Blogging Mt HoodBlogging Mt HoodBlogging the local scene of Mt Hood, Oregon. Opinions, news, entertainment, local stories, hiking and biking trails, ski and snowboard resorts. Articles
How the Village of Zig Zag Got the Name
2007-07-20 20:15:00 The early pioneers of the Oregon Trail named many of the places we know today. The land around Mt. Hood was known only to the Native Americans, and until then, had no official names. The area was largely untraveled, and as the early immigrants passed through, giving way to some of the well known areas we call home in the beautiful Mt. Hood Corridor. The Zig Zag river, which was runs along part of the Barlow Road route. As they followed the river along part of the trail, they were increasingly frustrated by all of the "zigs and zags" as the winding river took them back and forth through the thick forest. They coined the river's name as Zig Zag, and through the years the name seemed to stick. The town later adopted the name, and is now home to one of the best pizza on the mountain, found at the Zig Zag Inn. There is also a Subway sandwhich shop, a few local businesses, and a soon-to-be-open Zig Zag Mountain Store, which was a local favorite for years before a temporary closure. Don'... More About: Village , Villa
How the Village of Zig Zag Got the Name
2007-07-20 20:15:00 The early pioneers of the Oregon Trail named many of the places we know today. The land around Mt. Hood was known only to the Native Americans, and until then, had no official names. The area was largely untraveled, and as the early immigrants passed through, giving way to some of the well known areas we call home in the beautiful Mt. Hood Corridor. The Zig Zag river, which was runs along part of the Barlow Road route. As they followed the river along part of the trail, they were increasingly frustrated by all of the "zigs and zags" as the winding river took them back and forth through the thick forest. They coined the river's name as Zig Zag, and through the years the name seemed to stick. The town later adopted the name, and is now home to one of the best pizza on the mountain, found at the Zig Zag Inn. There is also a Subway sandwhich shop, a few local businesses, and a soon-to-be-open Zig Zag Mountain Store, which was a local favorite for years before a temporary closure. Don'... More About: Village
Mt Hood Railroad Still in Recovery
2007-07-17 21:23:00 Last week, we rode the Mt. Hood Railroad , but were disappointed to find that last year's storm washed the ground out from under the tracks between Odell and Parkdale. Their website doesn't reflect the fact that you can't ride the excursion train to Parkdale, but if you take a trip out to their depot in Hood River, you can find some interesting facts about the damage that the track sustained.Even though the trip was cut short, the day was beautiful, and the views were gorgeous. There was a 1/2 hour stop in Odell, which is a small community nestled in the Hood River Valley. Most of the people on the train enjoyed ice cream at the local espresso shop, and took a break from the heat by relaxing in their "living room" style atmosphere, complete with couches, and two computers with high-speed internet.There is one gas station, a grocery store, and a few other small shops in Odell. Along the way, the train picked up two cars of lumber and brought them back to Hood River, as we made our ... More About: Recovery
Mt Hood Railroad Still in Recovery
2007-07-17 21:23:00 Last week, we rode the Mt. Hood Railroad , but were disappointed to find that last year's storm washed the ground out from under the tracks between Odell and Parkdale. Their website doesn't reflect the fact that you can't ride the excursion train to Parkdale, but if you take a trip out to their depot in Hood River, you can find some interesting facts about the damage that the track sustained.Even though the trip was cut short, the day was beautiful, and the views were gorgeous. There was a 1/2 hour stop in Odell, which is a small community nestled in the Hood River Valley. Most of the people on the train enjoyed ice cream at the local espresso shop, and took a break from the heat by relaxing in their "living room" style atmosphere, complete with couches, and two computers with high-speed internet.There is one gas station, a grocery store, and a few other small shops in Odell. Along the way, the train picked up two cars of lumber and brought them back to Hood River, as we made our ... More About: Recovery
Timberline Reached 95 Degrees
