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Discover Polliwogs at Frog Lake
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Tadpole Adventures for Everyone in the Family at Frog Lake
Thousands of Polliwogs at Frog Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest

There are thousands of polliwogs swimming around at Frog Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest right now. The first stage of life for a frog is as a tadpole or the more fun-to-say name, polliwog. The snow around the lake melted recently and the frogs got busy starting new families. It is really fun for kids and adults alike to go check out the polliwogs swimming near the shore. See how many you can count!
Exploring Tadpoles at Frog Lake at Mt Hood

The lifecycle of a frog starts when the eggs are first laid and fertilized, then the embryo divides and becomes a tadpole slowing growing legs and finally becoming a frog about 12 weeks later. In early June, the tadpoles look like they just have tails and they are swimming around frantically in the shallow and calm waters at the shores of Frog Lake. So, depending upon when you head up to Frog Lake this summer, you might see many different stages of development. For more information about the lifecycle of a frog, here is an easy-to-read article from allaboutfrogs.com.

View of Mt Hood from Frog Lake Butte

Exploring Tadpoles at Frog Lake with Mt Hood Views

While visiting Frog Lake during your Mt Hood Vacation, you can hike along the Lower Twin Lake Trail or the Frog Lake Buttes Trail. Or take a paddle board or canoe and paddle around Frog Lake or Twin Lake. Frog Lake might be a little chilly for swimming, but Lower Twin Lake is smaller and shallower, so more suitable for a cool-down dip on a hot summer day.

The Lower Twin Lake Loop is a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you through old-growth forest to Lower Twin Lake. Hike all they way around the lake to add 1 mile to your hike. For more advanced hikers, hike the Twin Lakes Trails by adding the Upper Twin Lake loop for a 7-8 mile hike with more hills. The Frog Lake Buttes Trail is 7.4 miles round-trip and includes 1745 feet of elevation gain for a good day hike that will leave you looking forward to that swim in the lake.

A shorter, yet strenuous hike is on the Frog Lake Trail at just 2.6 miles, this out and back trail has 800 feet of elevation gain in 1.3 miles, but offers views of Mt Jefferson and will also link you to the Frog Lake Buttes Trail and the Twin Lakes Trails.
Forest View Lodge at Mt Hood

Are you still looking for a place to stay at Mt Hood this summer? We can stiill get you into a cabin, lodge or chalet for your summer vacation. All Mt Hood Vacation Rentalsare in view, secluded or riverfrong settings and include fully-equipped kitchens, TV and wifi and are close to Mt Hood recreation and activities, restaurants and shopping. Start planning your summer vacation here.

 

5 Mother's Day Activities at Mt Hood
| Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Fun Things to Do with Mom on Mother's Day at Mt Hood
Are you still looking for something fun to do with Mom this coming weekend, for Mother's Day? There are lots of fun things to do at Mt Hood whether you like to get up and go or kick back and relax. Here are a few of our favorite things for you to do with Mom.

Family Hiking along the Little Zigzag Falls Trail

Hugging an Old Growth Douglas Fir Tree on the Salmon River Trail

Go Take a Hike

We have lots of great trails at Mt Hood for all ages and abilities and distances.

Little Zigzag Falls Trail: This is a short, out and back scenic trail that follows the Little Zigzag River in a slight uphill path to the waterfall. There are plenty of places along this small river for family photos or looking for treasures (the rock and twig kind). The total round trip distance is .6 miles and even small kids can do it.

Old Salmon River Trail: This is one of our most popular trails and for many good reasons. You can walk along the relatively flat trail that follows the river for up to 2.5 miles. You can turn around when you are ready and head back to your car, choosing your distance and time. Or you can hike the Salmon River Trail which starts at the bridge for a more strenuous uphill hike that passes through old-growth Douglas Fir trees. This trail goes for 9 miles.

For more hikes, check out our Summer Recreation link on our Concierge page.

