Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

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Give the Gift of Time Well Spent This Holiday Season

Give the Gift of Time Well Spent This Holiday Season
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Holiday markets are abound and the end caps at stores are shimmering with paper and ribbons, but a new theme is also appearing in our holiday culture… and this one doesn’t come in a package. Articles about giving the Gift of Time this holiday season are popping up on Facebook and we couldn’t agree more. It’s time to take a small step back from our consumer culture and focus on the true spirit of the holidays – time well spent with family and friends.

Instead of wrapping up plastic toys that will be broken and tech that will only pull us further away from our family and friends, let’s wrap up an experience that we can share together. There may be less to unwrap but the memories you create will serve you for years to come. Here are some solid reasons to ditch the paper and plastic and head to Mt Hood, Oregon for a holiday vacation this year.

What Are We Actually Spending All This Money On?

Did you know that the average consumer expects to spend around $1,000 during the holiday season this year? That’s enough to cover lodging for 3-7 nights in the Villages of Mt Hood in Oregon! What’s more? Best-selling psychological author Oliver James said in an interview with the Telegraph that kids don’t even want or value an “extraordinary proportion” of the gifts they are given. Recent research also shows that fewer toys encourage more creative & imaginative play.

So why do we continue to buy, buy, buy every holiday season? We want our families to know we’re thinking about them and care about them. Instead of spending $1,000 on gifts and trying to fill up the holiday season with entertaining things for the family to do, why not stay in a Mt Hood cabin where entertainment will be right outside your door? Kids will eventually outgrow their holiday presents, but memories from a family vacation will stick with them forever.

Creating Opportunities to Play Together

Psychological author Oliver James goes on to explain that what children really crave is prolonged play experiences with their families… and what adult doesn’t love a good escape from reality? While adults and children both seek different experiences out of vacations there is one common interest – time well spent with each other. It seems like when we’re not wrapping presents we’re wrapped up in work or in our phone. It’s the little moments when we stop wrapping and stop scrolling that matter.

It’s tricking dad to come outside and starting a snowball fight, or getting enough of mom’s time for that second bedtime story. It’s sneaking a cookie before dinner and staying up late playing board games next to the wood burning fireplace. It’s ordering in pizza because you spent longer than expected at the ski hill, or starting cocktail hour just a wee bit early because you spent more time falling than skiing. Whatever your family dynamics, quality time with your loved ones is a truly special gift.

Will You Join Us?

Save yourself some shopping and stressing this year. Put the ribbons and paper down and let your family and friends know you’re opting for a different type of experience this year. Tell them you want to give them a gift that can never be erased… memories! Read more about giving the gift of travel or browse our Mt Hood vacation cabins and plan your holiday experience today.

There are available dates for this year’s holiday season. Do you have your holiday plans firmed up for this year? Reservations are now available for 2022. Booking early will give you lots of choices in vacation homes.

A Gift Certificate for a visit to a Mt Hood Vacation Rental is the ideal holiday gift, letting your loved ones choose their favorite vacation home and ideal dates for Creating Memories That Matter in their lives. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals’ Gift Certificates can be for any dollar amount and can specify your favorite vacation rental or you can let your giftee choose the perfect cabin, chalet or lodge for their vacation. We will prepare a full-color gift certificate that will be emailed to you in PDF format, so you can print it for a card insert or in a gift wrapped box. Call us at 888-424-9168 to get started.

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Holidays At Mt Hood

Our Favorite Mt Hood Winter Activities

Our Favorite Mt Hood Winter Activities
Posted by Tiffany Quillan | Sunday, November 7, 2021

Every year, the first snow at Mt Hood brings a sense of excitement that seems to buzz through the crisp air. Favorite sweaters are pulled from the backs of closets, hot cocoa graces our mugs and cabins are lit by the cheery glow of dancing fireplaces. It’s the season that celebrates our lap around the sun, and we must admit that we’re feeling like 2020 deserves a big (comfortably distanced) celebration for our resilience.

There is always a great variety of fun activities to take part in each winter at Mt Hood. Our usual suspects made the list of things to do at Mt Hood in the winter, and we’ve promoted some lesser known activities for providing comfortably distanced fun. We hope you enjoy this winter season and find some time to celebrate our collective strength through what has been a very different year.

Pro Tip: Mt Hood is a very popular weekend destination. Consider planning a mid-week trip to enjoy smaller crowds, more space, and better rates on vacation rentals. 

