17
Jan
2013
jloomis

Bennett Pass Mt Hood Viewpoint Snow Hike

It has been over a month since I last went out on an adventure. My last trip involved a snowmobile crash which has made it difficult for me to walk and has put me out of work. I tore part of my quadriceps muscle and also my medial meniscus in my knee. I started physical therapy this week and fortunately am walking much better now. As part of my rehabilitation to gain full range of motion in my left leg before knee surgery next month, I decided to go on a short snow hike today. The weather has been beautiful up in the mountains and I have been eager to get out and enjoy it.

I decided to head to Bennett Pass Sno-Park (same place where I last snowmobiled) and hike about 1.3 miles to a great viewpoint of Mount Hood. The Sno-Park is about 9 miles East of Government Camp, Oregon across from Mount Hood Meadows ski resort off Hwy 35. I arrived just after 10 AM to a completely empty parking lot. It was about 27°F when I left Portland and 52°F after I started hiking. Talk about temperature inversion.

Alone at Bennett Pass Sno-Park     Mt Hood from Bennett Pass Sno-Park

There was quite a bit more snow than a month ago, but I was very thankful the trail was well packed by skiers and snowshoers. I wore MICROspikes® to get a better grip on the snow and reduce the chances of re-injuring my leg.

Well Packed Trail     Warm Sun Along Trail

I made surprisingly good time (it's only a couple hundred feet elevation gain over 1.3 miles) and was soon headed up the last bit to the viewpoint.

Almost to the Viewpoint of Mount Hood     Douglas-fir (<em>Pseudotsuga menziesii</em>) Branch in the Snow

My efforts were rewarded with a magnificent view of Mt Hood. The sky was completely clear and the weather surprisingly pleasant. It felt like Spring as I rolled up my sleeves and enjoyed the calm warming sun.

East Side of Mt Hood     Mt Hood Reflected on my Glacier Glasses

As I stared at Mt Hood I yearned to be able to climb again. Hopefully by mid March I will be able to go back to work and be close to full recovery.

Panorama of Mount Hood

I basked in the sun for awhile and soon had brave Gray Jays trying to help me with my snack.

Me Posing with Mt Hood in the Background     Gray Jay Attempting to Steal my Snack!
Just Me and a Gray Jay Relaxing in front of Mt Hood

On the way back I came across a few skiers enjoying the great conditions. Even though it was only a short adventure I had a great time. I really needed to get out and look forward to several more short trips in the near future.

Gear List

Osprey Variant 37 Pack
Komperdell Powerlock Trekking Poles
Kahtoola MICROspikes®
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Max Electric Boots
Outdoor Research TrailBreaker Pants
Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket
GoLite Kenai Pertex 2.5L Jacket
Columbia Powerfly Down Puff Jacket
Head Digital Sport Liner Gloves
Columbia Men's Fast Trek Fleece Hat
HighGear ATF8 Altimeter
Petzl TIKKA XP 2 Headlamp
Olympus Tough TG-1 Camera
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel
First Aid Kit
iPhone w/NeoTreksGPS
Suunto A-10 Compass

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