04
Mar
2018
jloomis

Snowmobiling from Shellrock Creek - Mt Hood, Oregon

Kevin and I decided to snowmobile on around Mt Hood on Sunday. Instead of fighting the ski/snowboard traffic off hwy 26 or hwy 35, we chose to unload our snowmobiles from the Upper Clackamas side of the mountain near Shellrock Creek campground. There was already another trailer parked when we arrived, but still plenty of room for us on the side of the road.

It was a nice calm day with cloudy skies and a temperature about 30°F. We started riding up the the icy trail and turned left towards Hideaway Lake. No one had been up there, so we had fresh untouched snow to ride on. It was great and the further we climbed the deeper the snow got. There was about 2-3 feet of powder by the time we made it to Hideaway.

From Hideaway Lake we backtracked and then rode up to High Rock. No view of Mt Hood today unfortunately.

Kevin turning around his Arctic Cat snowmobile on a narrow trail     Snowmobiling at the base of High Rock

From High Rock we continued snowmobiling on the trail to a fun little hill climb area. We had the hill to ourselves. I quickly shot straight up to the top with Kevin soon to follow. So much fun. It has been a few years since I have been to this spot.

Icicles near High Rock     View from the top of a fun little hill climb

From the hill play area we backtracked and rode over to Frying Pan Lake. I though maybe we could play out in the lake, but it wasn't frozen. It was covered in snow, but I was able to find water fairly easily after digging down in the snow about a foot or two. We decided to play it safe and stay off the lake.

Kevin climbing up the hill     Frying Pan Lake covered in snow

Before heading back, we rode to Skyline SnoPark and then up to Clear Lake Lookout. The trail to the lookout was extremely rutted and not very fun. We finished the day with 72 miles of riding. Our longest trip of the season. Kevin's new Arctic Cat is finally getting broken in.

View from Clear Lake Lookout Tower     Clear Lake Lookout Tower

2017/18 Mileage

Trip: 72 miles
Season: 217 miles
Total Days: 7

2016/17 Season: 239 miles, 8 days

2015/16 Season: 408 miles, 15 days

Gear List

2014 Polaris 800 Pro RMK Snowmobile
2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Snowmobile
Up North Technologies PRO SERIES Snowmobile Cargo Rack
P-700-B Low Profile Powder Keg
HMK Summit V16 Pack
GMAX GM76X Helmet
Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Goggles
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Max Electric Boots
HMK Hustler 2 Snowmobile Pants
Columbia Titanium Hightail II Softshell Jacket
HMK Cascade Snowmobile Jacket
Columbia Powerfly Down Puff Jacket
Head Digital Sport Liner Gloves
Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves
Columbia Men's Fast Trek Fleece Hat
Balaclava
HighGear ATF8 Altimeter
Petzl TIKKA XP 2 Headlamp
Olympus Tough TG-1 Camera
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel
Fiskars POWER TOOTH Softgrip 10" Folding Saw
Kel-Tec P-3AT .380 Auto
First Aid Kit
SPOT Gen3
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active w/BackCountry Navigator
Suunto A-10 Compass

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Disclaimer: You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards of backcountry travel and taking the necessary precautions. Loomis Adventures may not be held liable.