Mt. Hood Circumnavigation & Climb

Join MAA members on an awesome 2-for-1 expedition to Mt. Hood. This iconic volcano should be on every climber's list - and we'll not only climb it but fastpack all the way around it on the stunning Timberline Trail. Participants can attend either or both components. This expedition is recommended for members who are proficient with self-arrest and roped snow climbing on steep, icy snow for the climb, and experienced in high-mileage lightweight backpacking for the hike. Loaner gear will be available. We have room for 10. Hope to have you out with us!

Screened Event: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified by email.

DETAILS:

• What's happening: 6-day expedition focused on climbing Mt. Hood 11,239', via the popular Southside route (approx. 5,400 ft. ascent, snow and ice to 45 degrees, exposure) as well as hiking the 40-mile Timberline Trail starting and ending at Timberline Lodge, circumnavigating the mountain in one or two overnights. 
• Where to meet: 4:00 pm Monday, June 23rd at the parking lot at Timberline Lodge.
• Volunteer Event Leader: Darren Shutt (916) 872-3399, darren@mountainascent.org
• Minimum / Maximum: 2/10
• Skills and Fitness Requirements: Ability to snow climb 3,000' in 6-8 hours, proficient and practiced self-arrest ability, experience climbing steep or icy snow, as well as ability to hike back-to-back 20-mile days with a 25 pound pack.
• Travel Coordination: We'll make arrange logistics for flying or driving in May. It is recommended to fly into Portland. We can arrange pickup and drop off at the airport.
• What to bring: Warm, stormproof layers for upper and lower body - 4 layers for upper and 3 layers for lower. 2 pair socks and gloves, warm headwear, headlamp, sunglasses, gaiters. Harness, helmet, warm mountain boots, sharp steel crampons fit to your boots, mountain axe with leash or runner to connect to harness, second tool if desired, food, waterbottles, trekking pole(s). Bring car camping gear such as tent, sleeping bag, pad in case we are staying at a campground during some portions of this trip. For the Timberline Trail bring trail running shoes, running pack no larger than 35 liters, bivouac or lightweight tent, light sleeping bag, stove, and food to move quickly through mountain terrain with a minimum of weight. 
• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

ITINERARY:

• DAY 1: Monday, June 23rd: In the evening meet at a nearby campground for dinner, planning and logistics.
• Tuesday, June 24th - Thursday June 26th: As dictated by the weather, as well as the group's interest and ability, fastpack the Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood with one or two overnights, starting and ending at the Timberline TH. 
• Thursday June 26th - Friday June 27th: Climbing Mt. Hood. The exact day depends upon how fast we complete the Timberline Trail and a need for a rest day. On the day we make the attempt, we'll drive up to Timberline Lodge parking lot before midnight. At the climber's cave we'll obtain our permit and blue bags. We'll start up the South Side route around 12:30 am and do most of the climb in the dark, finishing the last slopes via the Pearly Gates or the Old Chute, depending on conditions. Summit at the latest by 10:00 am, then descend the Southside route back to the cars. Celebrate with a buffet at Timberline Lodge!
• Saturday, June 28th: Heading home. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

• This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

• MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

• MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

• Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

• Participant safety is our top priority. Circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

• As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

• All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.