Mt Hood Trivia Quiz
Posted by Betsy LaBarge | Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Over 5,000 years ago, the mountain we have come to know and love as Mount Hood began forming from volcanic eruptions. The time in between then and now has served as the basis for a rich history. It is impossible to keep track of the people, animals and plant species that have made their way through this beautiful place, but there are certainly memorable favorites.

How much do you know about Mt Hood, Oregon? This trivia quiz is the perfect activity for locals and visitors alike! 20 questions will pique your interest and take you on a journey to the slopes, through the woods and to historical buildings.

How to play: 20 questions are followed by an answer key and some history at the bottom. Gather with your friends and family and try to get all the answers without seeking too much help from Google. You might wander throughout The Villages of Government Camp, Rhododendron, Zigzag, Welches and Brightwood to look for answers. Many of the answers are physical places or landmarks that you can visit together!

Mt Hood, Oregon Trivia Questions

1. Which trees at Mt Hood have a deceptive name but are actually evergreen trees?
2. When was Timberline Lodge Built?
3. What is the name of the first chair lift at Mt Hood?
4. How many miles of trails are in the Mt Hood National Forest?
5. Who was Billy Welch?
6. What is Mt Hood’s elevation?
7. What are three native Mt Hood Wildflowers?
8. What is the Native American name for Mt Hood?
9. How many United States Navy ships have been named after Mt Hood?
10. Which Mt Hood ski area is home to the Palmer Glacier?
11. This trail was built in the 1930s and goes around the entire mountain.
12. What is the name of the oldest organized ski race in the US that takes place at Mt Hood?
13. Which Mt Hood destination is home to the largest night skiing area in North America?
14. How many acres is the Mt Hood National Forest?
15. How many glaciers are on Mt Hood’s peak?
16. The owner of this restaurant was known as The Duke of Government Camp.
17. What is the steepest part of the original Barlow Road on the Oregon Trail?
18. This river flows beneath the historic 1920s bridge that was part of the original Mount Hood Highway.
19. These mushrooms are abundant in the Mt Hood, Oregon area.
20. This historic hotel on Mt. Hood starred as a backdrop in the movie, “The Shining.”

Mt Hood, Oregon Trivia Questions Answer Key

Which trees at Mt Hood have a deceptive name but are actually evergreen trees?

Douglas firs (also known as Doug firs) have a deceptive name and are actually (extremely large) evergreen trees. Specifically, they are an evergreen conifer species in the pine family. Did you know that they are also known as the Oregon pine or the Columbian pine? Mt Hood is home to an abundant amount of Douglas firs… can you identify one?

When was Timberline Lodge Built?

Timberline Lodge was built by local artisans between 1936 and 1938 during the great depression. In September of 1937, Timberline Lodge was dedicated by President Franklin D Roosevelt and is now a national historic landmark. Did you know that Timberline Lodge is actually in the Mount Hood National Forest?

What was the first chair lift in Mt Hood?

The Magic Mile was the first chairlift at Mt Hood and the second chairlift in the world. It was built in 1938, and at the time it was the longest chairlift in the world. It has been replaced twice since its original debut, and you can still ride on it today! Take a “footsie” ride up during the summer and hike back down to the lodge.

How many miles of trails are in the Mt Hood National Forest?

Mt Hood National Forest has more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails. Did you know that the Mt Hood National Forest is present in six different counties? There is endless opportunity to explore.

Who was Billy Welch?

Billy Welch was the son of a homesteader who developed what is now known as Welches, Oregon. The Welches family built a store, post office, dance hall, cow pasture, orchard and much more. There is now a golf course where the cow pasture used to be!

What is Mt Hood’s elevation?

Mt Hood is 11,235 feet in elevation. Did you know that it is actually a potentially active stratovolcano? Mt Hood had a minor eruption in August 1907, but based on its history the chances of it erupting soon are very low and it is informally considered dormant. The official height of Mt Hood has varied over the years due to modifications in measuring the elevation of mountains. Other “recorded” elevations have been ranged between 11,239 feet and 11,250 feet. Early explorers and scientists during the 1800’s estimated Mt Hood’s height to be anywhere from 10,000 feet to 19,000 feet.

What are three native Mt Hood Wildflowers?

Some native Mt Hood wildflowers are: Penstemon, Desert Parsley, Lupine, Partridge Foot, Pussypaws, Spreading Phlox, Sulphur Flower, Red Columbines, and Yarrow. Learn more about Mt Hood wildflowers like when and where to spot them!

What is the Native American name for Mt Hood?