2007-07-09 00:47:00 It was an amazingly hot day at Timberline today. We went up to the lodge with family who had never seen the beautiful mountain, and thought it would be a cool retreat from the sweltering heat below, but it wasn't. We were so hot, we bought clothing that was cooler than what we wore, hoping to cool off a bit. As a local, I withstood the comments about being a tourist as I sported my new Timberline tank top. But the real mystery was how the skiers and snowboarders could stand being dressed in full winter gear as they descended the glaciers, landing in the parking lot below. A group of them left the mountain donned in snow hats and sweatshirts, ski jackets, and other winter clothing as I fought to stay cool in the near 95 degree weather! More About: Degrees
Timberline Reached 95 Degrees
2007-07-09 00:47:00 It was an amazingly hot day at Timber line today. We went up to the lodge with family who had never seen the beautiful mountain, and thought it would be a cool retreat from the sweltering heat below, but it wasn't. We were so hot, we bought clothing that was cooler than what we wore, hoping to cool off a bit. As a local, I withstood the comments about being a tourist as I sported my new Timberline tank top. But the real mystery was how the skiers and snowboarders could stand being dressed in full winter gear as they descended the glaciers, landing in the parking lot below. A group of them left the mountain donned in snow hats and sweatshirts, ski jackets, and other winter clothing as I fought to stay cool in the near 95 degree weather! More About: Rees , Degrees
Deadly Crash on Hwy 26 Near Milepost 32
2007-07-08 22:16:00 Photo was provided by Oregon State Police.July 7th was a tragic day for four people who died in a head on collision near milepost 32 on Hwy 26. A mother and two of her children and a family friend were traveling eastbound in their Chevrolet Astro van to Welches for a baseball tournament early Saturday morning when an oncoming car traveling westbound crossed over the center dividing line, striking the family's vehicle.The man who struck them, Lewis Delmar Lambert, was driving a Dodge Caravan and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It is not known why he crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic, but the result was horrifying. As his vehicle struck the eastbound family, they spun into the eastbound right lane, where they were again struck by another vehicle, sending them tumbling into the ditch, where their vehicle landed upside down. The second vehicle to hit them was a group of six Washington residents driving a Toyota Sequoia, and all six of t... More About: Crash , Deadly
Deadly Crash on Hwy 26 Near Milepost 32
2007-07-08 22:16:00 Photo was provided by Oregon State Police.July 7th was a tragic day for four people who died in a head on collision near milepost 32 on Hwy 26. A mother and two of her children and a family friend were traveling eastbound in their Chevrolet Astro van to Welches for a baseball tournament early Saturday morning when an oncoming car traveling westbound crossed over the center dividing line, striking the family's vehicle.The man who struck them, Lewis Delmar Lambert, was driving a Dodge Caravan and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It is not known why he crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic, but the result was horrifying. As his vehicle struck the eastbound family, they spun into the eastbound right lane, where they were again struck by another vehicle, sending them tumbling into the ditch, where their vehicle landed upside down. The second vehicle to hit them was a group of six Washington residents driving a Toyota Sequoia, and all six of t... More About: Crash , Deadly
Looking for a Gym in the Mountain Area?
2007-05-28 08:03:00 There are a few places to work out here and there, most of them in Gresham - until now. The Mt Hood Athletic Club opened recently, and is turning out nice. It's a high quality and standards gym, with a lot of square footage, and pretty posh for a small town gym! There's a new outdoor pool, and their ad in the paper suggests that new members before May 31st don't pay any dues until July, so it's a good time to check it out. It sure beats the extra 15 miles or so into Gresham, especially if you're trying to work-in a workout early in the morning! The special for this week is on National Senior Health & Fitness Day, which is this week on Wednesday, May 30 - seniors visit for free, which is a great way for seniors in the area to check it out without paying a dime! More About: Area , Mountain , Mount , The Mount
Looking for a Gym in the Mountain Area?
