"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Departed Tilly Jane Campground——NE slope of Mt. Hood——just before noon (Sunday, October 17) under clear skies. Not too many other hikers (climbers?) ahead of me, but many were soon to follow and urge me to hike faster than my solo sightseeing instincts wanted me to.
A dusty ascent through about a mile of forest, then scrub, then to what seems like photos from Mars set at a 45 degree angle; well, that is, if you disregard the stunning aerial views of the Washington peaks (Adams, Rainier, St. Helens) the Hood River Valley, Elliot Glacier, and, once on top of the Spur, the Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson to the south. The hike is a workout, but not debilitating. Had plenty of water, but I wished I'd brought more to snack on; exercise and thin air always make me ravenous.
The summit of Cooper Spur (8700 ft, I'm told) is a narrow ridge trail that puts you just below "The Chimney," where two climbers were attempting to summit Mr. Hood way too late in the day (at 3:30pm they started back down, after coming to their senses). The wind began picking up, a chilly breeze off glacial ice that can stun the unprepared. As I headed back down, the north face of the mountain, and the trail, was in deepening shadow, with the temperature dropping exponentially.
I hiked this slope for the first time last year in September. This time it seemed to take twice as long (but then again, I took a lot more time soaking up the scenery). My findings: START EARLY——ENJOY MORE!
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.