Mt. Hood Snow Sports

Recently Jesse from MHSS had the opportunity to be shown around Mirror like by Dustin over at bigmountainproject.com. They trecked out, and from the stories, videos, and photos they had, it surely looked like an epic time. Dustin over at bigmountain project put together the report below, so check it out!

At the base of Mt. Hood, just prior to the Ski Bowl parking lot, there is an access trail that takes you up to mirror. If you hike past mirror lake, the terrain opens up to a huge bowl with varying terrain. It has everything from rollers to huge cliff drops. There used to be upfront parking access to this trail head but for some reason ODOT has closed parking off 26. You now have to park in Government Camp or Ski Bowl to access this trail. This area sees a fair amount of traffic from snoe showers and back country enthusiasts, and has a fairly well traveled trails leading to the frozen lake.

As with everything involving snow sports, "look before you leap" and "know your limits". Be sure to check the avalanche report (Click here to see the report), make sure that you are properly equipped, and have the proper knowledge for back country riding and avalanche awarness.

Type of trip:
Day trips are easy for this area. It is only a few miles in from the road so an early start is not needed, however it can never hurt. If you get caught having to trek back in the dark, the trail can get a bit tricky on the switch backs, so pack a flashlight.

Suggested Gear:
A good pair of snow shoes, split board, or AT Ski's are highly recommended. It is an uphill climb on the way in but a nice downhill ride all the way out. Trekking poles are always a good idea but crampons or an ice axe is not needed. This is at a lower elevation so conditions are more mild than higher up on Hood, where the avalanche warnings are typically for. However it is always a good idea to bring an Avalanche gear you have, along with maps, headlamp, compasses, and other survival equiment

Permits needed:
None, public access at own risk.