2007-05-28 08:03:00 There are a few places to work out here and there, most of them in Gresham - until now. The Mt Hood Athletic Club opened recently, and is turning out nice. It's a high quality and standards gym, with a lot of square footage, and pretty posh for a small town gym! There's a new outdoor pool, and their ad in the paper suggests that new members before May 31st don't pay any dues until July, so it's a good time to check it out. It sure beats the extra 15 miles or so into Gresham, especially if you're trying to work-in a workout early in the morning! The special for this week is on National Senior Health & Fitness Day, which is this week on Wednesday, May 30 - seniors visit for free, which is a great way for seniors in the area to check it out without paying a dime! More About: Area , Mountain
Lost Hikers Found on Mt Hood in Good Condition
2007-05-13 16:11:00 Wonderful news that the five people who were lost were located last night around 11:30, and were brought back by a snow cat to Timberline Lodge early this morning. There were no injuries, thankfully, to either the search and rescue teams or the hikers.There just can't be enough emphasis on the good that a mountain locator unit and GPS coordinates can provide, making these rescues quick and precise. The climbing party consisted of Portland residents Brian Anderson, 24, Ben Elkind, 22, and Jeremiah West, 28, as well as Hillsboro resident Brian Weihs, 39, and Lake Oswego resident Bryce Benge, 29. The hikers were faced with whiteout conditions, wind gusts were around 20 to 30 mph and tempuratures hovering around 20 degrees. If not for the preparation these hikers took when they equipped themselves with a cell phone and a mountain locator unit, things certainly could have turned out quite different. More About: Lost , Hood , Condition , Good , Condi
Lost Hikers Found on Mt Hood in Good Condition
2007-05-13 16:11:00 Wonderful news that the five people who were lost were located last night around 11:30, and were brought back by a snow cat to Timberline Lodge early this morning. There were no injuries, thankfully, to either the search and rescue teams or the hikers.There just can't be enough emphasis on the good that a mountain locator unit and GPS coordinates can provide, making these rescues quick and precise. The climbing party consisted of Portland residents Brian Anderson, 24, Ben Elkind, 22, and Jeremiah West, 28, as well as Hillsboro resident Brian Weihs, 39, and Lake Oswego resident Bryce Benge, 29. The hikers were faced with whiteout conditions, wind gusts were around 20 to 30 mph and tempuratures hovering around 20 degrees. If not for the preparation these hikers took when they equipped themselves with a cell phone and a mountain locator unit, things certainly could have turned out quite different. More About: Lost , Hood , Condition , Good
Update on Five Mt Hood Hikers Reported Missing
2007-05-13 06:41:00 According to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office this evening, the five climbers have reported that they were caught in a snow storm, with whiteout contitions, while returning from a one day climb on Mt. Hood . But on a positive note, they have proven to have a cell phone, and a global positioning system, as well as an activated mountain locator unit. Search and rescue teams have been in contact with the group, and instructed them to dig a snow cave to shield them from the harsh elements. It sounds so far as if they might be forced to spend the night on the mountain.Clackamas County Sheriff's Office also reports that the rescue teams could depart as early as tonight, hopeful to arrive back at Timberline Lodge around 3:00 a.m. Sunday, with five un-injured climbers. More About: Update , Missing
Update on Five Mt Hood Hikers Reported Missing
2007-05-13 06:41:00 According to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office this evening, the five climbers have reported that they were caught in a snow storm, with whiteout contitions, while returning from a one day climb on Mt. Hood . But on a positive note, they have proven to have a cell phone, and a global positioning system, as well as an activated mountain locator unit. Search and rescue teams have been in contact with the group, and instructed them to dig a snow cave to shield them from the harsh elements. It sounds so far as if they might be forced to spend the night on the mountain.Clackamas County Sheriff's Office also reports that the rescue teams could depart as early as tonight, hopeful to arrive back at Timberline Lodge around 3:00 a.m. Sunday, with five un-injured climbers. More About: Update , Missing , Five , Missi
Five Mountain Climbers Reported Missing on Mt Hood Tonight
2007-05-13 05:10:00 While not a lot of information is known just yet about the climbers whereabouts, they were reported missing this evening, and a search went into effect. The climbers reportedly left the Timberline Lodge and were not seen again after that. They were said to have made contact with rescuers at one point, but they still didn't have a location on the five people. More About: Hood , Tonight , Missing , Mountain
Five Mountain Climbers Reported Missing on Mt Hood Tonight
2007-05-13 05:10:00 While not a lot of information is known just yet about the climbers whereabouts, they were reported missing this evening, and a search went into effect. The climbers reportedly left the Timberline Lodge and were not seen again after that. They were said to have made contact with rescuers at one point, but they still didn't have a location on the five people. More About: Hood , Tonight , Missing , Mountain , Five
Mt Hood Highway 26 Scenic Byway
2007-05-12 00:39:00 If you want to take a great day trip, the Mt Hood Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive, and just a few hours to make the trip around. Just head east on Hwy 26 from Gresham, and on out to Mt Hood you go! Slow down in Sandy, the speed limit is 25 mph - and they're strict about it around there. Once you pass Sandy, you'll be on your way, through the areas of Brightwood, Welches, Rhododendron, and then Government Camp. On your way past Government Camp, you'll see a turn on the right hand side for Trillium Lake, which is about two miles from the highway. It's a beautiful place, and worth seeing if you've got the time. (Right - Picture we took last summer with a relatively cheap digital camera.) Head back out, turning right onto the highway from the road to Trillium Lake, and continue east towards Highway 35, where you will catch it heading north. This is a great drive on a clear day, because on the way to this point, you see the southwest side of the mountain, and once you are on Hwy...
