Trip Report: Mt. Hood Summit

--When, Where, Conditions--
When: April 4, 2015
Location: Mount Hood Southside Summit Trail
Conditions: Clear for the ascent and undercast for the descent.
Duration: 10.5 Hours

--Helpful Info--
Difficulty: Moderate
Kid Friendly? Not really
Pet Friendly? Not really
Useful Links: Mountain Forecast

The Report: We arrived at Timberline Lodge around midnight. My Toyota Previa, Vanna White, was outfitted with my couch cushions to allow two people to sleep comfortably. My climbing partner, whom we'll call Jackson, and I slept until around 3 when we eagerly awoke and each ate about a pound of trail mix.

We began the ascent at about 3:30 with the crimson of the blood moon lighting the way, needless to say it felt pretty intense. The hike up to the top of the Palmer lift was a bitter cold slog through a ski area. When the sun started hitting our faces, and when we were finally above the lift, I began to really feel like Kevin Pittsnogle, a true Mountaineer. As we entered the Devil's Kitchen however, we encountered waist deep snow and began to wish that we had brought snowshoes. As it turns out, that is not enough snow to overpower the effects of the Guayaki Yerba Mate Energy Shots that Jackson had been carrying. We flew up to Hogsback and looked incredulously at what lay ahead.

As it turned out, despite our mild winter, the western portion of the Pearly Gates had frozen solid. Not to be deterred, our heroes edged their way to the right and were able to scramble to the summit. General elation ensued.

After photos were taken, and more trail mix was eaten, we glissaded back to Hogsback and began to come to grips with the fact that we were now on the hook to walk down Mt. Hood. By 14:00 we were back in the parking lot.