Cascade Range: Mount Hood

0 ft

Elevation

U.S.

Country

Days

2A

Difficulty

Late June

Start

Early Aug

End

About the Mountain

WHY CLIMB IT?

Climbing Mount Hood (11,239 ft) is a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest. It’s one of the most picturesque peaks in the region and you can experience its beauty as an adventure-filled day trip. While most people take 8 to 10 hours to make the round trip to the summit and back, others shorten it even further on a speed- or ski-ascent. The fastest known time (FKT) on foot is less than 2 hours and 15 minutes, starting from the Timberline Lodge, and the FKT on skis is less than 1 hour and 45 minutes.

“The descent of a technical element is always more difficult than the ascent. Mount Hood proved to be no exception.”

- Bryce Caster

Although Mount Hood is a quick climb that is relatively easy compared to more technical peaks, there are still accidents on it every year thanks to people underestimating the steep terrain or how quickly bad weather can roll in. For the last 1,000 feet of the climb, you’ll need experience with crampons, roped travel, belays, and self-arrests, since you’ll cross steep patches of ice and snow. You should also take a guide if you’re planning on skiing down and do not have an intimate familiarity with the mountain’s contours and avalanche conditions.