Things to do at Mt Hood in the Winter

#1 – Snow Play at Mt Hood

While snow play at Mt Hood is popular every year, it’s getting some special recognition this year since it lends to comfortably distancing. Snow play includes some of our absolute favorite winter activities, like cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Our area is home to 22 sno-parks, and accessing them is easy! Please note that our Sno-Parks have a small fee for parking, and you can purchase a Sno-Park Permit for a single day, three consecutive days or an annual permit through Mt Hood Vacation Rentals. Plus, there’s no need to haul your own gear to Mt Hood – get all the details on renting equipment for winter sports in our guide.

Suggested Cross County Skiing Trails at Mt Hood

  • Bennett Pass (5.1 miles – moderate out-and-back ski trail with thrills when crossing the “Terrible Traverse”)
  • Tea Cup Lake Nordic Center (12 miles of groomed trails – known as some of the best cross country skiing; note: no dogs or snowshoes permitted)
  • Yellowjacket Trail Area (5 miles – for expert skiers, crosses the Salmon River)
  • Mt Hood Meadows Nordic Center (9 miles of groomed trails – beautiful views of the woods and meadows; note: no dogs or snowshoes permitted)
  • Crosstown Trail (5.6 miles – parallels the village of Government Camp on the north side from Enid Lake to Summit Ski Hill; several other trails intersect with the Crosstown Trail)
  • Barlow Pass, Twin Lakes and Frog Lake (20 miles, ski as little or as much as you have energy to do, starting at Barlow Pass Sno-Park or Frog Lake Sno-Park)

Suggested Snowshoeing Trails at Mt Hood

  • Pocket Creek (6 miles – gently rolling track on forest roads with wide open views, forests and creek crossings)
  • White River Trail (3.4 miles – beautiful views of Mt Hood, regularly trafficked, however there is lots of room to spread out)
  • Summit Trail (4 miles – nice views of Mt Hood and relatively unobstructed the whole time)
  • Skiway Trail (1.2 miles out and back, however this trail connects with several other trails for up to 10 or more miles of adventuring)
  • Lower & Upper Twin Lakes via PCT (5.7 miles – the lower lake sees less traffic)
  • Frog Lake Butte (6 miles – excellent views of Mt Hood and a more difficult trail)

Check out the full list of places to cross-country ski and snowshoe at Mt Hood.

#2 – Sledding, Tubing and Snow Play

If you think sledding, tubing and building a snowman are just for the kiddos we invite you to think again. You can (and should) enjoy these activities at every age. Sliding down a fluffy hill in an inner tube will put the biggest smile on your face, and we won’t blame you if there are a few snowballs thrown in the mix. These are all great activities for social distancing since you can bring your own sled or use the same tube. Remember to respect the snow play areas and haul out what you haul in (especially your sleds)!

Sledding and Tubing Hills at Mt Hood

  • Cosmic Tubing (tube hill at Mt Hood Skibowl with lights, music and themed innertubes; pre-paid advanced reservations required this season)
  • White River West Sno-Park (bring your own sleds and innertubes; large parking lot and lots of wide open spaces for sledding and tubing)
  • Snow Bunny Sno-Park (bring your own sleds and innertubes; hike up and slide down)
  • Cooper Spur (tube hill at the small ski area on the north side of Mt Hood; tubes are included with ticket price)

#3 – Skiing & Snowboarding

With five different skiing and snowboarding areas, it’s no wonder that Mt Hood is adored for its downhill action. Our ski areas are taking extra COVID-specific precautions in alignment with the National Ski Areas Association’s Ski Well, Be Well Program this year. While our ski areas are still finalizing plans, it’s important to note that most are leaning towards a reservation system with limited capacity. Please be sure to check the ski area websites before you plan your trip, so that you are prepared with alternative activities to keep the whole family entertained. 

#4 – Climbing Mt Hood in the Winter

For the very adventurous (and experienced) climbing Mt Hood in the winter is possible. There is a lot of gear required – and you need to be certain the conditions are favorable – but it’s a big accomplishment. In order to climb Mt Hood in the winter you should have adequate gear, like an ice axe, crampons, ropes and avalanche rescue gear. You should be very experienced at alpine mountaineering and path finding.

