With epic terrain, views for days and great snow, Mt. Hood is one of the largest resorts in Oregon – and yet it remains almost undiscovered.
Erika Vikander happens to be both a competitive snowboarder and a Mt. Hood local. Having lived there for four years and snowboarded over the world, she knows what’s good – and she loves Timberline Lodge ski area and Mt Hood Meadows.
If you’re planning to visit Mt Hood, located 90 minutes out of Portland, here’s where to eat, hang out and, most importantly, ski.
Why Mt Hood
Mt. Hood is the only place in the lower 48 states in the U.S. that you can ride all the way into September, so being a competitive snowboarder it was a no- brainer.
Favourite run
I love riding Palmer Lift at Timberline Lodge and Ski Area during the summer. This lift doesn’t run in the wintertime because it is buried in snow, so being able to ride it in a t- shirt in warm weather to ride the park in July is one of a kind.
Where do you head on a powder day
Upper elevator at Mt. Hood Meadows. There is nothing like a big wide open powder field with an array of cliffs to choose from on a powder day!
Favourite après
Charlie’s Mountain View in Government Camp. This spot has been around since the beginning of the ski and snowboard industry on Mt. Hood. It is nearly impossible not to run into a friend or fellow shredder who is just as stoked as you are!
Favourite on-mountain dining
Alpenstube at Mt. Hood Meadows. I always go for their french fries, which are their version of poutine!
Favourite village dining
Mt. Hood Brewing. Try the kale salad; it’s amazing!
Must do non ski/board snow activity
Mt. Hood Skibowl has an amazing adventure park with everything you can think of from bike trails to zip lines. Aside from that, hiking along the Salmon River Trail never disappoints.
Exploring the Mt. Hood National Forest development roads! There are SO many that interconnect and can take you far off the grid in no time.
Best coffee
Hood Roasters in Rhododendron.
Best hot chocolate
Timberline Lodge.
Best breakfast
I’ve heard the breakfast buffet at Timberline Lodge is unbelievable. But if you’re looking for a grab-and-go style dish, the biscuits and gravy guy at Zigzag Mountain Café in Rhododendron is as funny as his biscuits are good.
Best side trip
Tamanawas Falls is only a few miles from Mt. Hood, is a relatively easy hike and super easy to find. This waterfall is not only large and beautiful, but you can walk behind it and really feel the energy flowing.
Best shopping
Troutdale, there are many outlet stores and cute boutiques (tax-free shopping in Oregon).
Where do you take visitors to impress them
I take them into the forest! There are a few “go-to” fire lookouts that give amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Where would you go for date night
Is that a thing? Haha. The Rendevous in Welches has great food, good wine and wonderful service.
Best activity for kids/families?
Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park!
What should visitors not leave your resort without doing
You have to sit on the deck of the day lodge at Mt. Hood Meadows! With sweeping views, live bands and beer readily available, why wouldn’t you?
What item should visitors take back with them?
Take back some huckleberry syrup made with local berries.