Cascade Dining Room

Dessert at the Rendezvous Grill

Take Mom to Brunch

This is the classic, tried and true activity for Mom; let someone else do the cooking and at Mt Hood, we have lots of great chefs preparing awesome food for the family celebration.

Cascade Dining Room at Timberline Lodge: Treat your mom to Mother's Day brunch buffet prepared by chef Jason Stoller Smith with complimentary mimosas. After brunch go outside and play in the snow at 6000 feet.

Rendezvous Grill: Chef Mathais Engblom prepares his only brunch of the year just for mom. The special meal is served through mid-afternoon and includes entree choices from a menu with sides and appetizers from the buffet table.

We have more Mother's Day Brunch options listed on our Events Calendar.

 

Historic Mt Hood Brochures

Take a History Lesson the Fun Way

Mt Hood Cultural Center and Museum: Learn about the history of Mt Hood, Government Camp, the national forest, skiing, interesting and unusual residents and more at this eclectic, cozy and non-pretentious museum in Government Camp. There are lots of "real" exhibits of items people have used over the years plus a miniature fire look-out and more.

Find more interesting things to do at our Concierge page.
Skyway Bar and Grill

Listen to Good Music with Real BBQ and Yummy Mac-n-Cheese

Skyway Bar and Grill: The most popular place for casual dining with friends and listening to good music. Chef Jason Hornor prepares real barbecued meats in the smoker out back and his mac-n-cheese is even famous in Portland. There is a full bar, craft beers and wine and weather-permitting a firepit outside in the garden. Local band, the Steelhead Stalkers will be playing jazz including Dixieland, swing, big band, latin, traditional and modern styles from 6 - 9 PM.

For more Mother's Day activities, visit our Events Calendar.
Mt Hood Views at Mountain View Hideaway

Make it a Weekend

Bring Mom to Mt Hood for the weekend, so you will have plenty of time to do everything on your list. Why not make mom feel extra special with a cozy cabin or spacious lodge tucked away in the woods or beside a creek or river. All of our vacation homes include fully-equipped kitchens (in case you decide to fix meals for Mom), fireplaces and woodstoves, TV and wifi. Most have private hot tubs and most are dog-friendly, too.

Find the perfect Mother's Day Vacation Rental.

 

6 Tips for Planning Your Summer Vacation at Mt Hood
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Sunday, April 15, 2018

Six Things to Consider While Choosing a
Mt Hood Vacation Rental to Stay in This Summer

Staying in a vacation rental home is the most popular lodging choice for summer vacations at Mt Hood. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are located in scenic locations with forest, river or mountain views just minutes from hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding. P.S. Even if you don't plan on hitting the slopes this summer (which you can do), it is fun to go up to Timberline to play in the snow in July! We offer fully-equipped cabins, cottages, lodges and condos to choose from, so one of our vacation homes is sure to meet your needs.

Benefits of staying in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental
  • Living like a local at Mt Hood during your vacation; get to know your neighbors and do the things the people who live here like to do during the summer
  • Relaxing with your friends and family in a spacious home, cabin or lodge; you may never want to leave your calming mountain retreat
  • Sitting by a fireplace in the great room or gathering around the backyard firepit; don't forget the s'mores kit
  • Preparing meals in a completely equipped kitchen or on the gas BBQ on the deck; you have options with everything you need in the kitchen and a deck with a BBQ and furniture
  • Watching your favorite shows and movies on flat screen TV’s with cable, satellite and Internet TV; or maybe you will just skip the TV and enjoy the scenery instead
  • Staying connecting with free wifi; find a restaurant or activity on your phone
  • Soothing your tired body in a private, outdoor hot tub; most of our vacation homes offer private hot tubs just for your group
  • Revitalizing your spirit while being surrounded by the peace and quiet of the forest, birdsong and flowing rivers

With the growth in popularity and availability of vacation rentals, there are some important things you can do to insure your visit will be everything you have been dreaming of and more. Here are 6 tips to help you decide which Mt Hood Vacation Rental is perfect for your summer vacation. Remember, we have Vacation Planners standing by at 888-424-9168 or VacationPlanner@mthoodrentals.com, 7 days a week to offer recommendations, too. 