#5 – Indoor Fun at Mt Hood

Find the right cabin and you won’t be disappointed with your options for indoor fun at Mt Hood this winter. Choose a cabin with a fireplace to play board games by, or just cozy up with a glass of wine and a good book. Test your skills in the kitchen and plan a mini soup-off competition with the family. Stay in a lodge with a hot tub and dare the kids to make a snow angel before hopping in to warm up. Make snow cones for an after-dinner treat or build a family of snowmen.

Driving to Mt Hood in the Winter

There is something mystical about driving through Mt Hood in the winter – tall trees are covered in blankets of fluffy snow that seems to sparkle in the sunlight. While beautiful, it should not be forgotten that these are mountain roads which you need to be prepared for. You’ll want four wheel drive or all wheel drive and snow chains or snow tires. You’ll also want to bring an emergency kit with all the essentials just in case you get stuck. Be sure to pack blankets, extra food and water, a snow shovel and a snow scraper. You can learn more about winter driving conditions at Mt Hood and more about Mt Hood during the winter in general in our winter guide.

Mt Hood Winter Cabin Rentals

Mt Hood offers a beautiful selection of cabin rentals to call basecamp while you’re here. This winter, more than ever, it’s important to find a cozy rental with all the amenities you’ll need for an extended stay. Our cabin rentals have amenities like fireplaces, hot tubs, gorgeous views and full kitchens. Most are pet-friendly, so your canine family member can join you for your winter vacation. In fact, each of our cabin rentals includes a crockpot so you can come home to a warm meal after a day of snow play. Browse our cabin rentals and start planning your winter trip to Mt Hood today!

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4 Fun Fall Things To Do at Mt Hood

4 Fun Fall Things To Do at Mt Hood

Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Fall is one of our favorite seasons around Mt Hood. The weather is still sunny, but not too hot with crisp, cool nights and ever-changing gold and red colors on the big leaf maples, vine maples, alders and cottonwoods surrounded by the deep greens of the Douglas fir and cedar trees. And because this is Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Quiet Season, the rates are reduced, especially when you stay midweek.

Vibrant Fall Colors Crisp, Cool Days Quiet Walks in the Woods = A Restful Fall Vacation at Mt Hood

 

4 Fun Fall Things To Do at Mt Hood

Hiking

Fall is the best time for hiking. The trails are less crowded and the fall colors on the trees are vibrant making for an eye-popping scenic adventure. Some of our favorite trails are:

Little Zigzag River Trail: A short 1.2 mile out and back hike that is easily accessed by most people including small children and less-abled walkers alike

Old Salmon River Trail: A relatively flat trail that follows the Salmon River for 5 miles total, out and back. Or you can hike the Salmon River Trail (trailhead is at the bridge) for up to 9 miles one-way!

Trillium Lake: Not only will you see a spectacular view of Mt Hood at the lake, but you will also see lots of fall colors. You can hike, run or bike around the lake on forest roads or hike the 1.9 mile trail that goes around a portion of the lake.

Castle Canyon Trail: This 2.2 mile out and back hike is rated moderate, but feels difficult and is not for the less fit, however it you want to get a workout and spectacular pinnacle views, this is a must-do hike. Watch for chantrelles along the trail, too.

Timberline Trail and Pacific Crest Trail from Timberline Lodge: These two trails are popular for summer hiking and should be considered for fall hiking before the snow falls. You can do as little or as much as you like from Timberline Lodge with amazing views of Mt Hood. Then head into the lodge for a snack and hot beverage.

Check out all of the hiking trails in the Mt Hood National Forest. For trails near your Mt Hood Vacation Rental, we are surrounded by the Zigzag Ranger District.

Salmon Spawning

Salmon will be spawning in the rivers around the Villages of Mt Hood during the fall. The exact timing is different every year based on weather (rainfall and temperatures), but once they arrive to spawn, the show lasts for a few weeks. The salmon run is when the salmon swim upstream from the ocean back to the rivers to lay eggs for the next year’s new fish. In our case, the salmon have a long trip from the Pacific Ocean up the Columbia River to the Sandy River, then on up to the Salmon River and other tributaries like Still Creek. After this arduous and tiring trip, the eggs are laid and fertilized, then the salmon die. When the salmon eggs develop into new fish, these fish will eventually swim back to the ocean, only to return to the same river they were born in to spawn and then die just as their parents did. The aptly named Salmon River is the best place to see the salmon spawning, but check out this video of salmon in Still Creek from a few years ago.