Mt Hood Highway 26 Scenic Byway
2007-05-12 00:39:00 If you want to take a great day trip, the Mt Hood Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive, and just a few hours to make the trip around. Just head east on Hwy 26 from Gresham, and on out to Mt Hood you go! Slow down in Sandy, the speed limit is 25 mph - and they're strict about it around there. Once you pass Sandy, you'll be on your way, through the areas of Brightwood, Welches, Rhododendron, and then Government Camp. On your way past Government Camp, you'll see a turn on the right hand side for Trillium Lake, which is about two miles from the highway. It's a beautiful place, and worth seeing if you've got the time. (Right - Picture we took last summer with a relatively cheap digital camera.) Head back out, turning right onto the highway from the road to Trillium Lake, and continue east towards Highway 35, where you will catch it heading north. This is a great drive on a clear day, because on the way to this point, you see the southwest side of the mountain, and once you are on Hwy...
Northern Alliance Releases "Hood Rich" Teaser Video
2007-05-10 20:21:00 Ready to get amped with an awesome Norther Alliance video from Premonition Films? The video was shot on Mt. Hood and put on YouTube as a teaser for the up-and-coming film "Hood Rich " coming out in fall.Catch more of the Northern Alliance team, and find out what they're doing now by reading their blog. The posts are short, simple, and to the point, but jam packed with links to pics showcasing fine snowboarding skills.Technorati tags:Mt Hood, Oregon, snow, snowboard More About: Video , Teaser
Northern Alliance Releases "Hood Rich" Teaser Video
2007-05-10 20:21:00 Ready to get amped with an awesome Norther Alliance video from Premonition Films? The video was shot on Mt. Hood and put on YouTube as a teaser for the up-and-coming film "Hood Rich " coming out in fall.Catch more of the Northern Alliance team, and find out what they're doing now by reading their blog. The posts are short, simple, and to the point, but jam packed with links to pics showcasing fine snowboarding skills.Technorati tags:Mt Hood, Oregon, snow, snowboardhttp://surveying-mapping-gis.blo gspot.com --> More About: Video , Teaser , Snowboard
Roads Closed and Bridges Washed Out on Mt Hood Backroads
2007-05-02 03:15:00 In an earlier post, I described some troubles we had on a recent trip around Mt Hood . Had I done a little preliminary research, I would have found out that some of the roads are obstructed, bridges are washed out, and passages are blocked by downed trees.However, like so many people who know the backroads of the mountain pretty well, we were flying by the seat of our pants. We figured that if we used common sense, and turned back if and when necessary, it wouldn't matter much if we had to change courses. Sure it took a little more time (and gas), but it was a beautiful trip.But for those of you who use the other kind of common sense, here's a report about what to look for around the Mt. Hood National Forest.Technorati tags:hiking, Mt Hood, Oregon, road conditions, snow, trails, travel, weather More About: Bridges , Roads , Closed
Oregon's Governor Calls Oregonians to the Food Stamp Challenge
2007-05-02 00:26:00 Oregon's Governor is taking action against Oregon's hunger issues. In a move to bring more awareness to Oregon's hunger issues, Governor Kulongoski has gone on the food stamp diet, or as he's calling it, the Food Stamp Challenge . In 2002, Oregon's hunger rate was among the highest in the nation. Governer Kulongoski pledged to help end Oregon's hunger problems, and he's taking a more public stand against the problem.Using the same amount that the average food stamp recipient would receive on food stamps - just $21 - the Governor shopped at a Salem Fred Meyer's grocery store for his week's worth of food. Of course, since he and his wife share the same meals, together they are allowed $42 total for the week. Some of the items that he chose to buy with his tiny budget were a 5-lb. sack of potatos, three cups of instant noodle soup, two zucchini, a bunch of bananas, one whole chicken, one gallon of milk, granola, bread, peanut butter and jelly. Among the items that the first lad... More About: Calls
What a Trip! Fun From Mt Hood to Portland and Back Again
