Mt. Hood

May 20-21, 1995

According to the climbers’ guide “Oregon High” 10,000 to 14,000 people climb Mt. Hood every year. Naturally, our group was stunned to learn that this climb would not be a first ascent of Oregon’s highest peak. Seeking refuge from the Hogsback Hordes, we made our way to the top of Hood via the West Crater Rim route. West Crater Rim is a nice south side variation for groups that choose to camp at Illumination Saddle. On crowded Spring weekends the route is less crowded than the highly coveted South Side slog. It has the added bonus of letting climbers appreciate the full aroma of sulfur emanating from the crater as well as the opportunity to be enlightened on climbing etiquette by leaders from a Portland climbing club who believe they own the mountain! Eight of us attempted the climb and all achieved the summit along with 378 other grunting, swearing and clanging Homo Sapiens. A good time was had by all. “All” included Doug Nelson, Chris & Jon Meyers, Jon Heritage, Rich Romm, Mike Landes, Chris Steele (co-leader) and Sam Miller (leader).

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