Come for the Meeting, Stay for the Magic of Mount Hood
Find out how Portland’s nearby mountain playground attracts epic event attendance.
On clear days, you’ll likely hear Portland locals exclaim, “The mountain is out!” referring to the snow-covered peak of Mount Hood visible in the near distance. And Oregon’s tallest mountain inspires awe for good reason. Meeting attendees will find a year-round wonderland of ski slopes, hiking trails, picturesque overlooks and relaxing winery tours. Just 90 minutes from Downtown Portland, Mount Hood offers an enticing conference side trip for every Bleisure fan.
Peak Winter Recreation
With up to 40 feet of fresh powder seasonally, Mount Hood transforms into a snowy playground in winter. Five resorts offer skiing and snowboarding for every skill level, from double black diamonds to the bunny hill. Take in the panoramic views of the Cascades from the chairlifts at Mt. Hood Meadows or ski under the stars at Ski Bowl, the largest night skiing terrain in the United States. Tubing via conveyor belt at Snow Tube Adventure Park is epic fun without the hike. For those who prefer less steep winter thrills, miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails abound, including the popular Teacup Lake Sno-Park. Rental gear is available at all resorts.
Visit Historic Timberline Lodge
Farther up the mountain, Timberline Lodge is the highest-elevation resort with a season that lasts through May. The lodge is a National Historic Landmark, built by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. A time capsule of Depression-era art and craftsmanship, it features 70 rustic rooms, on-site dining with alpine views and space for events. Guests can relax by the iconic stone fireplace or take a swim in an outdoor heated pool. For movie buffs in your group, Timberline appeared as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.”
Explore by Rail or Trail
Wilderness adventures await all year, around every bend and switchback. Hike through old-growth forests, past plunging waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Try kayaking on Lost Lake or capture dramatic mountain photos in the reflection of Trillium Lake. For a one-of-a-kind excursion, pedal a railbike along historic train tracks through the beautiful Hood River Valley. Railbikes are custom-built bikes for riding railways instead of roads, suitable for every fitness level with a helpful e-pedal assist on steeper terrain. Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River offers 2.5 hour railbike excursions, e-bike rentals and train tours of the scenic valleys around the Columbia River Gorge.
Cheers to Orchards, Farm Stands and Wineries
If event attendees would rather raise a glass of pinot noir than conquer a peak, the countryside surrounding Mount Hood boasts relaxing options for day trips. Visit sweeping lavender fields, stroll through a farmer’s market or meet a friendly alpaca. Wine tasting tours are available at several estate wineries including King’s Raven Winery where grapes are harvested by hand and stomped by foot, the old-world way.
Traveling Car-Free
No car? No problem. For just $5, mountain-bound attendees can take the Mt. Hood Express, running daily between Sandy and Timberline Lodge, with stops at ski areas, trailheads and popular recreation spots along the way. To get to Sandy, a small city located just outside Portland, attendees can take the light rail from Downtown Portland to Gresham Transit Center then hop on the Sandy Area Metro bus. Several resorts also offer round-trip transportation between the slopes and downtown.
Was this page helpful?