mt Hood National Forest.

With three major ski areas and two intimate ski hills for beginners, there is plenty of opportunity to get out and shred on a snowboard or skis. Mt Hood Meadows is the largest ski area with the most varied terrain. Being on the east side of the mountain also means the snow is typically lighter and the days are brighter with more sunshine. Timberline Ski Area is Oregon’s first ski resort with the lodge being built between 1936-1938 and home of the Magic Mile chairlift which was built in 1939. It was the second chairlift ever built. Mt Hood Skibowl, located in Government Camp is the local’s favorite and the easiest ski area to access, especially for visitors who are staying in Government Camp. Skibowl is known as America’s largest night ski area and for their Cosmic Tubing. Cooper Spur Ski Area near Parkdale on the north side of the mountain is operated by Mt Hood Meadows and is ideal for beginners and kids. Summit Ski Area and Tubing Hill, is located on the east end of Government Camp. With one chairlift, it has long been the favorite place to teach kids how to ski. RLK & Co., the managing company for Timberline recently bought the ski area with long-range plans of joining the two ski areas.

For snow enthusiasts who like getting their cardio workout on the snow, Mt Hood offers a number of places for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for all fitness levels. The wide-open and relatively flat area at the White River Sno-Park is ideal for beginners who do not want too much steepness or trying to wind their way through the trees. And you will get amazing views of Mt Hood. Most cross-country areas do not have set tracks, so if you are the early bird who gets on the trail first, you will be breaking trail for others. Note to snowshoers, please do not trek over those hard-earned ski tracks; go along the side.

For set cross-country tracks, try the Teacup Lake trail system with 12 miles of groomed trails from flat and easy, to challenging hills with turns. Tracks are set by a full-size Snocat for both skating and touring skis. Just across Highway 35 at Hood River Meadows is the Nordic Center at Mt Hood Meadows with more than 9 miles of groomed and set track including skating and traditional striding lanes through beautiful wooded trails and meadows.

Reclaim your inner child and make an angel in the snow. You can do this just about anywhere and with anyone.

Sledding and tubing has been around since kids have been playing in the snow. There are a number of designated sled and tube hills around the mountain (duh moment here: please do not sled or tube down the roads where cars are driving). The most popular areas for sledding and tubing are Summit Tube Hill at the east end of Goverment Camp, Snow Bunny just east of Government Camp and the White River West Sno-Park.

Ramp up the tubing experience with Cosmic Tubing at Mt Hood Skibowl with over 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights, rocking music and more it will be the most fun you’ve had all weekend. At the bottom of the tube hill, a dual conveyor lift takes you and the tube back up the hill. The Multorpor Cafe is at the top of the tube hill for hot cocoa, chili, burgers and more.

On select Saturday nights and New Year’s Eve, you can catch the fireworks show at Mt Hood Skibowl.

There is nothing more peaceful and serene than a winter walk in the snow. Many hiking trails are accessible during the winter months and as long as the snow is not too deep, you can walk in a winter wonderland. Be sure to wear the warm winter clothes (no cotton) and winter boots.

Let the kids and the family dog get tired out with a romp in the snow. Many Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are surrounded by snow during the winter, so they can just head out the back door. Or you can take a short drive to one of many Sno-Parks and join in on the fun. The best Mt Hood Vacation Rentals for playing in the snow are in Government Camp, however, we often have snow around the cabins and lodges at the lower elevations, too.

Whether your idea of a good time in the snow is to play in it or if you prefer to sit inside near a cozy and warm fire while it snows outside, you will love one of our Mt Hood cabins, lodges or chalets for your winter snow play vacay this year. Call one of our Vacation Planners, Fay or Kayla at 888-424-9168 or send them an email to find the perfect winter vacation rental. Need a little more time to plan, search Mt Hood Vacation Rentals online.