While there is some debate over whether the name was given by the Multnomah or author Frederic Balch, Mt Hood was once referred to as Wy’east. Did you know that the Molalas, Kalapuyans, Chinookan Clackamas, Shinookan Wascos, Northern Paiute peoples, and Sahaptin speakers all once lived in the area that is now known as Mt Hood?

How many United States Navy ships have been named after Mt Hood?

Two United States Navy ships have been named after Mt Hood. The ships were the USS Mount Hood (AE-11) and the USS Mount Hood (AE-29). Unfortunately, the USS Mount Hood (AE-11) exploded in November of 1944, in Seeadler Harbor, Manus. Hundreds of men would vanish with the ship that day.

Which Mt Hood ski area is home to the Palmer Glacier?

Palmer Glacier is partially within the Timberline Lodge ski area. The Palmer Glacier is the only place in North America that offers skiing 12 months a year. Did you know that Palmer Glacier is actually a remnant of the massive glaciers formed during the most recent ice age and is actually a permanent snowfield?

This trail was built in the 1930s and goes around the entire mountain.

The Timberline Trail was built in the 1930s and goes around the entire mountain. This historic trail is 39 miles long and passes through sections of the Mount Hood Wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail. There are several shorter sections of the trail available, so you do not need to hike all 39 miles to enjoy it!

What is the name of the oldest organized ski race in the US that takes place at Mt Hood?

The Golden Rose Ski Race is the oldest organized ski race in the US. The Golden Rose Ski Race began in 1936 and is the only USSSA-sanctioned summer race. This yearly event occurs in June.

Which Mt Hood destination is home to the largest night skiing area in North America?

The Mt Hood Ski Bowl is home to the largest night skiing area in North America. It is an absolute must while staying in Mt Hood! The Mt Hood Ski Bowl is also home to Cosmic Tubing.

How many acres is the Mt Hood National Forest?

The Mt Hood National Forest is 1.2 million acres! You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, birding and much more in this natural environment.

How many glaciers are on Mt Hood’s peak?

11 glaciers are on Mt Hood’s peak. The largest glaciers are named Eliot and Coe. Other glaciers include: Palmer, Coalman, White River, Newton Clark, Langille, Ladd, Glisan, Sandy, Reid and Zigzag.

The owner of this restaurant was known as The Duke of Government Camp.

Charlie Sperr owned Charlie’s Mountain View restaurant, and was known as The Duke of Government Camp. His son Charlie now owns and operates the infamous bar. Stop by Charlie’s Mountain View restaurant in Government Camp and check out the awesome Mt Hood memorabilia. This is a great spot to go for apres-ski!

What is the steepest part of the original Barlow Road on the Oregon Trail?

Laurel Hill is the steepest part of the original Barlow Road on the Oregon Trail. Laural Hill is infamous for its being treacherous for emigrants heading west. Travellers used to tie their wagons to logs or drag large logs behind them in hopes of making it down Laurel Hill alright.

This river flows beneath the historic 1920s bridge that was part of the original Mount Hood Highway.

Little Zigzag River flows beneath the historic 1920s bridge that was part of the original Mount Hood Highway. The bridge marks the start of the aforementioned Laurel Hill – making this the perfect 2-for-1 item on the trivia / scavenger hunt list. It’s a beautiful bridge and definitely worth stopping by.

These mushrooms are abundant in the Mt Hood, Oregon area.

Chanterelles are abundant in the Mt Hood, Oregon area. A permit is required to harvest mushrooms in the Mt Hood National Forest, so be sure to pick one up unless you’re just looking! It is really easy to get lost when you’re mushroom hunting, so remember to pack a map and go with a buddy.

This historic home on Mt. Hood starred as a backdrop in the movie, “The Shining.”

Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood starred as a backdrop in the movie, “The Shining.” The Shining actually used two hotels to film the movie. Timberline Lodge was used for the exterior hotel shots and a hotel in Estes Park, Colorado was used for the interior hotel shots. Stop by and have lunch at the Wy’East Cafe or the Y’Bar – both located inside Timberline Lodge.

Plan Your Mt Hood Getaway

Plan your escape to Mt Hood, Oregon today with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals. We’ve got all the details on what to do in town in our area guide. Plus, find the perfect vacation cabin with a riverfront location or pet-friendly amenities.

