Groomed trail
No
Distance
5.00 mi (8.05 km)
Warming hut
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Road 48 provides a pleasant, uncrowded ski route into the Mount Hood National Forest. The wide trail descends gently from the highway with frequent views of Mount Hood at your back. This route is not groomed, but snowmobile traffic appears to keep it the snow well compacted, and ski tracks are often present.

The route is easy to follow and ideal for beginners, with no major descents or climbs. The return point is up to the skier or snowshoer. Because there is a constant descent from the trailhead, remember to plan for extra time and effort for the uphill return. The primary hazard of this route is snowmobile traffic; be sure to be attentive for the sound of the engines and ski within your limits, and you will find that most snowmobile traffic is respectful and cautious of skiers.

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:

Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Men's and Women's • $229.95 • Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz

Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket

Men's and Women's • $475.00 • Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX

Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack 

$189.95 • 35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible

Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket

Men's and Women's • $134.25 • Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem

Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole 

$79.95 • Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.

Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves

Men's Powdercloud • $181.61 • Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX

Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot

Men's and Women's • $149.95 • Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter 

Men's and Women's • $64.95 • Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant

 

If you are snowshoeing into avalanche terrain, you should be prepared, equipped and educated on how to use avalanche rescue and snow safety gear - including but not limited to an avalanche beacon/transceiver, probe, and shovel.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Sno-Park Parking Permit (required in OR + WA 11.01 thru 04.30)

Pros

Close to Portland. Great views. Beginner to intermediate terrain. Wide road.

Cons

Some snowmobile traffic.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

4,223.00 ft (1,287.17 m)

Features

Snowshoeing

Trail type

There-and-back

Typically multi-day

No

Snowmobiles allowed

Yes

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area, Oregon
Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area, Oregon
Oregon, Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.