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Climbing Mount Hood

Adress: Mt Hood Prkdl, Oregon

Cost: Free

About

Mount Hood, Oregon's highest summit at 11,240 feet, is a dormant volcano covered with 11 active glaciers. This snow covered peak lies at the heart of Mount Hood Wilderness [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recreation/climbing/recarea/?recid=79439&actid=38] and is covered with forested slopes and alpine meadows. Mount Hood attracts more than 10,000 climbers a year, making Mount Hood's summit the most visited snow covered peak in America. Current Conditions 05/24/2019 Climbing Report [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3844518.pdf] Spring has arrived on Mt Hood. Routes are in awesome climbing and skiing condition. Spring weather can still bring winter like conditions on the mountain. Storms can develop quickly and still bring significant snowfall and poor conditions including snow, rain, high winds, poor visibility, thunderstorms and cold temperatures.  Snow depth increases as one ascends in elevation. The potential for avalanche activity is still a risk that needs to be considered, Monitor conditions and weather forecasts by the  National Weather Service [http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=46.2026&lon=-121.4906#.VwQsb3qxP4Q] And any special postings by the NW Weather and Avalanche Center [http://www.nwac.us/avalanche-forecast/current/cascade-west-south/]. Avalanche rescue gear such as a beacon, shovel and probe are also strongly recommended and the knowledge of how to use them. Climbing Mt Hood is a technical climb. There are no trails to the summit. The "easier" southside climbing route from the historic Timberline Lodge [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recreation/recarea/?recid=53626] is still a technical climb with crevasses to cross, falling rocks, avalanches and often inclement weather. Ropes, crampons and other technical gear are necessary. Climbing season is generally from April to mid-June due to melting snow and rockfall hazards later in the season. Detailed information on climbing routes is available from several climbing guidebooks. Fatalities on the mountain average at least one a year. Other routes on the mountain are much more difficult. Consider climbing mid-week to enhance your opportunity for solitude. Check out this video overview for some key information about what it takes to climb safely: Safety Concerns You are responsible for your safety. Those planning to climb should take all necessary equipment for self-rescue and extended stays on the mountain due to weather or incident. There are no emergency medical services available on the mountain. It is a remote location.  Any help may be hours or days out, especially in situations where your location or weather would create an unsafe situation for rescuers. It is always advisable to leave your itinerary and estimated time of return with a third party.  The southside climbing route leaves from the historic Timberline Lodge [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recreation/recarea/?recid=53626]. Climbers registration is in the Timberline Day Lodge. Use the Climbers Trail out of the Salmon River Lot to avoid Resort Operations while climbing.

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