Beyond the slopes: Mt. Hood Territory’s winter wonders
If you think Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory in winter is all about skiing, think again. While its namesake mountain looms large in this slice of Pacific Northwest paradise, the real magic lies in the unexpected: lush trails, cozy towns and a patchwork of communities where interactive history and family fun come together.
This is a winter escape for those who prefer serenity over crowds. Spend the day searching for Bigfoot, sip local wine in the Willamette Valley or just settle into a cabin with a view.
If you can time your arrival for the middle of the week, even better. Mt. Hood Territory presents an opportunity to truly unplug, unwind and explore at your own pace, giving you more room to breathe under all those layers as the chaos of the mountain melts away.
Here’s how to make the most of the season.
Find home base
Drop off your bags at one of the many unique accommodations available in Mt. Hood Territory and settle in for your wintery respite. Vacation rentals and small inns are the name of the game here, from the compact confines of Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches to the Nordic-inspired A-frames of Niksen House, located at the base of Mt. Hood.
Dolan Creek Farm in Boring is anything but dull, offering log homes that can be booked for couples or larger groups. Schedule a farm tour to meet the resident pony, Gwen, and the newest edition to the family: a baby Brahma bull named Gordy.
Camp Colton near Estacada is a great home base for those who want to spend their days exploring nearby Clackamas River or Milo McIver State Park, while Whiskey Hill Store, Our Sweet Retreat and Prairie House Inn unlock entryways to the Willamette Valley.
Regardless of which Willamette Valley lodging you choose to rest your head, those with the flexibility to visit midweek will find the quietest corners and most attentive hosts—along with shopkeepers eager to share their intimate knowledge of the area.
Play outside
Let’s face it: Barreling down a mountain at breakneck speeds isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. Fortunately for those who prefer a more casual approach to the outdoors, Mt. Hood Territory has plenty of options.
Guided snowmobile tours, cross-country ski tours and snowshoe tours (both during the day and at night with the moon lighting the way) via Mt. Hood Outfitters offer a gentler way to take in the sights and embrace the snowy landscape (although the horsepower of a snowmobile adds a thrill for those who seek it).
For those keen on tackling the mountain in a more vertical fashion, there are a number of local ski resorts. Mt. Hood Skibowl is home to both the largest night ski area in the United States as well as the world’s only Cosmic Tubing activity, featuring over 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows and high-octane music as you glide down the mountain on an inner tube. Timberline Lodge & Ski Area (which you might recognize from “The Shining”), meanwhile, is prized for its extended skiing calendar and 4,540 feet of vertical drop.
Both mountains are easily accessible via the Mt. Hood Express, an affordable shuttle service that runs daily from key points throughout the region, and Hoodland Shuttle—making a car-free getaway possible while avoiding the hassle of winding mountain roads and limited parking.
Stay cozy indoors
Seek refuge from the cold by indulging in Mt. Hood Territory’s thriving culinary scene, where hyperlocal ingredients shine and craft breweries, wineries and distilleries abound.
Valley Public House in Happy Valley is a spacious food hall and taproom that spotlights local talent along with over 20 pinball machines and retro arcade games, while Ovation Caribbean Bistro in Milwaukie and Ale & Cider House in West Linn are must-stops for their Caribbean-inspired fare and artisanal ciders, respectively.
The Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government Camp is a prime entry point for learning more about the history of the area, including an exhibit about the history of skiing on Mt. Hood. Or you can pay a visit to the North American Bigfoot Center in Sandy to seek out Sasquatch himself.
Break up the time between meals and cold-weather activities with a visit to The House of Rose in Lake Oswego for some bespoke tailoring and White Rabbit Books & Gifts, an independent bookstore with a selection of gifts perfect for that inevitable holiday shopping trip.
Winter also signals the return of Cellar Season, when the tasting rooms are less crowded and a glass or two of locally produced wine feels even more indulgent alongside a crackling fire.
Enjoy family time
No need to find a sitter or drop the kids off at Grandma and Grandpa’s before your Mt. Hood Territory getaway. Wippersnappers Kids Play Place in Sandy and North Clackamas Aquatic Park in Milwaukie are sure to keep the little ones entertained, while the ski resorts have dedicated kid-friendly terrain and lessons perfect for both novice and aspiring shredders.
Ultrazone Laser Tag in Milwaukie and MindTrix Escape Room in Happy Valley add a dose of friendly competition and fun for all ages. Plus, they're great ways to warm up indoors as well. The Book Nook, a family-owned bookshop in Canby, caters to voracious readers of all stripes with an inviting atmosphere and frequent author readings.
When in doubt, a visit to Mt. Hood Roasters in Rhododendron, Mt. Hood Baking Co. in Mount Hood Village and Coffee House 26 in Welches will provide a jolt of caffeine for the grown-ups and a sweet treat for the kids when you’re looking for a warm, cozy pick-me-up amid a busy day of wintertime exploration.