#1. Location
Is riverfront or secluded acreage a necessity? Would you like to be tucked away under the trees or are wide-open views more to your liking? Do you feel more comfortable with being able to sePicnic area along the Sandy Rivere a cabin next door? Or do you need to be in Government Camp for summer skiing and snowboarding activities? Typically the riverfront and secluded vacation homes are the most popular and they fill up more quickly. If this is important to you, book your reservation early. Also, the larger homes that accommodate more people book sooner. Visit mthoodrentals.com to start your vacation rental search.

#2. Activities
Mt Hood as a place is a collection of several small villages sprinkled throughout the Mt Hood corridor surrounded by the Mt Hood National Forest. The villages each have their own personality and charm, Kids can catch fish during the summer months at Mt Hoodhowever, the “action” is primarily centered around outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, golfing, skiing and snowboarding. You will not find a lot of nightlife including bowling alleys or movie theatres here, but you will find lots of locally owned and operated eateries, bars, recreation providers and specialty shops. If you know what type of activities and events you will be enjoying while on your Mt Hood Vacation, share that information with our Vacation Planner, so she can find the best home in the best location to suit your vacation plans. And while you are planning your vacation, check out our Concierge page for a listing of everything there is to do throughout the Villages of Mt Hood.

#3. Size of Home
How much square footage would you like? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need to be comfortable? Do you want separate living spaces for the kids and the adults? Our Chalet am Berg in Government Camp sleeps 10 guestsvacation homes have occupancy limits for safety reasons, so you won't want to cram too many people into one home. With a vacation rental you can afford to spread out as the cost is typically much less per person than renting several hotel rooms would be. And you have the added benefit of cooking in the home, so you save a lot of money by not eating out as frequently. You can search and view Mt Hood Vacation Rentals by size on our search page.

 

#4. Size of Traveling Group
Are you traveling with a large group of friends or a multi-geneHikers taking a fun selfie at Mirror lake at Mt Hoodrational family? You may want to consider renting two or three homes that are near one-another. This will give you more space, more cooking areas and of course more bedrooms and bathrooms. You may want to split up the group into families with small children in one home and the grandparents in a different vacation rental. You can find vacation homes that will work together on our website. If you are planning a romantic getaway such as a marriage proposal, honeymoon or anniversary, take a look at our Romantic Retreats.

#5. Amenities
WhichRoasting marshmallows around a campfire amenities are necessary and which would be nice? All Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are furnished with a fireplace or woodstove, fully-equipped kitchens, cable, satellite or Internet TV, washers and dryers, gas BBQs and wifi*. Many vacation homes also offer game rooms, private outdoor hot tubs, access to recreation centers and more. Most of our vacation rentals offer direct river access, too. Check out our list of amenities and features that are included with every vacation rental and to see what you need to pack for your trip. *One location does not have wifi connectivity which is perfect for an unplugged retreat.

#6. Dog-Friendly
Do you want to bring the family dog with you while on vacation? Most Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are pet-Dog taking a swim at Trillium Lakefriendly (we welcome well-trained and fully vaccinated dogs over 1 year old). There are lots of things to do with your dog while at Mt Hood like hiking or swimming in a lake. It is important to your pet that this is a vacation that you will be spending with your dog. If your dog is left alone in a strange home, he may cause damage and it really isn’t very fun for him either. View all of our pet-friendly vacation rentals while you plan your vacation.

Are You Ready to Make a Reservation?
Cari, Kayla and Fay at Mt Hood Vacation RentalsContact Fay, Kayla or Cari, our Vacation Planners at 888-424-9168 or VacationPlanner@mthoodrentals.com and they will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect Mt Hood Vacation Rental for this year’s summer vacation. Or you can book online at our website, 24/7/365.

