Date: August 10, 2024
Location: Mt. Hood Meadows
Arrival Time: 5:38am
We last hiked from Mt Hood Meadows in 2022. At that time we were able to park in the parking lot. Now there is a gate (open) with a large sign indicating the hours of 10a-5p Sun - Thurs and 10a-6p Friday - Saturday. Just turning around in the lot, we were quickly intercepted by a man in an SUV advising us we could park outside the gate and walk in to hike. We parked just outside the gate where there was one other car parked. He also confirmed the vehicles on the right/East side of the lot are allowed to camp and must have their own” greywater” systems (weekend camping). The website states:
“Pick-up truck campers, camping trailers and RVs will be permitted to park in the parking lot in the designated Main Parking Lot area and strict accordance with the rules” “overnight RV vehicles must be fully self-contained for water, wastes, fuel and garbage”. Tents, and sleeping in passenger cars is not permitted.
Road conditions: Paved the entire way, it is easy to park outside the gate along the road.
Weather conditions: We began before sunup, temps were in the mid-50s to start and about 70 when we finished.
Trail conditions: The trails we traversed are mostly in great shape. Where the Timberline trail crosses Clark Creek there is still a significant snow bridge to cross. It was fine when we crossed but be careful as the creek continues to melt and weaken the snow.
Trail grade and tread: Very good tread. Some loose scree as you climb out of Clark Creek.
Hike features: Wildflowers, streams, waterfalls, views of Mt. Hood, ripe huckleberries
Wildlife: None, though we did see some bear scat in the section between Clark Creek and Umbrella Falls.
Bugs: buzzing pollinators, no bothersome bugs
Flowers are great around Mt. Meadows, further East the lupine is spent. The huckleberries were large, plentiful and juicy along the Elk Meadows and Newton Creek trails - some of the best we have ever seen.
Number of cars upon return: Several cars parked in the lot when we returned a bit before 10am. They must allow folks to enter the lot and park a bit earlier than 10a as the lot already had ~20 + cars at 10am. There are signs that state restrooms open at 9am though according to a camper I spoke with they were not open at 9a.
Mileage: 10.52
Elevation gain: 2200
The Timberline Trail was busy. A few small groups of trail runners caught up with us and passed us, at least one pair began this morning from Timberline Lodge. We also crossed paths with some small groups of backpackers going the opposite direction, finishing up their round the mountain adventures.
#HikeAThon 2024
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