Mt Hood Trivia Quiz

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



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