Located 45 mile east-sotheast of Oregon is Mount Hood or "Wy’East" (American Indian name for Mount Hood) is the tallest mountain in Oregon at 11,237 feet. It is a stratovolcano made of lava flows, domes and volcaniclastic deposits. It last erupted in 1907 and still has active fumaroles, it is now considered as a dormant volcano. Its relatively low altitude compared to Mount Ranier and Mount Shasta, easy approach, and short hiking/climbing distance makes it much more popular among less experienced climbers. It is also considered as one of the most climbed glaciated peaks in North America and ranks number two in the world, behind Japan's Fuji-san.

The South Side Route, which begins at the 5,800' Timberline Lodge parking area, is the shortest (only 3 miles) and most popular route to the summit. Above the the Palmer ski lift there are 3 variations of this route, the most popular of which is the Hogsback / Pearly Gates route. The Hogsback / Old Crater variation is used when the Pearly Gates are congested while climbers looking for more of a challenge can use the West Crater Rim variation.

The ideal time to climb and ski Mount Hood is from the May to Mid-July, which is after the avalanche season but before the crevasses and rockfall become serious. Climbing is also possible during other times of the year, however, use your judgement. Mount Hood is also the home of three popular places to camp: 1. Palmer Glacier; 2. Timberline Lodge Ski area, and; 3. National Forest. Mt. Hood boasts 5 ski areas: Timberline Lodge Ski Area, Mt. Hood Meadows, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, Cooper Spur Ski Area, and Summit Ski Area. It is also popular for having eleven glaciers gracing its peak.