Pocket Creek

The Pocket Creek trail system is a less popular cousin to the Teacup Lake trail system to the south, and that's why it may be an ideal option for your afternoon ski. While it doesn’t have some of the amenities that Teacup offers, Pocket Creek has plenty of what you need for a great day skiing within view of Mount Hood. Beginner and intermediate trail options loop around the area, and a connecting trail that leads to the Teacup Lake system makes for a longer loop. 

For an intermediate, 6-mile ski, take the Meadows Creek Tie Trail to the Meadows Creek Trail, and follow it until the junction with the Pocket Creek Trail on Forrest Service Road 3540. Parts of this lower section are uneven, including a small stream crossing that relies on snowpack for a bridge. The trail is well marked, however, and made beautiful by the abundance of Spanish moss. 

The trail opens up considerably once you cross the East Fork of the Hood River bridge. As you admire the views, try to keep your eyes open for the blue diamond trail markers. They are a little less frequent in the stretch between the East Fork bridge and the Pocket Creek Trail junction. The trail ascends sharply from this crossing up to a ridge before it meets the road that will take you back to the original Meadows Creek Tie. A nice, wide trail for descent rewards your climb. 

Of course, you may take the loop in the opposite direction as well, but be aware that your descent will be through some tighter sections of the trail.
 

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.