Hood River County Fruit Loop

Fresh apple pie from Hood River apples

Just a short drive to the east side of Mt Hood, you can visit the Hood River County Fruit Loop when vacationing at Mt Hood. Fall is apple and pear season in the Hood River Valley and their are many farm stands open with freshly picked apples and pears of multiple varieties as well as fresh-pressed apple cider. They will also be selling pumpkins and other squash and late season vegetables just harvested from their farms. Bring the apples back to your vacation rental and make an apple pie with the kids (all of our vacation rentals include pie pans). Our favorite recipe is Martha Stewart’s Mile-High Apple Pie. Of course, you an buy a pre-made pie crust and just make the filling to make things easier. The adults may want to do a little wine tasting at one of several wineries in the Hood River region as well.

Take a Relaxing Soak in the Private Hot Tub

Creekside hot tub at Moondance Cabin

As the nighttime air chills down during the fall, the warm and bubbly private hot tub at your vacation rental becomes more inviting. Soothe tired muscles and share stories of the day’s adventures while planning where you want to go next.

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Zigzag Mountain Lodge in the fall at Mt Hood

The best part about visiting Mt Hood during the fall is that it is our Quiet Season, so there are less crowded trails, restaurants and stores and less traffic on the roads plus you can stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental at reduced rates especially midweek. When is your trip? For friendly, personalized assistance in finding the best vacation rental to meet and exceed your expectations, call a Vacation Planner at 888-424-9168.

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Where to See Mt Hood Fall Colors

Where to See Mt Hood Fall Colors
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Mt Hood is renowned for year-round skiing and snowboarding, and countless miles of hiking and biking trails. Most people visit during the winter and summer months to enjoy these activities. What these folks are missing out on only happens in the fall, and it is such a spectacular occurrence we want to share it with our Mt Hood Vacation Rental guests…the brilliant fall foliage!
As the seasons transition from summer to autumn, the days get shorter and leaves change from green to the many colors of fall—gold, amber, red, orange and even pink. Once winter is in full swing, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis, and the leaves dry up and fall to the ground. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer.
So where and when can you see this spectacular phenomenon while it’s in full swing? We’ve got all the details right here in our guide to Mt Hood Fall Colors!
Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

When to See Mt Hood Fall Colors

Throughout Oregon, mid- to late-October tend to be the best time to view fall foilage. However, prime fall color viewing varies each year depending on the weather and what nutrients the trees had all year. The Mt Hood area can entertain bright bursts of fall foilage as late as mid-November. If you’re planning a fall color trip, late October is a great choice!

Where to See Mt Hood Fall Colors

Mt Hood Fall Color Hikes

One of the best ways to see fall colors, especially if you’re looking to snap some pics, is by hiking. Bring a jacket and pack your camera and some snacks, here are three places to hike and see the brilliant fall foilage. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for a stunning gorgeous retreat into nature!

#1 – Mt Hood National Forest

Besides evergreens, the Mt Hood National Forest is full of vine maples, oak, huckleberry and Oregon grapes shrubs with colors that strike a remarkable contrast to the dark greens of Douglas fir and hemlock in the fall. Vine maples, in particular, show off the brightest and most diverse color spectrum, from deep dark red to the most vivid yellow.

#2 – Hunchback Mountain

For a magnificent, sweeping view of the Welches Valley and the abundant autumn colors of the Mt Hood National Forest, hike up Hunchback Mountain, accessible from the Zigzag Ranger Station. While it is a somewhat strenuous hike up (an hour each way), you will be well-rewarded with sweeping views of the colorful valley and the Salmon River below once you reach the top.

#3 – Old Salmon River Trail

For a more relaxed experience, meander along the Old Salmon River Trail and watch as the fall leaves float peacefully into and down the Salmon River while the salmon are spawning. The 5-mile out-and-back style trail is family friendly and marked as easy in difficulty level. This would be the perfect trip for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the fall foliage.

Mt Hood Fall Color Cruises

To experience Mt Hood’s fall foliage from the comforts of your car, cruise along the Mt Hood Scenic Byway and the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, which join to create a breathtaking loop around Mt Hood. Fall colors are particularly glorious through Hood River Valley, on Highway 35 between Government Camp and Hood River as you drive from forest to field.