Mt Hood Vacation Cabins

Best Of Mt Hood Outdoor Activities

Mt Hood Summer Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Posted by Betsy LaBarge | Thursday, July 2, 2020

It’s absolutely amazing how quickly children learn, and it’s a gift to watch them become inspired by something new. In a world that increasingly includes cell phones, tablets and video games, it’s an extra special treat to watch them interact with nature. Mt Hood, Oregon is the perfect place to let your children or your grandchildren explore the beauty that is nature! We offer a great selection of vacation cabins you can plan a secluded family vacation in, that way your little ones can explore to their heart’s content.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

Once you’ve settled into your Mt Hood cabin, a scavenger hunt is a great way to get the kids started. They’ll have a great time recognizing and finding these natural items, and the scavenger hunt doubles as a coloring page when they’re done. Download and print our Mt Hood summer scavenger hunt for kids now and get started!

What’s in our Mt Hood Summer Scavenger Hunt for Kids?

1. Mt Hood
2. Stars
3. Fir Cones
4. A Bird
5. Animal Tracks
6. A Leaf
7. Wildflowers
8. A Bug
9. A Butterfly
10. Bonus Item (Surprise your Kids)

Want More Mt Hood?

You will enjoy these fun, family-friendly activities at Mt Hood:

• 6 Lakes at Mt Hood for Summer Cool-Down Fun
• 10 Beautiful Mt Hood Birds to Watch For
• Mt Hood Wildflowers

Best Of Mt Hood

10 Beautiful Mt Hood Birds to Watch For
Posted by Betsy LaBarge | Thursday, April 16, 2020

With multiple lakes, a national forest and birding trails, Mt Hood is a bird-lover’s paradise! The USDA Forest Service tracks a list of over 180 birds from 40 families that are known to make an appearance at Mt Hood. Some of these birds frequent the area, and others make surprise appearances while migrating. The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail is an excellent place to look for many of these magnificent birds, and the Mt Hood Loop section of this trail will take you along the Columbia River and the base of Mt Hood.

Another notable site to bird watch in Mt Hood, Oregon is at Bonney Butte HawkWatch. This is a bird study site in Mt Hood National Forest, only six miles from Government Camp. They offer an excellent hawk watching site and educational programs from late August through October each year. If you’re planning on stopping by the Bonney Butte HawkWatch, the best time to go is between September 7th and October 12th, during “bulk passage” (that’s when the most raptors are migrating through the area).

Whether you’re a birder trying to check some more birds off your list, or a novice who enjoys their beautiful songs, we hope you enjoy our 10 favorite Mt Hood birds to watch for.

10 Beautiful Mt Hood Birds to Watch For

#1 – Green-Winged Teal

This beautiful duck is the smallest of the North American dabbling ducks and the males sport a green eye patch. The Green-Winged Teal is very common in North America, and Oregon is home to them year-round. Green-Winged Teals love inland lakes and shallow streams, and begin nesting in late May and early July. Did you know that they enjoy searching for food on mud flats more than any other species of duck?

#2 – Bufflehead

The Bufflehead is so beautiful it surely must be Photoshopped, right? This small sea duck is one of America’s smallest ducks, along with the aforementioned Green-Winged Teal. The males sport a mesmerizing iridescent helmet, and they puff out the feathers on their head to look larger. If you’re a birder, you’ve likely heard of the Bufflehead before. Did you know that they are known as the “spirit duck”? The Bufflehead winters in Oregon and Timothy Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest is a great place to spot them.

#3 – Red Tailed Hawk

The Red Tailed Hawk is a bird of prey which is very common in North America. Did you know that they can acclimate to a great variety of habitats? They are found in places such as deserts, forests, urban areas and more. The Red Tailed Hawk will eat a variety of prey, like rodents, ground squirrels, and even lizards.

#4 – Green Heron

This small bird has a glossy greenish cap and back with a chesnut neck and underbelly. The Green Heron is interesting for its intense courtship displays which lead to seasonally monogamous relationships. They like to nest high up in trees in the forest laying two to six eggs a time. Did you know that baby Green Herons can start to fend for themselves at just 30-35 days old?

#5 – American Wigeon

The American Wigeon is another dabbling duck species on our list, and the male sports a beautiful green eye patch like the Green-Winged Teal. The American Wigeon breeds throughout Oregon, but likes to winter in the South. They are often referred to as “poachers” or “robbers” because they hang around with diver birds and grab pieces of food brought to the surface.

#6 – Barrow’s Goldeneye

This sea duck has a striking yellow / golden eye and is named after Sir John Barrow. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is a diving bird, eating insects, vegetation and crustaceans. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is a pretty quiet bird until breeding season when it squeaks and croaks in a low volume. Did you know that the female Barrow’s Goldeneyes return to the same breeding site each year?

