Welcome To Mt. Hood Magazine's Online Blog...

...featuring the Villages of Mt. Hood. It comes to you from your hosts who welcome you into the villages of Alder Creek, Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag and Rhododendron, all located on US Highway 26, starting about nine miles east of Sandy, Oregon. See Map »

Good Times in Hot Water

Posted By admin on March 16, 2010

Hot Tubbing at Mt. Hood Resort Condominiums

Resort at The MountainImagine you and your girlfriends on a weekend condo getaway, with mountain scenery by day and stars by the hundreds at night.  Now add to that an outdoor deck with a hot tub, a historic golf course in the back yard and a day spa next door, and you’re ready to be Bruce and Michele Dunn’s guests at Mt. Hood Resort Condos.

The Dunns manage over a dozen of the condos, which range from two to three bedrooms and can easily house 6 to 10 guests; book early if you want one with a hot-tub.  When you arrive you’ll find all the comforts of home:  a wood burning fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom for each bedroom stocked with fresh, fluffy towels and rugs.  Throw in cable TV, high-speed internet and a washer and dryer, and your get-together won’t miss a beat:  catch all your favorite shows, freshen up your travel clothes, and keep in touch with everyone back home (if you dare!).  Don’t want to use the kitchen?  There are a dozen local restaurants within 2 miles of the condos. (more…)

Girls Just Wanna Have Snacks!

Posted By admin on March 16, 2010

Go Appetizer Hopping in the Villages

Step 1: Wrangle Your Gal Pals
Step 2: Pick a Mt Hood Condo or Cabin
Step 3: Take an Appetizer Adventure
Step 4: Catch the Shooting Stars in the Hot Tub

We all need some time to relax and wind down with our friends. And what better way to do that than to visit one of the great restaurants that the Villages at Mt Hood are so well known for? Perhaps it’s a “Ladies Night Out” or “Game Night with the guys”. Nice relaxing get-togethers that include visiting, laughing and catching up, but not necessarily a full and formal meal. The best formula for such an event is typically a cold beverage and an appetizer or two… maybe three.

The restaurants in our Villages are varied in their styles and ambience, and so are their appetizers. The most popular appetizers from the restaurants are included but are really only a part of what one will find on their snack night out in the Villages.

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Easter Hunts & Brunches!

Posted By admin on March 16, 2010

It’s a Weekend of Easter Festivities

in the Villages of Mt Hood!

Great Big Easter Egg Hunt at The Resort Saturday, April 3rd in Welches

Hippity hop on over to The Resort at The Mountain this year for Easter-related activities. On Saturday, April 3 - yes, Saturday! - there will be an Easter egg hunt at 11am. Consider this your official invitation. Our treat. Approximately 3,000 eggs will be hidden for the hunting delight of children of all ages. Actually, there will be three designated children’s age groups to ensure all kids have an equal chance to find their share. Cookies and refreshments will be provided. Even the Easter bunny will be available for photo ops! (Bring your own camera.)

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Running Wild

Posted By admin on March 16, 2010

Losing the Winter Hibernation Layer

Winter ran right by and spring has started its race.  “Weather” you like it or not, the Varied Thrush is whistling at you, Indian Plum leaves are pushing through their buds, Red Elderberry buds look like they are going to explode, Skunk Cabbage has popped out and there has been a skunk hanging out around my cabin for the last week!  Canada Geese are flying up the Zigzag River, and I woke up today listening to a Song Sparrow just going off.

What spring really means is that it is time to lose my winter hibernation layer and start running around!  The gym is great but with so many trails and so much beauty, it is time to go outside.  Once you step out your door, don’t be alarmed as it is just your shadow ready to bust out into the spring sunlight.  Now that you are outside, the next decision is if you are going to take a jog around the neighborhood, out on the road systems, or ducking into the trees on one of the many forest trails.  Here are a couple of helpful hints, precautions, and hazards to be aware of so you can have a safe, scenic, and successful run.

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Live Music

Posted By admin on March 15, 2010

March/April Music Venues
in the Villages of Mt Hood:

March 2010

Every Thursday
Open Jam, 8pm at The Skyway Bar & Grill

Friday, March 5
Viasol, 9pm at The Skyway Bar & Grill
Come enjoy local favorites funky jazz rock band.

Saturday, March 6
Music in the Market at Timberline’s Wy’East Day Lodge. Stevi Marie and Jackson Road: Americana music at its best, young Stevi serves up her original country songs with fine musicianship and a skilled and honest delivery. Stevi can rock it, twang it, or belt out a sweet ballad. Fans of contemporary, traditional, and even alt country will love Stevi Marie and Jackson Road! She’s the real deal.

KEEGAN SMITH & FRIENDS, 9pm at The Skyway Bar & Grill
Winners of the 2009 Portland Music Award

Rebel String Band at The Whistle Stop

Sunday, March 7
KLYPH BLACK & FRIENDS, 8pm at The Skyway Bar & Grill
Klyph Black is from The Zentricksters

Friday March 12
DJ 80, 9pm at The Skyway Bar & Grill
Old School 70’s, 80’s and 90’s Dance Party! (more…)

March/April 2010 Calendar of Events

Posted By admin on March 15, 2010

for the Villages of Mt Hood

DAILY

Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, 88900 E Hwy 26 Business Loop, Government Camp. Winter Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. everyday. Closed Holidays except New Years. No admission, but donations accepted. Exhibits interpret history of winter sports, early exploration, settlement and natural history of Mt. Hood. Internet access/WIFI available. Info: 503-272-3301.