 

Early Spring Waterfall Adventures at Mt Hood
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Mt Hood Waterfall Hikes (or Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Treks) for Early Spring

When you visit Mt Hood in March and April, there is more to do than downhill skiing and tubing. Consider a waterfall hike. Depending upon the snow levels, you may need snowshoes or cross country skis; no one wants to post hole up to their knees. If trekking through snow is more than you want to do, wait a few weeks to visit these beautiful waterfalls; they are worth visiting during the summer and fall, too. However, the beauty of these waterfalls is magnified when surrounded by snow and ice.

Have you ever wondered why waterfalls are so popular? Besides their beauty, there is something scientific and magical about waterfalls that attracts people. It is something that you cannot see, touch or taste, but you can feel it: negative ions. Negative ions are actually a really positive thing. Negative ions are created when the surface tension of water is broken, such as when water is falling over a cliff or dam or rock wall. Inhaling the negative ions increases the oxygen in your brain and increases serotonin levels which leads to an elevated mood, increased mental awareness and stress relief. The amount of negative ions in moving water like waterfalls in the forest is magnified thousands of times compared to the still air in your home. So, are you ready to plan your next waterfall hike?
Tamanawas Falls with Snow on a Spring Hike

Tamanawas Falls

The trailhead to Tamanawas Falls is on the east slope of Mount Hood and follows the Cold Spring Creek surrounded by large Douglas fir, cedar and larch trees. The falls are 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. The trail is a short, out-and-back 1 mile in each direction, making it accessible to hikers of most ages and abilities. While this is very popular during the summer months (you will be rewarded with a cooling mist coming off the waterfalls), the beauty of the frozen falls surrounded by snow cannot be beat during the spring months. Of course you will want to be prepared for snowy conditions and wear your winter boots, coats, hats and gloves. You can find more information about Tamanawas Falls at the Mt Hood National Forest website.
Little Zigzag Falls in the Mt Hood National Forest in the snow

Little Zigzag Falls

Little Zigzag Falls is the reward at the end of a slightly uphill, meandering trail that follows the Little Zigzag Creek. You will access this trailhead at the end of the Kiwanis Camp Road about half way between Rhododendron and Government Camp. This easy trail is very popular during the summer months for families with small children, however, not everyone thinks to visit Little Zigzag Falls during the spring when there is still snow surrounding the falls. You can find more information about Little Zigzag Falls at the Mt Hood National Forest website.
White River Falls with a Dusting of Snow

White River Falls

White River Falls is a scenic destination if you are thinking of taking a drive to see the sights while visiting Mt Hood. The White River Falls are about a one-hour drive each way from the Villages of Mt Hood. You will pass through the scenic forest into the high desert area with expansive views and juniper trees. White River Falls is in White River State Park in Wasco County. During the summer months, this is a favorite picnic spot, but you will find the park fairly deserted during the spring. You can find more information about White River Falls at the Oregon State Park website.

Tips for Hiking to Waterfalls in the Snow

Here are a couple of things to remember when you are making early spring treks to waterfalls.

  1. If you are planning a hike, snowshoe or cross country ski trek to a waterfall in the early spring, there is a good chance that the roads leading to the trailhead may have some snow or ice on them. Be prepared with a four wheel drive vehicle with chains or snow tires.
  2. There may also be snow or ice on the trail so dress accordingly. Wear winter snow boots if the snow is not too deep or if it is packed down; no sneakers or light shoes. If the snow is deep use snowshoes or cross country skis.
  3. Wear your winter snow play clothes. This means warm sweaters and water-proof coats, gloves and hats.
  4. Bring your phone or a camera to take some really cool photos.
Warm Boots for Hiking to a Waterfall in the Snow

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are located in the Villages of Brightwood, Marmot, Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron and Government Camp, so stay for a couple of days and enjoy the waterfalls. For reservations, enter your travel dates here to find the perfect vacation rental or call a Vacation Planner at 888-424-9168.

