Get ready for winter on Mt. Hood National Forest

Winter snow is finally arriving on Mt. Hood National Forest.  Mt. Hood offers skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more, but it’s important to plan ahead before heading out.  

Always check the weather forecast and visit TripCheck.com for highway conditions before leaving home.  Driving in the winter at high elevations can mean snowy and icy roads, limited visibility, snowplows, and heavy ski traffic.  Prepare your vehicle – carry tire chains and a winter weather kit, which should include extra food, water, layers, and blankets.  Consider carpooling or using public transit, such as the Mt. Hood Express or Gorge-To-Mountain Express buses. 

Most of the Forest has no cell service and Mt. Hood National Forest roads aren’t plowed.  Some Forest roads are closed seasonally due to snow, winter recreation use, winter range wildlife habitat, or resource protection.  Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are free and show all Mt. Hood National Forest roads, as well as seasonal closures.  Pick up a paper copy at one of our offices or download a georeferenced copy for your smartphone: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/maps-guides 

Sno-Parks are popular for winter recreation and can fill up quickly on weekends.  If a parking lot is full, it’s important to have a backup plan.  Do not park along the highway, in no-parking zones, or block other vehicles.  Emergency vehicles and snowplows need unobstructed access to operate safely and quickly.  Vehicles blocking traffic or parked illegally are subject to ticketing and towing.  

Nearly all Sno-Parks on Mt. Hood require vehicles to display a Sno-Park permit.  The Oregon Sno-Park permit program is managed by ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) and money earned from permits sales directly funds plowing and maintenance of Sno-Parks.  Learn more: https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Sno-Parks-Permits 

Many Forest trails and roads have downed limbs or trees, rockfall, slides, or other hazards from the heavy rains and windstorm in December.  While Forest staff and volunteers work to assess and clear hazards, be ready to turn around before you get stuck or stranded in an area that is remote, inaccessible, or has no cell service. 

Have a fun and safe winter on the mountain! 

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