Wondering what to pack mt hood winter trips really require? Less than you think for the cabin, more than you think for the car. Mt. Hood Village sits around 1,300 feet, so the cabin itself is usually rain or light snow. Fifteen minutes up the road at Government Camp it is a different climate. Pack for both.
Here is the list we send guests at Wildwood Basecamp, organized by where the stuff lives.
In the car (non-negotiable)
- Chains or traction tires. Oregon law requires you to carry chains when the signs say so, and on Highway 26 above Rhododendron they say so most of the winter. All-wheel drive with traction tires usually exempts you from putting them on, but you still need them in the car. Practice putting them on in a dry driveway once.
- Sno-Park permit. Required to park at any plowed winter lot, including Skibowl, Timberline, Trillium, and the sledding hills. Daily, three-day, and annual options; buy at gas stations in Sandy or Welches, or online. The ticket for not having one costs more than the annual pass.
- Ice scraper, small shovel, blanket, headlamp. Boring until you need them.
- Full tank in Sandy. Gas exists up the mountain but it is pricier and sometimes closed.
On your body
Layers beat one giant coat. Think: wool or synthetic base layer, fleece or light puffy, and a waterproof shell. Mt. Hood snow is wet snow. Cotton hoodies become sponges.
- Waterproof boots with real tread. Sidewalks in Government Camp are ice.
- Wool socks, at least two pairs per day if kids are involved.
- Waterproof gloves plus a thin liner pair.
- A warm hat and something for your neck.
- Sunglasses. Snow on a clear day is blinding.
- Swimsuit. You will forget this and regret it at the hot tub.
For the cabin
Our cabins come stocked with linens, towels, a full kitchen, coffee setup, firewood for the season, and the usual pantry basics. What guests actually wish they had brought:
- Slippers or thick house socks. Cabin floors are cold at 6am.
- A second pair of shoes so the wet ones can dry by the door.
- Groceries from Sandy. The Welches market is fine for forgotten items but limited and not cheap. Fred Meyer or Safeway in Sandy is your last real grocery stop.
- Games, cards, a puzzle. WiFi is free and reliable at our place, but you did not drive up here for WiFi.
- Hot tub robe or big towel per person. The walk from the tub to the door at 25 degrees is short but memorable.
- Marshmallows. Obvious. Still forgotten.
For the snow itself
Sledding at Snow Bunny or Summit Ski Area near Government Camp is the best cheap fun on the mountain, and you need your own sled unless you rent one. Cheap plastic ones from Sandy work fine. If you ski or board, Skibowl has night skiing, Timberline has the longest season, and Meadows has the most terrain. Rentals are available at all three plus shops in Government Camp and Sandy, so you do not need to haul gear.
Snowshoeing is the sleeper hit. Trillium Lake is a gentle three-mile loop in snowshoes with a postcard view. Rent snowshoes in Government Camp or Sandy for a fraction of ski prices.
For the dog
Dogs love snow and hate ice balls in their paws. Bring a towel just for the dog, paw balm or booties, and a leash for trails since most Forest Service winter trails require one. Our cabin sits on 1.6 fenced-ish wooded acres (check the listing for the current fence situation), which makes the morning bathroom run easy. More on that in bringing your dog to a mountain cabin.
What to leave home
Fancy shoes. A hair dryer (we have one). Bottled water (tap is mountain water and excellent). Anxiety about the drive: if you have chains and a permit and leave Portland before 3pm on Friday, it is a two-hour trip with good scenery.
Timing notes
Highway 26 backs up eastbound Friday afternoon and westbound Sunday afternoon, especially on holiday weekends. Check ODOT's TripCheck cameras before you leave. Biggest snow typically arrives late December through February. March often has the best combination of snowpack and sunshine.
For everything else within reach of the village, from Bagby Hot Springs to the Sandy Ridge trails when the snow melts, our Mt. Hood guide has the rundown. Pack the chains, pack the swimsuit, and let the mountain do the rest.