 

How to #BookDirect with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Tuesday, February 13, 2018

5 Tips for Booking a Vacation Rental Directly with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals
1. Do a Google Search using  "mt hood vacation rentals" to start. The Mt Hood area does not have a huge inventory of vacation rentals, so you may not need to add more words to your search terms. If you have specific amenties that you want in your vacation home, try something like "mt hood vacation rentals with hot tubs" or "pet-friendly vacation cabins at mthood" or "vacation rental managers at mt hood". Almost always, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals' website will pop up at the top of the "organic" or unpaid search results. We also show up in the paid results, usually right behind the OTAs. Keep in mind that the first 4 search results are going to be paid ads. Also, try your search in Bing. Fewer companies and OTAs advertise there, so you may find fewer listings to sort through.
2. When you find a listing on an OTA that appeals to you, copy and paste the name of the vacation rental and Mt Hood in Google or Bing. Usually, the page for that specific vacation rental will pop up at the top. If the vacation rental does not have a name (Cozy Cabin for example), then copy and paste the first two sentences in the description with "mt hood" and search in Google or Bing. Our vacation home information is sent to the OTA and to our website, mthoodrentals.com from our reservation software via an API data feed. The listings will be identical, so the home you are looking for will show up at the top of your search.
3. Search Google Local for Mt Hood. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is listed in Google Local. When searching for a vacation rental, scroll past the paid listings (the top 4 listings in your search that say Ad in small letters underneath them) down to the Google Local listings next to the map. Click on the map or in the listings for Mt Hood Vacation Rentals.

4. Check the Mt Hood Area Chamber of Commerce, Visitor's Information Center or Destination Marketing Organization websites. They will have listings for all of the local vacation rental managers as well as for restaurants, shops, attractions and other things to see and do in the area. Here are a few informative websites to visit while planning your Mt Hood vacation:

Mt Hood Area Chamber of Commerce

Oregon's Mt Hood Territory

Mt Hood Information
5. Search social media for Mt Hood Vacation Rentals. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals uses social media to connect with our guests, so you can find our contact information, interesting links for things to do and specials when you visit our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter pages.

To learn more or to #bookdirect, visit mthoodrentals.com or call one of our vacation planners at 888-424-9168.

#BookDirect with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals and Save Money!
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Monday, January 29, 2018

Scenic Summer View of Mt Hood

Always . . .

  • Book Direct!
  • Book with a Local!
  • Feel Like a Friend!
  • Save Money!

VRBO, HomeAway, Airbnb and many other online travel sites (OTAs) add hundreds of dollars in fees to your booking total.
The traveler or service fee that is added on to your booked reservation by the OTAs can be 10% - 15% or more of the booking total and all of those fees go to the OTA. We want to make sure your vacation is perfect and that your budget is not stretched with extra fees when you plan your Mt Hood vacation. When you #bookdirect with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, those additional fees are avoided, so you can use that money for a nice meal, discounted lift tickets or a memorable souvenir. Booking direct with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals will always provide the best value for your vacation.

Read on to learn why you should always #bookdirect.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Local Office in WelchesWhen you #bookdirect, you have direct contact with our personable and friendly vacation planners. Our professional and knowledgeable team knows our vacation rentals inside and out. They will assist you in finding the perfect retreat for your Mt Hood getaway. The vacation planners in our locally owned and operated office have a combined 55 years of living and playing at Mt Hood and enjoying everything there is to do here. We can point you in the right direction for restaurants, recreation, activities and more while you plan your vacation.

The best price isn’t on the OTAs’ websites. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals will always have the best price for your vacation. And we often have specials and promotions that you can only get when you #bookdirect. In fact, you can save hundreds of dollars by booking direct and booking local either online at mthoodrentals.com or by calling one of our vacation planners at 888-424-9168. Or visit our local office in Welches to plan your next Mt Hood vacation.

Most of our vacation rentals including our best homes aren’t even listed on the OTAs. Because of the cost of using the listing sites, the best and most popular vacation homes cannot be found on these travel websites. As a matter of fact only 10% of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are listed on OTAs. By limiting your search to the OTAs, you might be missing out on the perfect vacation home for your family or group of friends. When you #bookdirect, you have the best opportunity of finding the the right vacation rental for your Mt Hood vacation.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Vacation PlannersThe vacation planners at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals have intimate knowledge about the vacation homes and The Villages of Mount Hood. We can direct you to the best vacation rental for your needs and send you to the right activities, restaurants and recreation in the area based upon your needs and interests.