2007-04-30 20:07:00 As we found out the hard way! The radio news said that all roads to the lakes from the Columbia River to Bend area were open, but we found out differently as we tried to take a short day trip. The weather was great, so we thought it would be fun to take a trip from Mt. Hood area (home) to Portland . Our first stop was the Portland Saturday Market, where we ate, shopped, then sat back and enjoyed a blues band. then to the Columbia Gorge and Hood River, through the orchards and forest to Lost Lake, back down to Lolo Pass, then through the pass to Zig Zag, Oregon. When you live in the area, the mountain's flanks and foothills naturally becomes part of your backyard. This trip should have been easy and quick, but we ran into a few snags. From the time we left the Portland Saturday Market, (take 84/30 east toward The Dalles from Portland) we followed the Columbia River via Hwy 84 east, (you can also take the smaller, more scenic Hwy 30 which follows the same route in order to visit the ... More About: Back , Trip
April Festivals, Events, and Things to Do
2007-04-21 01:15:00 Aside from the abundance of awesome things to do outside in this beautiful mountain area like hiking, biking, walking, fishing, and photography, there are quite a few main events you can check out as well. This month, there is no shortage of festivals, events, and even auctions. Take a look at some of the places you can go to have fun this month:MHCC 16th Annual Gala Dinner & Silent Wine AuctionWhere: GreshamPhone: 541-231-8285When: April 28 Hood River First Friday Art WalkWhere: Hood River ORPhone: 541-490-0022When: April - December 2007 Hood River Valley Blossom FestivalWhere: Hood River ORWebsite: www.hoodriver.orgPhone: 800-366-3530When: April 21 - 22Description: Celebrate the arrival of spring in Oregon's most beautiful valley -- feasts, craft & quilt shows, orchard & winery tours, & 15,000 acres of blossoming fruit trees await you! Big Boy Toy ExpoWhere: Oregon Convention Center Portland ORPhone: 503-846-1742 Website: http://www.bigboytoyexpo.com/Email: mtgplanneror@a... More About: Events , Festivals , Things , To Do
Wilderness Survival Spring Hiking Tips
2007-04-17 23:30:00 As winter fades away, we tend to forget the dangers that are present when going on hikes in the spring. Rain and ice are still a very real danger during this time of year, but the deceivingly clear skies tend to fool us into thinking it's warm outside. Protect yourself, and be prepared for either winter weather, or spring sunshine. A wise man I know says, "It's Oregon, bring your sunglasses and your umbrella." Remind yourself of the following when traveling, hiking or biking in the forest:Tell someone else where you are going, so that if there is trouble - someone will know where to begin looking for you.Bring a backpack with your basic needs.Know what your plan is if the weather turns bad quickly, as it often does in the spring.Bring something plastic to cover yourself with, such as a poncho, large trash bag, or tarp in case you are caught in the rain while in a wide open space with little or no cover available.If there is a chance of rain, avoid lower-elevation hikes that run al... More About: Tips , Spring , Hiking , Wilderness , Survival
12th Annual Vegetate Snowboard Jam on Mt. Hood This Weekend
2007-04-07 02:31:00 It has officially begun, Mt. Hood Meadows 12th annual Vegetate Snowboard Jam is going on on Mt. Hood this weekend, and kicked off with the SuperPipe, staged at Mt. Hood Meadows 500-ft. long in-ground SuperPipe. On Saturday, you can catch the Rail Jam, and the SCS Freestyle Snowmobile will be performing demonstrations. Sunday boasts the BigAir X in City Park, with a 60-ft. table top leading into a 30-ft. tall by 40-ft. wide 1/4 pipe (one of the largest features ever built for the competition,) as well as more of the Rail Jam. The events are free to spectators, and $30 for registration for competition, and lift tickets will also be available for competitors at registration.Music will be provided by Spun Academy, and musical artists to perform include: Disciple, Keys, Miss Defy, DJ DannyG, CoolNutz, Soul P, Unified Theory, Blue Submarine Basic Shapes, Atlas, and sound will be provided by HAS. The annual competition is being presented this April 2007 by Salomon, Full Sail Brewing, Clif ... More About: Weekend , Etat , Annual
Why are Oregonians Such Passive People?
