SNOWMOBILING

"Snow" Much Fun!

Mt. Hood Adventures via Snowmobile

If you’ve got an itch to cover many miles on your winter adventures, a snowmobile will do the trick.  Did you know some of the first snowmobiles were Ford Model Ts with tracks and skis tacked on underneath?  Some passenger models existed in the late 30’s and 40’s that carried as many as 12 people in a cab. That’s more of a snow bus than a snowmobile! 

Today’s models are smaller and much more nimble. They can go all kinds of places allowing you to see much more of the outdoors than you would normally experience on skis or snowshoes.
           
If you don’t have your own snowmobile, you may want to rent one or enjoy a guided tour.  Mt. Hood Motorworks rents snowmobiles for $180/first day and $125/each additional day, helmets and trailer included.  Their 4 sleds must be reserved in advance.  If you have a snowmobile of your own, they also provide parts and services to keep you on the snow.

Mt. Hood Motorworks
42007 SE Hwy 26
Sandy, Oregon
503.668.8008
chester@mthoodmotorworks.com
www.mthoodmotorworks.com

Mt. Hood Adventure in Government Camp does not rent, but provides snowmobile tours with experienced guides.  Tours start from Frog Lake Sno-Park and Skyline Sno-Park.  A 4-hour tour for 2 includes lunch and costs $235; the same tour for one person is $185.  If you want to get out under the stars, try their night ride on Saturday, February 9 for the same rate.  If you’ve got other night owl friends, Mt. Hood Adventure can put together a night ride for 3 or 4 people; call for rates.  Reservations are required for all activities, and coats and bibs are also available to rent. 

Mt. Hood Adventure
Government Camp, Oregon
1.888.422.4776.
info@mthoodadventure.com
www.mthoodadventure.com

Safety Matters

Before heading out, know your basic snowmobile safety.  Here are some hints from TreadLightly.org on responsible snowmobiling:

• Travel only in areas open to snowmobiling.
• When climbing a hill, approach the summit with caution.
• Always check the weather forecast and avalanche conditions.
• Wear a helmet, eye protection, and other safety gear. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the safety of the wildlife and cross-country skiers and snowshoers you may see on your travels.  Enjoy the animals, but leave them in peace to enjoy the winter their way.  And be courteous of the other human trail users, too.

If you’re on your own, you need to know where you can go safely and legally.  That means you need to go to the Mt. Hood Information Center in Welches, where maps of the local snowmobile trails are available at the info desk.

Mt Hood Information Center
24403 E. Welches Rd.
Welches Oregon
503.622.4822 or 1.888.622.4822
 infoctr@mthood.info
www.mthood.info

You can also find some handy links and a small map online at the website of Mt. Hood Snowmobile Club.  The Mt Hood Snowmobile Club might be a good place to meet new friends, too.

Useful information on winter trails and parks is available at the Mt. Hood National Forest’s Winter Recreational Activities.  There are 8 Sno-Parks where you can start your snowmobile adventure:
Bennett Pass
Billy Bob
Frog Lake
Little John
Lolo Pass
Skyline Road
Trillium Lake
White River East

Be careful, bring a friend and a lunch — cover some snow and have fun!

January/February 2008

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