Mount Hood travel guide

Mount Hood travel guide

National Airports

There are no national airports in Mount Hood. The closest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), which is located about 60 miles west of Mount Hood. From there, visitors can rent a car or take public transportation to reach the mountain. There are also smaller regional airports in nearby cities such as Hood River and The Dalles, but these airports primarily serve private and charter flights.

Trains in Mount Hood

There are no passenger trains that directly serve Mount Hood. However, the Amtrak Empire Builder line stops in nearby cities such as Hood River and Bingen, which are about 30-40 miles north of Mount Hood. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach the mountain. Additionally, the historic Mount Hood Railroad offers scenic train rides through the Hood River Valley and surrounding areas, although these do not provide direct transportation to Mount Hood.

Buses in Mount Hood

There are several bus options for traveling to and around Mount Hood:

Mt. Hood Express: The Mt. Hood Express is a public bus service that provides transportation between Sandy and Timberline Lodge, with stops at various points along the way. The service runs year-round, with more frequent service during the winter ski season.

Columbia Area Transit (CAT): CAT provides bus service between Hood River, The Dalles, and other nearby cities. From Hood River, visitors can take the Mt. Hood Express to reach Mount Hood.

Shuttle services: There are several shuttle services that provide transportation to and from Mount Hood from nearby cities such as Portland, Hood River, and Bend. These services typically require advance reservations and may have limited availability during peak travel seasons.

Private bus charters: Private bus charters can also be arranged for groups traveling to Mount Hood. These services may offer customized itineraries and additional amenities such as luggage storage and on-board entertainment.

Overall, while bus options to and around Mount Hood are more limited than in larger urban areas, there are still several options available for visitors who prefer not to drive.

How to get to Mount Hood

Mount Hood can be accessed by car, bus, or shuttle service from nearby cities such as Portland, Hood River, and Bend. Here are some of the most common transportation options for getting to Mount Hood:

Rental car: Renting a car is the most flexible way to travel to Mount Hood. From Portland, take Highway 26 east towards the mountain. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Shuttle service: There are several shuttle services that provide transportation to and from Mount Hood from nearby cities such as Portland, Hood River, and Bend. These services typically require advance reservations and may have limited availability during peak travel seasons.

Public transportation: The Mt. Hood Express provides bus service between Sandy and Timberline Lodge, with stops at various points along the way. From Hood River, visitors can take the Columbia Area Transit (CAT) bus to reach Mount Hood.

Private transportation: Private transportation services such as taxis, limousines, and private car services can also be arranged for travel to Mount Hood. These services may offer more customized itineraries and additional amenities such as luggage storage and on-board entertainment.

Overall, while Mount Hood is not easily accessible by air or rail, there are several transportation options available for visitors who prefer not to drive or who are traveling from nearby cities.

What is the best time to travel to Mount Hood

The best time to travel to Mount Hood largely depends on what activities you are interested in and your personal preferences. Here are some things to consider:

Skiing and snowboarding: Mount Hood is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with several ski resorts and snow parks in the area. The ski season typically runs from November through April, with the best conditions typically in December through February.

Hiking and outdoor activities: The summer months (June through September) are the best time for hiking and other outdoor activities in Mount Hood. During this time, the weather is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from the 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Spring (April and May) and fall (October and November) can also be good times to visit, although weather conditions can be more variable.

Crowds and costs: Mount Hood can be very busy during peak travel seasons, especially during summer and winter holidays. If you are looking to avoid crowds and potentially save money on accommodations and activities, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) or midweek.

Overall, the best time to visit Mount Hood depends on what you are looking to do and your personal preferences. Consider the weather, crowds, and cost when planning your trip.

How to get around Mount Hood

The best way to get around Mount Hood depends on your transportation preferences and the activities you plan to do. Here are some options:

Car: The easiest way to get around Mount Hood is by car, as there are several scenic drives in the area, including the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway. If you are flying into the area, you can rent a car at the Portland International Airport and drive to Mount Hood.

Public transportation: There are limited public transportation options in the Mount Hood area. However, there are some shuttle services that operate in the area during the winter ski season, such as the Mt. Hood Express bus service that runs from the Portland metro area to the ski resorts on Mount Hood.

Biking: Mount Hood has several biking trails and routes, and biking can be a great way to get around and explore the area. There are several bike rental shops in the area where you can rent bikes.

Walking and hiking: If you are staying in one of the small towns or villages in the Mount Hood area, walking can be a great way to explore. Additionally, there are several hiking trails in the area that offer beautiful views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Overall, the best way to get around Mount Hood largely depends on your transportation preferences and the activities you plan to do. A car is typically the easiest way to get around, but there are other options available if you prefer not to drive.

Accommodations in Mount Hood

There are several accommodation options in Mount Hood, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury:

Lodges and resorts: There are several lodges and resorts in the Mount Hood area that offer a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins to luxurious suites. Some of the popular options include Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort.

Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals are a popular option in Mount Hood, with many private homes and cabins available for rent. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO have a large selection of vacation rentals in the area.

Campgrounds: Mount Hood has several campgrounds, including some that are open year-round. These campgrounds offer tent and RV camping options.

Hotels and motels: There are several hotels and motels in the Mount Hood area, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale accommodations. Some of the popular options include Best Western Mt. Hood Inn, Mt. Hood Village RV Resort, and the Hood River Hotel.

Overall, there are plenty of accommodation options in Mount Hood to suit a variety of preferences and budgets. It’s important to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as accommodations can fill up quickly.