MONDAYS
Yoga on the Mountain, 6-7 pm, The Resort at The Mountain, 68010 E. Fairview, Welches, OR 97067. All levels welcome, drop in. Info: Sarah King 503-522-0335.

TUESDAYS
Line Dancing 10am, Mt. Hood Village Resort in the Evergreen Room, 65000 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR 97067. Call 503-622-4011 for more information.

WEDNESDAYS
Sue Allen Yoga, 9am, Evergreen Plaza, Welches, Oregon 97067. $10/drop-in. Info: 503-622-3611, sueallen@easystreet.net.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 10am, Hoodland Senior Center, 25400 E Salmon River Road, Welches, Oregon 97067. Info: 503-668-0901

THURSDAYS
Line Dancing, 10am, Mt. Hood Village Resort in the Evergreen Room (pictured at left), 65000 E Hwy 26, Welches, Oregon 97067. Everyone is welcome!

FRIDAYS
Friday Night Bingo at the Mt. Hood Lions Club, 7pm, E. Hwy 26 and Woodsey Way, Welches, Oregon 97067. Doors open at 6:30 pm, games start at 7pm. Progressive Blackout Jackpot. Snack Bar, non-smoking, adults only. Come play and have some fun! Info: 503-622-4111.

SUNDAYS
Arts & Crafts Market at Skyway Bar and Grill. Local artists and musicians gather to exchange techniques and meet with customers. Come and see their paintings, jewelry, leather crafts and more. 3pm at the Skyway Bar and Grill located at 71545 E. Hwy 26 in Rhododendron, OR 97049. Call 503-622-3775 for more information. (more…)

Ready, Set, TUBE!

Posted By admin on February 6, 2010

Or, How To Burn Off Cheeseburgers

Skibowl’s tubing Adventure Park sets the stage for exciting weekends of fun with family and friends.

Early Saturday morning, geared up in our snow pants, we headed off to Mount Hood to check out the tubing experience at Skibowl, located on the east side of their Tubing Adventure Park.

Turning left, we headed through Government camp and continued forward, looking for the next sign that would point us in the direction towards our tubing adventure. We crossed over the bridge and could see the fun ahead of us.  The hustle and bustle of family and friends surrounded us as we collected our parking pass and tickets to tube! (more…)

Meet the American Dipper

Posted By admin on January 29, 2010

Who Does the Dip, Dip Dive?

The American Dipper

Many birds scour the edge of a stream looking for their next meal.

The American Dipper takes this approach further by diving into the water for his dinner! Like its European counterpart (known as a Water Ouzel), the Dipper bobs its whole body up and down when pausing between dives into fast-moving, rocky streams and shallow lakes.

They have dense gray-brown feathers with a down undercoat. They also have a third eyelid and a larger preen gland at the base of their tail for waterproofing their plumage. Their blood can store more oxygen than other perching birds which allows them to remain underwater for up to 15 seconds.

Each of these adaptations let them dive into chilly waters and walk on the bottom of streams – fully submerged - feeding on insect larvae, periwinkles, eggs and small fish. The Dipper must be watchful though - this clever habit of diving and walking along the bottom of streams in search of food sometimes makes it the prey of larger fish. (more…)

A Flair for Flowers

Posted By admin on January 26, 2010

A Flair for Flowers

Let Sally Embellish Your Special Event — Naturally!

Your wedding cake reflects all the rich goodness of the life you’ll have together.  If Sally Schneider is decorating that special centerpiece, you’ll have a work of floral art that not only tastes delicious, but is bursting with the lively, colorful beauty she hopes you’ll always share.

blooming occasionsSally opened Weddings and Other Bloomin’ Occasions” in the Rendezvous Plaza in October 2008, and weddings are her favorite projects.  “Weddings are a very happy and exciting time,” she says, “and being a part of that makes me feel that way too.”  She also gets to bring her artistic skills and instincts into full play, creating arrangements that distinctively reflect each bride’s individual personality.  If the cake is part of the job, often she does not see it until the day of the wedding.  Then she designs on the spot, spontaneously assembling flowers that tie into the entire event’s decor.

That same impulse to share through flowers finds Sally creating arrangements for any occasions her customers wish.  Whether her art is needed for a birthday, graduation, get well, or just because, she’s ready to custom design a lovely natural gift. (more…)

Choosing the Perfect Cabin

Posted By admin on January 26, 2010

Cozy Up in a Mountain Cabin

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cabin for
Ski Groups and Getaways in the Villages of Mt Hood

kathy kabinsStaying in a cabin in the woods can be a great way to spend a family vacation, romantic rendezvous or relaxing getaway. Mount Hood cabins are often surrounded by captivating natural views such as forested areas or streams which brings the mountain’s natural beauty right to your doorstep.

From casually rustic to very elegant, Mt. Hood cabins are a worth experiencing. For preliminary research, you can call Mt. Hood Information Center, 503-622-3017 or browse the websites listed below.

Mt. Hood is more and more well-known for its diverse lodging cabins. They are available in a variety of styles, with many different amenities and settings. To find a perfect fit for your needs, take a few moments to consider these questions. (more…)