#7 – Calliope Hummingbird

Did you know that the Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird that is native to the United States? This cutie likes to nest throughout Oregon and Washington and makes a long distance migration each year. Male Calliope Hummingbirds have fantastic wine-red streaks on their neck area, which is referred to as a gorget. You’ll notice greenish highlights on both the males and females. Males can flap their wings up to 95 flaps per second when they’re courting a female!

#8 – Greater Yellowleg

This strange looking bird looks like it belongs on a beach rather than a forest! The Greater Yellowleg migrates throughout the United States and enjoys foraging in shallow water. You can spot them by their long thin legs and long black beak which has a slight upward curve at the end. Yellowlegs are sometimes referred to as “tattlers”, because they would make a lot of noise when bird hunters were out looking for shorebirds.

#9 – Hooded Merganser

The Hooded Merganser is a small diving duck with a lot of style. While the male and female Hooded Mergansers have different color coats during breeding season, they can both raise and lower their crests (that’s the funny looking hat this one is wearing in the picture). When it’s not breeding season, the male looks very similar to the female Hooded Merganser with a greyish-brown body.

#10 – Wild Turkey

Have you ever seen a Wild Turkey? These proud birds are pretty prevalent in Oregon. A male adult tukey can weight up to 24 pounds! You’d think such a large bird couldn’t take flight, but Wild Turkeys can actually fly close to the ground for up to a quarter mile.

Your Guide to Mt Hood

Looking for fun activities, expert information and more? We’re pleased to provide information on the latest and greatest in Mt Hood, like which events to attend and where to stay when you come visit.

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Mt Hood Wildflowers
Posted by Betsy LaBarge | Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Each year from snowmelt to fall, Mt Hood blooms with a great variety of colorful wildflowers. Spectators visit the Villages of Mt Hood to hike and bike trails that are lined with blossoms of all kinds. Trillium Lake Loop Trail and Summit Meadow, at higher elevations like the Timberline Trail, and Elk Meadows are all great places to take in the sights. While there are too many types of wildflowers in the area to identify in just one blog post, here are eight of our favorites!

8 of our Favorite Mt Hood Wildflowers

#1 – Lupine

Mt Hood is absolutely one of the best places to see Lupine, with large patches covering the ground in many places. Lupine is one of those must-stop-and-photograph wildflowers that can transform whole hillsides into lovely hues of purple/blue. Lupine typically flowers from late May to early August.

#2 – Monkey Flower

Monkeyflower in a whimsical plant, with bright yellow blooms popping up from lush dark greenery. This tubular wildflower has small orange specks in the inside and elk and deer have been known to snack on it. Monkeyflower blooms from June through August.

#3 – Penstemon

Creeping Penstemon is part of a huge genus of flowering plants that can grow in a variety of conditions. You’ve likely seen some sort of penstemon alongside a roadway, on a mountain or elsewhere. Creeping Penstemon can grow to cover several feet in a carpet-like manner. These beauties range in color from lavender to pink and bloom from early to mid-summer.

#4 – Columbines

Columbines are an absolutely stunning flower with a very delicate composition. This flower’s name actually means “dove-like” in Latin, with many saying that they dance on the wind. Columbines can come in many different colors, most notably blue/white or red/yellow. Columbines typically bloom from June through August.

#5 – Spreading Phlox

Spreading Phlox is a fragrant, small flower that attracts butterflies and moths. This wildflower grows in a matt/carpet like way, sprouting up from curious and sandy slopes. It’s always magnificent to see a wildflower grow in unusual circumstances. Spreading Phlox typically blooms from late May to mid-June.

#6 – Yarrow

Yarrow is both a beautiful and useful wildflower. Yarrow grows between 10 and 40 inches tall, and small white flowers with light yellow centers sprout up amongst fern-like green foliage. This wildflower has a long history of medicinal use and is still used by outdoor enthusiasts today. Yarrow typically blooms from May through Septemeber.

#7 – Pussy-paws

Cistanthe umbellata is actually referred to as the Mount Hood pussy-paws, so you can imagine they are pretty popular around here! This small perennial herb blooms in round puffs at the end of a stem – giving them their “paw-like” appearance. You will often see them laying on the ground, growing from a small patch of greenery among rocky/sandy soil starting in May and all the way through August.

#8 – Huckleberry Blossoms

Okay, you caught us! This is the huckleberry plant (you know, the kind you can eat), but the flowers that come before the berries are beautiful. Huckleberries are very dense throughout Mt Hood, so you’re sure to come across some Huckleberry Blossoms in early August just a few weeks before the berries are ready to pick.

Your Guide to Mt Hood, Oregon

At Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, we’re pleased to offer you the latest information on everything Mt Hood. Plan for upcoming events, learn about the best of Mt Hood, and browse vacation rental cabins.

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