If you have special needs, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is here for you. Looking for assistance with your family’s special celebration or a specific request? Do you want to surprise someone with flowers and a bottle of champagne? Or would you like ready-to-bake lasagna in the refrigerator when you arrive? We can make things like this happen for you. As professional vacation rental managers located centrally to all of our vacation homes, we will work with you directly to assist with any of your individual needs and make sure everything is just right before you finalize your vacation plans.

During non-peak travel times, we have special offers available. During our Quiet Seasons, we offer great rates on vacation rentals making it easy to add a day or two to your visit. And with direct communication with our vacation planners, you get insider knowledge and the best offers.

5 Tips for Booking a Vacation Rental Directly with a Vacation Rental Manager
1. Do a Google Search using [Destination] vacation rentals to start. If you are searching in an area that has alot of vacation rentals, you may need to add more to your search terms. Try something like [Destination] vacation rentals with hot tubs or pet-friendly vacation cabins in [Destination] or vacation rental managers in [Destination]. Often local property manager websites will pop up at the top of the "organic" or unpaid search results. Keep in mind that the first 4 search results are going to be paid ads. Also, try your search in Bing. Fewer companies and OTAs advertise there, so you may find fewer listings to sort through.
2. When you find a listing on an OTA that appeals to you, copy and paste the name of the vacation rental and [Destination] in Google or Bing. Usually, the page for that specific vacation rental will pop up at the top. If the vacation rental does not have a name (Cozy Cabin for example), then copy and paste the first one or two sentences in the description and search in Google or Bing. In most cases, the vacation home information is sent to the OTA and their own website from the vacation rental managers reservation software via an API data feed. The listings will be identical, so that home should show up at the top of your search.
3. Search Google Local in the [Destination]. Vacation Rental Managers will have their businesses listed there. When searching for a vacation rental, scroll past the paid listings (the top 4 listings in your search that say Ad in small letters underneath them) down to the Google Local listings next to the map. Click on the map to find the local listings for vacation rentals.
4. Check the [Destination] Chamber of Commerce, Visitor's Information Center or Destination Marketing Organization websites. They will have listings for all of the local vacation rental managers as well as for restaurants, shops, attractions and other things to see and do in the area.
5. Search Facebook for a vacation rental manager in [Destination]. Most vacation rental managers utilize social media to connect with their guests, so you can find their contact information that way, too. You can also search Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
To learn more or to #bookdirect, visit mthoodrentals.com or call one of our vacation planners at 888-424-9168.

Log Cabin Vacations at Mt Hood
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Thursday, January 25, 2018

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals - Log Cabins of All Sizes and Styles
Do you imagine your Mt Hood vacation spent with family and friends in a classic log cabin along a stream or river, surrounded by tall trees? At Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, we offer a variety of log cabins from classic custom-built homes constructed with rough-hewn logs to Panabode log homes and log-sided homes with 2 - 5 bedrooms, sleeping up to 12 guests. All of our cabins are fully furnished including complete kitchens, fireplaces or woodstoves, TVs, washer and dryer, land line phones and wifi. And most have hot tubs, too.
Log Cabin Living on JGTVAt the end of January the Forest View Lodge will be featured on HGTV's Log Cabin Living. This episode takes log home buyers through the process of searching for the perfect vacation home. You can catch the Forest View Lodge episode on January 27 & January 28. Click on the Log Cabin Living link for more details and show times. HGTV
Mountain Vista Lodge with Mt Hood ViewsVisit our Log Cabins page at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals to view photos, read descriptions and book online all of our other log cabins. And of course, if you have questions or need assistance, our Vacation Planners are standing by 7 days a week to help you find the perfect log cabin for your Mt Hood vacation. Call us at 888-424-9168.

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