Take breaks along the Hood River County Fruit Loop at the many orchards and wineries that dot the beautiful landscape, and watch apple, pear and grape harvest in full swing before tasting the fruits of the farms’ labors. Apples, pears, cider and other fall harvest fruits and vegetables are available for sale at many locations.


Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

Plan Your Fall Getaway to Colorful Mt Hood

If the idea of cozy fireplaces, apple cider, brilliant fall colors and relaxation have you smiling, it’s time to pack your bags and head to Mt Hood. Check out our guide to fall trip planning and four fun things to do in the fall at Mt Hood. We offer a great selection of cabins that are perfect for your next adventure. Book a romantic retreat cabin with your loved one, or choose a pet friendly cabin so your furry friend can join you.

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The Best 7 Cabins for Mt Hood Hiking Vacations

The Best 7 Cabins for Mt Hood Hiking Vacations
Posted by Betsy LaBarge | Saturday, June 19, 2021

Summer is our favorite time to hit the trails and go for a hike in the Mt Hood National Forest with long, warm and sunny days. Start your hike early and you will still have time to enjoy other activities like biking, paddling and golfing. Or take a refreshing dip in one of our mountain lakes. Getting a late start? No worries, the days are long, allowing for an afternoon hike, too.

Whether you like a casual stroll along a quiet path or you are looking for a multi-mile cardio workout, there are hundreds of miles of trails in the Mt Hood area for you to discover. And there is no need to hop in your car and make the long drive back to the city after a day of exploring in the woods. Instead, head back to your Mt Hood cabin just minutes away and enjoy a refreshing beverage and snacks, cook up a grilled dinner on the BBQ and kick back and relax with a soak in the hot tub.

Most of our vacation rentals are pet-friendly, so bring your dog along on your Mt Hood vacation and take him hiking with you.

Here our some of our favorite Mt Hood Vacation Rentals for hiking vacations.

The Best 7 Cabins for Mt Hood Hiking Vacations at a Glance

  1. Ripplewood in Welches
  2. Mountain View Hideaway in Zigzag
  3. Marshall Cabin in Government Camp
  4. Bridlewood Cabin in Welches
  5. Chalet am Berg in Government Camp
  6. Forest View Lodge in Welches
  7. Zigzag Mountain Lodge in Zigzag

1. Ripplewood Cabin, Serene and relaxing cabin on the Salmon River, decks, BBQ, hot tub, pet friendly, sleeps 6. Walk 2 minutes to the Bonanza Trailhead.

Ripplewood Deck, Hot tub, BBQ

2. Mountain View Hideaway, Secluded cabin, decks, BBQ, hot tub, pet-friendly, sleeps 8. A short drive to dozens of trails in the Lolo Pass area including the Pacific Crest Trail.

Mountain View Hideaway

3. Marshall Cabin, Cozy cabin surrunded by the Mt Hood National Forest, decks, BBQ, pet-friendly, sleeps 8. Walk out the door to miles of forest roads and nearby trails in the Trillium Lake area.

Marshall Cabin

4. Bridlewood Cabin, Romantic cabin with a sunny yard, decks, BBQ, pet-friendly, sleeps 3. Across the road from Wildwood Recreation Site with Salmon River Access and miles of trails.

Bridlewood Cabin Deck

5. Chalet am Berg, Spacious lodge with 3 en suite bedrooms in Government Camp, patio, BBQ, hot tub, pet-friendly, sleeps 10. 2-Minute walk to the the Glade Trail and Crosstown Trail.

Chalet am Berg Hot Tub

6. Forest View Lodge, Secluded log cabin on acreage, decks, BBQ, hot tub, pet-friendly, sleeps 9. 5-Minute drive to the Old Salmon River Trail and for the more adventurous, the Salmon River Trail.

Forest View Lodge

7. Zigzag Mountain Lodge in a sunny setting, decks, BBQ, hot tub, pet-friendly. 5 minutes to the Road 19 Trail for joggers and dog walkers and access to the Zigzag Mountain Trail and Castle Canyon Trail.

Zigzag Mountain Lodge

Plan Your Mt Hood Vacation Hiking Vacation

From hiking in the Mount Hood National Forest or in Wildwood Park followed by a picnic or going on a casual stroll at the family-friendly Barlow Wayside Park, you are sure to find the perfect trail for you and your friends and family during your Mt Hood Vacation. Start planning your getaway now by reserving a Mt Hood Vacation Rental.

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