WINTER OUTINGS

Winter in Portland, Oregon, at the Oregon Coast, and in the Lower Columbia River Gorge is typically reasonably temperate - cool and damp at times, but not much snow.  Great hiking conditions!  Snow, lots of it, is where it's supposed to be - in the mountains.  After October, we shift our focus from summer climbing to playing in the snow, normally in the Mt. Hood or Mt. St. Helens area.  And we still go hiking at the Coast and in the Lower Columbia River Gorge.  For the Coast and Gorge hikes, you need boots suitable for stomping through muddy trails, non-cotton clothing and rainwear.  For clothing and gear for the snow trips click here.

You can go on a trip anytime if you give us enough notice to get a guide and make   arrangements.  Or come along on one of our scheduled trips if they fit your schedule.  We can put together several activities if you're here for a few days.

SNOWSHOE TRIPS

The great thing about snowshoeing is that you will learn 99% of what you need to know in about five minutes.  Snowshoes are stable, fun and are the perfect way to enjoy getting out on the snow. We can go to a variety of places and usually travel about four to eight miles on a day trip depending on your schedule and preferences. We cover snowshoe technique and tips on being comfortable in the winter snow environment.  Includes guides, snowshoes, poles and boots, hot drinks, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Portland.

Prices:
Mt. Hood Area: 1 person - $200 each, 2 persons - $120 each, 3 persons - $110 each, 4+ persons - $100 each
Mt. St. Helens Area - 1 person - $250 each, 2 persons - $150 each, 3 persons - $130 each, 4+ persons - $110 each

We can snowshoe any day a guide is available.  Here are days that already have people signed-up.  They would be delighted if you were to join them:

2009 Dates: 
Please let us know when you want to go.



Required Equipment

Moonlight Trips - Snow shoeing in the moonlight is a magical experience.  We will head down to an open meadow with a spectacular view of  Mt. Hood.  After about an hour, we'll stop and enjoy the view, the quiet and hot drinks and snacks.  Includes guides, snowshoes, poles, and boots (if you have none), trail refreshments, and round-trip transportation from Portland.
 

Price: 1 Person- $120, 2-10 persons - $70 each.


 

2009 Dates: 

Required Equipment

Overnight Snow Camping trips are for both the beginner or more experienced, and are about four to eight miles total distance.  We cover snowshoe and winter tent camping technique.  We provide comprehensive information on clothing and personal equipment requirements and demonstrate how to travel, cook, and camp in comfort in the winter snow environment.  Includes guides, snowshoes, poles and boots, tents, kitchen, food, and round-trip transportation from Portland.  
 

2009 Scheduled Trip:

Overnight Field Session -February 21-22, 2009

Price - One person - $600, 2-3 people - $400 each, 4+ people - $300 each.

Includes guides, snowshoes and poles, transportation, tents and kitchen, and meals. 

Required Equipment

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TOURS

These full-day tours are for beginner or intermediate X-C skiers.  For our beginning skiers, we spend the morning introducing and practicing basic x-c skiing skills.  After lunch we'll go on a tour on a gentle loop trail.  If you're ready to do some different trails on Mt. Hood or St. Helens, we'll take you on interesting intermediate trails with awesome views.  We'll also demonstrate how to be comfortable in the winter snow environment. 

Includes guides, skis, boots and poles, food, and round-trip transportation from Portland area.   

Price: 1 person - $200 each, 2 persons - $120 each, 3 persons - $110 each, 4+ persons - $100 each

Whenever you want to go. 

Required Equipment

WINTER CLIMBS

These will typically be one day climbs of St. Helens via the Swift Creek Route.   Depending on the skills/desires of the climb party we will use either snow shoes or skis, typically up to timberline.  We can also do two-day climbs of St. Helens with an overnight at Butte Camp.  Price includes, guide(s), round trip transportation from the Portland area,  ice ax, crampons, food, and group camping gear for overnight trips. 
Any day November - March or when the Climber's Bivouac for the Monitor Ridge Route  opens up.   Weekdays only after March.

Swift Creek - One Day Climb
Butte Camp - Overnight

HIKING

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Hike - We'll make short hikes to exquisite waterfalls.  Includes guide, transportation, and lunch.
 

Oregon Coast Capes Hike - Visit Cape Mears Lighthouse, and hike Cape Lookout , Cape Kiwanda
 

Forest Park Hike and Pittock Mansion Tour - Combine a four to six mile hike in Forest Park with a tour of the stunning Pittock Mansion-

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

It is a joy to be out in the snow and be warm and comfortable.  It hurts our heart to see cold, wet people in the backcountry who are putting their well-being at risk and, at best, having a miserable time.  Please consult with us to ensure you are properly dressed so you can enjoy your trip.

FOR SNOW SHOE and X-C SKI TRIPS

Clothing

In Your Day Pack