5 Things You Didn’t Know About Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory

Everyone knows about Portland and Bend, but have you ever checked out Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory? This is definitely one place that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here’s what you didn’t know about Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory — and why you need to plan a visit!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory

You Can Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Portland Rose Hot Air Balloons offers the best sunrise views of Oregon – from 2,000 feet above the ground. We can confidently say this may be the coolest way to take in all of Mt. Hood Territory’s gorgeous scenery and countryside.

Be warned – hot air balloon flights are dependent on the weather, so opportunities to ride may be limited during windy or rainy seasons. And, if you plan your visit for March or April, you may even take off from a field of tulips!

The Craft Beer Scene is Phenomenal

Oregon’s reputation of being beer ‘nirvana’ is not exaggerated, so it should come as no surprise that Mt. Hood Territory offers up some of the best craft beer on the west coast. Tour the Tap Trail – one of Oregon’s many beer trails – that includes eight microbreweries and one cidery located throughout Clackamas County. Make sure to buy the Tap Trail Craft Pass (a mere $20), as it provides discounts at several breweries in the area.

Drinking Horse and Oregon City Brewing are favorites within the Tap Trail, but make sure you don’t miss Breakside Brewery – one of the most awarded and recognized breweries in Oregon. Can’t make it to all of them? BigFoot Growlers is a one-stop shop for all local craft brews, and you can even enjoy some live music and Frisbee golf while you sample!

It’s Home to the Second Largest Waterfall in the U.S.

Although northern Oregon’s Columbia River is scattered with numerous dazzling waterfalls, you don’t need to trek all the way up to the state border to go waterfall-chasing. Willamette Falls, which sits just 30 minutes south of Portland, is the largest waterfall (by volume) in the Northwest and the second most powerful in North America.

This beauty may not be as well-known as Multnomah Falls, but Willamette’s natural horseshoe-shape cascade is not something to be missed. You can take in the sights from viewpoints around the falls, or experience the rapids on a kayak or paddleboard tour.

You Can Ski Year-Round

That’s right, Mt. Hood has the longest ski season in North America! Timberline Lodge’s Palmer Snowfield remains up and running all summer long, providing refuge for those of you looking to escape the heat and hit the slopes during warmer months.

Ski and snowboard camps are available for novice’s, but intermediate and advanced skiers have their fun here year round as well. Oh, and did we mention that professionals and Olympic ski teams come here to train in summer?! Time to pack your snow gear.

It’s an Adventure-Lover’s Playground

There are so many activities to partake in you almost need to plan a second trip. During winter, you have to opportunity to snowmobile and snowshoe, explore the Sandy Glacier ice caves — all in addition to skiing and snowboarding, of course.

In summer you can rock climb, hike the Salmon River Trails, try horseback riding, and dive into ENDLESS water play; kayaking, whitewater rafting, and paddle boarding the lakes and rivers are just the beginning. The limitless amounts of awesome outdoor activities will keep you up from dawn till dusk. Needless to say, when it comes to adventure, Mt. Hood Territory is incomparable.