Summer Operations At Mt. Hood Meadows Start July 5
Melting snows and budding wildflowers means it's almost time for Summer Operations to start at Mt. Hood Meadows, as the resort is scheduled to reopen for another season of mountain fun starting July 5.
Scenic chair rides, hiking (guided or self-guided), games on the deck, live music, ultramarathons, overnight RV camping, food and beverages, barbecues, nighttime outdoor movies, summer camps, and an expansive lineup of special events are all in store for guests this summer at Mt. Hood Meadows.
Nestled into the sunny, eastern side of the mountain, the natural beauty of Mt. Hood Meadows is the focal point of the resort's operations. If you're looking for a space to relax, reset, commune with nature, enjoy fresh air, take in amazing views, and hang out on a deck with a burger and a beer, Mt. Hood Meadows is the place. The alpine meadows the resort is named after have some of the best displays of wildflowers anywhere on the mountain and while parking at other trailheads can be a hassle due to crowding, that's not the case at Meadows, which has plenty of parking in their main lot.
Here's info on what Mt. Hood Meadows offers during Summer Operations:
-Hiking: Meadows has an extensive network of trails with a variety of difficulty levels, offering sweeping views of the Cascades, coniferous forests, wildflowers, and waterfalls. Trails can be accessed for free, but the resort also has guided hikes available for purchase so you can get the most out of your trip to the mountain.
-Scenic chair rides: A fantastic way to take in the views and get easier access to the higher-elevation trails by way of the Stadium Express lift, as well as a fun experience for those who have never ridden a chairlift before. A scenic chair ride is also a great way for people with limited mobility to enjoy views of the Cascades. If you've bought a pass for the upcoming 2024-25 winter recreation season at Meadows, you get to enjoy free scenic chair rides during Summer 2024 Operations, as well as get $10 scenic chair ride buddy tickets.
-Summer Daycare Camps: The resort has four-day summer camps running into late August that are available for kids ages 0-11 (fun fact: Meadows is one of the only resorts in the nation to offer state-certified daycare for children as young as 6 weeks old). Activities include hikes, STEM and art projects, and a mix of free and structured playtime. Drop-in daycare is also available. You can even enjoy free wifi and work remotely while your child is in daycare, and/or go enjoy a hike or a relaxing day on the deck!
-Overnight RV Camping: While other campgrounds are increasingly booked out months in advance, Meadows has plenty of space in their main parking lot for you and your self-contained RV. Overnight RV Camping is offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during Summer Operations. Step right out the front door of your RV and start your hike at Meadows, or use the resort as a basecamp for your other Mt. Hood and/or Columbia River Gorge adventures.
-Food and drinks: Stop by the Paradise Grill after your hike for a snack, meal, and/or a frosty beverage, or stop by one of the weekend barbecues Meadows will be having out on the deck.
-Games on the deck: Jenga and cornhole and more.
-Retail: Visit the retail shop in the main lodge (near the Paradise Grill) for Meadows gear, stickers, drinkware, and other items that make great souvenir gifts for yourself or loved ones.
-Weddings: Summer is a fantastic time to get married on the mountain and Meadows offers an all-inclusive experience, including gorgeous venues, custom seasonal menus, and recreational opportunities. Just a 90-minute drive from PDX airport!
-Dark Skies Camping, July 5-7: In honor of the Oregon Outback recently being named the world's largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Meadows will be turning out the lights during their opening weekend's overnight RV camping. Combined with the new moon and limited light pollution, it should be prime conditions for stargazing.
-Mountain Cleanup, July 14: Help Meadows clean up Mt. Hood! Everyone ages 7 and older who helps during this two-hour litter collection will be rewarded with two summer scenic chair ride vouchers and a $15 Meadows meal voucher (expires at the end of Summer 2024 operations)
-Wildcrafting Experiences, July 19 & 26 and Aug. 2 & 9: Go on a guided hike and learn about the culinary and medicinal uses of native plants from local expert Jesse Eaton
-Movies on the Deck, Aug. 2, 9, 23, & 30: Grab a blanket and a comfy chair and settle in for outdoor movies on the deck, starting at dusk nearly every Friday in August! This summer's lineup includes Grease, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, and Shrek. In addition to the movies, Meadows will also have pizza available for purchase so you can enjoy dinner either before or during the movie!
-Mushroom Hunt Series, Aug. 18 & 25 and Sept. 1: Enjoy a guided hike with local mushroom expert Jason Roberts as you learn about how to find and identify mushrooms on Mt. Hood. Please note that this is a hike for educational purposes, not active foraging.
-Summer Brew Fest, Aug. 24: Hang out on the deck, listen to live music from Chic Preston, and sample beers from Portland and the Gorge. Buffet add-on option available!
-Ultramarathons from Daybreak Racing: July 20 & 21, Aug. 3 & 4, Sept. 7: Three different ultramarathons from Daybreak Racing will take place at Mt. Hood Meadows throughout the summer, providing an incredibly scenic race course for long-distance runners. Races include the Wy'east Trailfest, the Hood Hundred, and the Mt. Hood Trail Games.
-Music on the Deck series: The resort will have live music on the deck most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer, featuring a diverse lineup of local artists. Shows are free to attend!
Schedule & Hours:
- July 5 - September 2, 2024 plus a Bonus Weekend on September 7 & 8
- Open Sundays, Mondays & Thursdays 10 AM to 5 PM and Fridays* and Saturdays** 10 AM to 6 PM
- *On Fridays in August when there are Movies on the Deck, the resort's scenic chair rides and other amenities will be available until 7 PM
- **On Saturdays in August, the resort will be open until 7 PM
For more information, visit the resort website at SkiHood.com.
