Techtravler

We are thinking of going to the Portland area for spring break late march 2011. While there we would like to spend a couple of days skiing on Mt Hood. What cities are very close to the skiing on MT Hood? I would like to find some nice lodging that would be very easy to access skiing from. I looked at Timberland Lodge and it seemed a bit high price for the reviews I was seeing. Also, the rooms seem to mainly accommodate 2 people and we need it for 3.

Thanks,
TT

oldmacdonald

No real cities or even towns real close to Mt Hood. Government Camp is the closest and has various places to stay, might try VRBO. Also Welches, try Resort at the Mountain. On the north side of the mountain, try Cooper Spur. You could stay in Portland, it's an hour - hour and a half away.

spirobulldog

We loved The Timberline Lodge. They have plenty of rooms that can handle more than 2 people. Your original post said Timberland, but I assume you mean Timberline. You walk out your door and ski. It is an old historic lodge, typical National Park type stuff. It is in the same league as some of the places in Yosemite or Yellowstone, etc. If you are wanting upscale, then this wouldn't be the place for you. But, I think it is plenty nice enough. I love all of the old lodges. Tons of history in most all of them. It is one of only handful that is located outside of a National Park. It is in a National Forest. I don't know why everyone on tripadvisor runs it down. We though the food was good at the restaurant. They also operate the restaurant at Gov Camp. The hot chocolate at both places is the best(topped with toffee bits).

spirobulldog

Oops, springbreak. You are probably to late for any rooms. Most of the lodges fill up a year or more in advance, especially at prime times.

skigal

There is the Huckleberry Inn right in Govy, they have some simple rooms. There is also the Mt. Hood Inn, that is a small hotel type also in Govy. Both are within walking distance to Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. Then there are condo rentals at the Collins Lake Resort also in Govy, and they offer a shuttle to Ski Bowl. All are within 15 minutes drive of Timberline Lodge and about a 25 minutes to Mt. Hood Meadows, (if there is no traffic or accidents) The most historic is at Timberline lodge and you ski right into the lodge.

The most interesting place to stay, but you have to get a group together and make reservations well in advance is at the Silcox Hut above Timberline. There are Bunk style sleeping arrangements, but with a fun group there is nothing like having watching the sunset and then the sunrise at 6,950 on Mt. Hood. You get you gear up there via snowcats.

skigal

Forgot to mention, there is a hidden gem of a place to eat in Gov'y. It is upstairs at the Ski Bowl East Lodge. Dasha has great eastern european dinners. It is not an extensive menu, but really good. Only the locals really know it is there. One place I have been avoiding is the Brew Pub at the west end of Govy, it has not been good lately

passerbye

Christmas and New Years, yes, but I wouldn't exactly characterize Spring Break as "prime time" on Mt. Hood. Locals are either driving up for the day(s) to ski, or getting out of Dodge to some warmer climate. And except for summer skiing, Mt. Hood has never been particularly popular with out-of-staters. So go ahead and check Timberline Lodge. It's probably the best you'll find with the easy access to the slopes you're looking for.

nrusinak

HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend Brightwood Guest House. It's a B&B just down the road from Timberline. We felt it was appropriately priced and it's just fantastic. There is only one unit - you'd be the only guests. The unit is a separate guest house, complete with kitchen, living room, bath and sleeping loft. You have your own private patio. But the best thing, BY FAR, are the outdoor soaking tubs, made a beautiful cyprus down by a babbling brook. Bonnie and Jeff Rames are terrific hosts and the breakfasts were out of this world.

spirobulldog

I checked several days in March before typing "oops". I assume OP checked as well, because all they had available was a room that allowed only 2 people.

NWWanderer

The Lodge at Government Camp is managed by the same company as Timberline. I stopped by on a recent trip and looked at a couple units, it's really nice and well suited for 3 people (condo style).