2007-04-02 23:34:00 This isn't a question I am intending to answer for anyone who is reading, but more of a question I am hoping will be answered by those who read this. I really don't understand, although I am from the state that Oregonian s hate the most, California. I have lived in Oregon on and off for several years, and my family came across the old Oregon Trail, and I have some family and friends here in Oregon. However, I am increasingly disturbed by the passiveness of the residents here, and wish people would take more of a stand against the things that are wrong.How about the Kaady shooting in Sandy? (You can read either Portland Independent Media Center or Clackamas county sheriff's version, but either way, it boils down to this: A young guy caught himself and his car on fire while transporting a gallon of gas and smoking a cigarette, and while struggling and burning in his car he swerved and hit at least two other cars. The pain of his burns caused him to take off his burning clothing, but... More About: People , Passi , Passive
Free Emergency Preparedness Movie Night at Sandy Cinema
2007-03-26 10:59:00 Sandy Cinema is hosting a FREE "Disaster Movie Night " on Tuesday, April 3rd, at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will include information on the Pandemic Influenza of 1918, and will be followed by a discussion and an opportunity for questions and answers. This is an opportunity for the community to become involved in emergency planning, which is a community responsibility, as well as learning what local organizations, agencies, and individuals are doing to prepare for emergencies, and the role you can play in the event of a disaster.The focus of the movie and discussion will be the possibility of a future flu pandemic, and what can be done in the midst of disaster. This will include controlling the spread of disease, what you should do and not do, and balancing public welfare and individual rights. For more information and future Free Movie Night presentations, you can visit Sandy Cinema on the web.Technorati tags:current events, Oregon, people, safety
Oregon Jobs Hiring in the Mt Hood and Surrounding Areas
2007-03-03 23:32:00 Many people assume that living in a small town means that there are no jobs, but this is not always the case. Sometimes it is just a matter of what you are willing to do to earn money. No funny stuff here, just legitimate job offers and suggestions, and some real solutions to earning money while living in the small towns and villages in the Mt. Hood area as well as Sandy, Gresham, Troutdale, Portland, and other surrounding areas. During the winter months, there are many tourists and visitors to the Mount Hood area, so if you're out of work, it's a great time to look for work in the resorts, restaurants, and stores along Highway 26 heading out towards the mountains. What many people don't realize is that working for minimum wage is better than staying home for zero dollars an hour. Remember, even if you have a great earning potential, your pride can keep you from having enough gas in your car to get to the fabulous interview where you can make top dollar. If you're in a slump, ta... More About: Jobs , Oregon , Hiring
Weather Alert and Snow Advisory for Portland Oregon
More articles from this author:2007-02-28 16:46:00 There has been a snow advisory for the Northwest, mostly in the Cascades, but even the West Hills area of Portland is experiencing quite a bit of snow. Freezing levels are down as low as the 500-ft level, but residents on the valley floor are even seeing the snow fall. Some schools in the area are switching to snow routes for the busses, and others have already reported to be closed. Check the local news channels, there should be a marquee on the bottom showing which schools are two hours late, and which have already closed.As the storm moves through the Cascades, the Columbia Gorge and the Dalles will getting their fair share of snow as well. Here in the area east of Sandy, The Mt. Hood Corridor - including Brightwood, Welches, Zig Zag, and Rhododendron will see some snow on the road, and it could be icy if you're driving to work this morning. As for the conditions on the mountain, there should be a lot of fresh powder to play in by this weekend. Get your skis out of the closet, p... More About: Weather , Snow , Oregon , Alert 1, 2, 3 |
|
 |
|
 |
