Summer Snow on the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop

For my family, who visited from Florida, Mt. Hood’s snow (even in July) was the attraction. While the kids watched snowboarders come off the mountain after a morning of shredding the powder, they were thrilled to toss snowballs and feel the crunch of the snow beneath their boots. Timberline is the only ski area in North America opens all 12 months of the year.

The winter season typically begins early to mid-November and continues through Memorial Day. Their Palmer Express high-speed quad lift allows them to operate later into the summer season than anyone else (usually June 1st through Labor Day). But this was a day trip and we had much to see, so we settled for a walk up to the snowpack from the lodge and some fun throwing snowballs.

When you get to the edge of the snowpack, you can throw snowballs and look up at the ski lifts. You are on the mountain! Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Revel in Lavender

After enjoying all that Timberline had to offer, it’s time to leave Hwy 26 and drive Hwy 35 on the “backside” of the mountain. This takes you through the Mt. Hood National Forest with sights such as Tamanawas Falls accessible by a trail along Cold Spring Creek. As you head down into the valley, look back and catch glimpses of Mt. Hood.

Once you reach the beautiful Hood River Valley with its orchards and fields, a popular stop is the Hood River Lavender Farm where you can enjoy mountain views, endless rows of purple lavender, and have a chance to purchase lavender products. Pick your own lavender from the field and enjoy the aroma as you drive home.

Majestic Mt. Hood looks over the Hood River lavender fields. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

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