Don’t get me wrong. Skiing is heaven. Snow tops my favorite-things list every time. But there comes a point during most winters when I start to eye my hiking boots with some longing. When I start to crave the feeling of dirt under my feet. And it’s usually right about now—February.

Is your favorite mountain trail still six feet under? Are you getting tired of dodging snowplows and cars while you try to walk on the road? Or maybe you’re just not a snow-lover and want some exercise while your buddies hit the slopes?

Here are some great spots around Mount Hood, generally free of snow this time of year, where you can do some pre-springtime walking. So if you’re ready to turn off the treadmill and miss that repeat episode of “Real Housewives,” dust off your boots and get going.

A decade ago, a few days after moving to Mount Hood from the east coast, I’d stacked a few cords of wood, hooked up my fancy dial-up, and found my way to several sweet-smelling trails. That done, I rolled out my yoga mat on a cedar carpet, and practiced in a bath of moss and golden autumn light.

It was perfect.

Then September 11th. In those following early mornings, I’d lie in bed in my tiny cabin and listen to a red-tail hawk hunting before dawn. That screech sounded like a firecracker, thrown over and over. I would walk to Still Creek and watch the salmon spawning for hours. All of us searching.

I started looking for a yoga class. Mind you, in 2001 yoga was not quite the ubiquitous occurrence it is now and I drove into Portland a lot. One day, though, someone told me about a class happening right in Welches.

Snowboarding is more than a sport... it's a lifestyle at Mt Hood. It offers a sense of community and it's fun!  Snowboarding in the U.S. took off as a new winter snow sport in the late 70’s when the likes of Jake Burton, started building snowboards for a different way to get down the hill.  Just a few years later, Mt Hood was recognized as one of the few ski areas to welcome snowboarders.  By the early 90’s, there were more riders than skiers “on the Hood”.  The sport’s popularity at Mt Hood has been growing ever since.

Snowboarding at Mt Hood has graduated from a means to get from top to bottom to a sport filled with tricks.  Mt Hood is now known for its awesome terrain parks.  In the beginning, riders would build half pipes and jumps by hand, then after ripping through the obstacles, they would slog back uphill on foot.  For the last decade or more, the resorts have put mega effort into building world-class parks that are located in several locations throughout the “ski” areas.  Terrain Parks with names like The Zoo & Shipyard include rails, both straight and wavy, jumps and fun boxes, some are even crazy with curves.  Now riders can catch a chairlift back to the top of the park.

Skijoring with Man’s Best Friend

You don't have to compete to enjoy skijoring with your dog. With just three pieces of equipment, an eager dog and a pair of cross country skis, you're on your way to an exciting new sport with your dog!

In skijoring, the idea is that your dog (or dogs) assist you along the winter trails, over the hills and through the woods, by helping pull while you ski behind them.  No matter if to grandma’s house you go, racing for the finish line or hustling to that dark craft beer chilling in the snow, skijoring can appeal to anyone who enjoys the bliss of Nordic skiing and loves dogs.  For many, it’s a natural pairing.

Wintery Events in the Villages of Mt. Hood

Whether you want to get in some skiing or snowboarding, build a snowman, or enjoy a brisk powdery hike, The Villages at Mt Hood have places for you to go and hot meals and warm rooms afterward.  Here’s a few of the highlights coming up:

Snowpack Attack

January 2008 marks the 40th Anniversary of Mt. Hood Meadows.  You’ll find many specials that continue all through the final week of January, such as the $40 Learn to Ski or Snowboard Special: beginner lift ticket, 2-hour lesson and equipment rentals (for ages 13 and older).  Their Anniversary Weekend Celebration is January 26-27, with music, vendors, season pass giveaways, and special guests including entertainer Moe Dixon, voted #1 Best Après-Ski Show by Skiing Magazine.  Call 1.800.SKI.HOOD or 503.337.2217.

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.

in the Villages of Mt Hood

Lots of fine trees for decorating are available from the tree stands and farms in the area.  You may like to visit one if your family prefers pine which does not grow naturally in the area.  Cedar and fir do, and many families enjoy searching the woods for their own Christmas tree.  The snow and cold fresh air, the grand scenery, and the excitement of finding the perfect one make for great memories.  However, before you head out to the forest on your own, here’s some helpful information.

Winter weather in the forest can change rapidly.  Forest Service roads are not plowed. Be advised of winter road closures and snow park permit requirements.  Be prepared for rain, snow and icy conditions.  Bring extra food and clothing.  We recommend you start early in the day and be out of the forest before dark.  Carry a tool to cut your tree, a shovel and tire chains.  Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to return. 

Mt Hood’s Winter Wildlife

During Mt. Hood’s winters, you will marvel at the mountain’s serene, snowy beauty. If you’re walking quietly at the right time and place, you might enjoy the chance to glimpse another lovely sight: the local wildlife.  A few of our wild neighbors are easy to spot, some are a bit more difficult to discover.  They’ll all be looking hard for winter food, so please admire them from a distance and let them pass peacefully.

Elk move to lower elevations in the cold months. Bulls may choose high meadows, while cows and their young like south-facing slopes where food is easier to come by.  When necessary, elk paw through snow for meals of dried grasses and twigs.

Moonlight Adventures on Mt Hood

Starlight, star bright, let’s go in the forest tonight!

After walking your favorite Mount Hood trails by daylight with sunshine and flowers, try visiting the same trails by moonlight. Hiking in the moonlit snow is an entirely different experience when you are  surrounded by darkness with the night stars above.

The forest offers you such a peaceful state of mind, as long as you are aware, prepared, and over any childhood fear of the dark!