Gracing the north end of Oregon's portion of the Cascade Mountain Range, Mount Hood and the surrounding Hood River Valley, provide both residents and visitors with five well-known ski areas, over 1200 miles of hiking trails, four designated Wilderness Areas, hundreds of magnificent photo opportunities and literally thousands of spectacular views in and around the 1.2 million acres that is the Mount Hood National Forest.

Named for a British Naval Admiral who never actually saw the mountain in person, Mount Hood towers over the state of Oregon at 11,235 feet above sea level while spreading its base over 92 miles in diameter. This spectacular mountain is not only the tallest in Oregon but also stands as the fourth highest along the entire Cascade Mountain Range, which stretches from Mount Garibaldi in British Columbia down to Mount Lassen in Northern California.

While many of the mountains in the Cascade Range are dormant, Mt. Hood is classified as active. Although steam constantly spews from several areas, the most recent eruption occured nearly one hundred years ago in 1907. All previously recorded eruptions had also been minor causing very little, if any, damage to the surrounding area. However, scientists do believe Mount Hood could have a significent eruption sometime this century.

Snow-capped nearly year round, the summit of Mount Hood boasts eleven glaciers and numerous animal and human visitors over the years. The first known ascent to the top of the often treacherous mountain was recorded on August 14, 1845 by three members of the Barlow party - one of the many Oregon Trail pioneers exploring and expanding into the area. The path carved out by the Barlow party quickly became a popular route through the Cascade Range for those who didn't wish to face the dangerous Columbia River rafting route.

Whether faced by a large group (the largest ever being a group of 411 people in August 1936) or a famed climbing dog named Ranger (who allegedly climbed the mountain over 500 times during his life and now lies at rest atop the summit), Mount Hood continues to be a popular choice for mountain climbers. In fact, it is the second most climbed mountain in the world behind Japan's Mount Fuji.

Naturally, the Hood River Valley surrounding Mount Hood also offers spectacular beauty for both residents and visitors alike. Famous for incredible pears, as well as numerous other types of produce, the Hood River Valley can be explored in relaxation by taking a trip on the Mount Hood Railroad. Best taken in the summer when all the windows are open and visitors can thoroughly enjoy the views from the open-air car, a ride on this historic train provides visitors with a moderately priced way to enjoy the spectacular views of the Hood River Valley, while letting someone else do the driving.

The train takes off from the town of Hood River, found along I-84 west of Portland. The trip takes approximately four hours all together, including an hour long stop in the quaint town of Parkdale where visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the mountain itself. Anyone wishing to enjoy a ride on the Mount Hood Railroad is encouraged to call ahead to check availability and make reservations, particularly over holiday weekends. All necessary information is available on their website at http://www.mthoodrr.com.

No matter what visitors may be in search of, the spectacular Mount Hood and the gorgeous Hood River Valley have everything they want and more. Whether hiking, climbing, skiing, or simply sightseeing, visitors will be kept active. They can relax during the train ride, sample the deliciously juicy pears, or simply take in all the gorgeous scenery offered by this spectacular region of Oregon.

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