Snowshoeing on Mount Hood, Oregon near Timberline Lodge

Katie and I had been eager to try out our new Yukon Charlie's snowshoes, so we headed to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood despite the rainy forecast. At 6,000 feet in elevation, Timberline was the highest place we could drive to. The snow level was predicted to be around 8,000 feet and wind gusts up to 55 mph. Not ideal conditions, but we really wanted to get out in the snow. We planned to hike about a mile straight up the mountain to Silcox Hut at 7,016 feet in elevation. Area map.

When we arrived at Timberline Lodge, the weather was not pleasant. The temperature was about 40°F with wind-driven rain. It's the worst rain I have seen outside the Oregon Coast. We altered our plans and decided to snowshoe for only about 30 minutes. That's about all it took for the rain to drench us. Our gear was waterproof, but was no match for the rain, which found its way through every opening. At least we got to try out our Yukon Charlie's snowshoes. The ended up working pretty well for the short time we were out. Maybe next time instead of rainshoeing, we can do some real snowshoeing.

   

Even though the High Peak Alpinismo Trango 65 backpack was shedding rivers of rain, some water still managed to find its way in through various openings and zippers. I imagine a rain cover would be more suited to the rainy conditions we snowshoed in, considering this pack is not designed to be waterproof. We hiked uphill several hundred yards and then did a loop around Timberline Lodge. There was no one else out braving the elements. It was kind of sad to see the parking lot so empty on a holiday weekend. After our short snowshoe adventure, we relaxed in the lodge before heading home. A gentleman from the Timberline staff kindly snapped a photo of us. He joked that there wasn't much else to do with so few guests.

   

The La Niña weather pattern this winter is really wreaking havoc on our snowpack. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!