Can Mt. Hood be climber solo?

“Does anyone know if there is a non-glaciated path up Oregon's Mt. Hood? I'm thinking of taking a slightly unorganized vacation next summer to do some northwest peakbagging, and this is one Cascade peak I haven't done. I've already been up Rainier, Shasta, Baker, & Adams.

(And yeah, I know I f***'d up the title of this thread)”

“Solo? Yes, from the lodge up the south slope. Ice axe and crampons needed however. One crevasse to skirt around. Spring is best time. By summer rockfall could make it too risky.
last edited: 9/27/05 11:52:04 PM”

“You would be wise to rope up.

Also take some back compass bearings on the center of the summer lift cable line as you go up.

That way, in a white out, you shoot for the center of the summer lift cable line, hit the line and walk down the line to meet the lodge.

Obviously, you need to be below the main summit to follow this compass line!!!

Several church goers got mixed up on directions going for the summit several years. Most died. One girl lived by being sandwiched between the dead bodies. She subsequently lost her feet. One young man somehow went over OTHER side of mountain to Cloud Cap Inn and was able to summon help.
Remarkably, he was able to lead rescuers to
the party who had dug a snow cave. 8-10 feet of snow had fallen which had COMPLETELY obliterated ALL signs of the party.

Do not climb Hood alone. Lots do. Dont do it. Find a harness and a rope team and ask if you can join them. MUCH safer that way.

It is a magnificent journey in the spring time and it is a rite of passage for Oregonians. :)”

“Thanks for the info guys. I'm still mulling it over, but want to get as much info as possible. I've done enough ice axe and crampon climbing to know what my limits are, and I wouldn't try to solo in anything less than "near perfect" weather. I definately don't want to become a statistic.”

“If you have climbed Rainier & Baker, you can climb Hood solo from the lodge if the weather is fair. If you are in decent shape, it should take about eight hours total.



It's a cakewalk to this point. There may be a bergschrund to skirt, again depending on how late in the season you go. Climb the hogsback pictured here and up through the Pearly Gates shown. It's moderately steep snow but with crampons and ice axe it's not a problem.

”

“Older Mt. Hood article:

http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/News_HeliCrash.htm
last edited: 9/29/05 10:59:38 PM”

“I remember seeing that on tv here. Good reason not to rope up with a bunch of beginners.”

“Nice pics USA.

Yep, I've done Rainier, Adams & Baker (roped), and Shasta (solo and roped). Also done foreign climbs in Ecuador, Bolivia, Mexico, and Denali. Usually do a couple of Sierra Nevada climbs per year too, with the exception of last winter/spring due to employment situation. If weather cooperates in the next few months, I should be able to get some crampon/ice axe work in this winter season.

I'm aware of that high profile accident of a few years ago. If I do decide to try it I'm definately not going to push it if I feel uncomfortable on the terrain, if the weather craps out, or if there are too many others on the route.

Once again, thanks for the info.”

“Here's more pictures if you want to know what to expect from the route:

http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/album/gwgjefas.php”