bartlett

I approached the summit from the traditional southside route and upon arrival at Hogsback realized the futility of attempting the Pearly Gates route as a solo. So, I took the Old Chute to the left side and found this approach to be fairly routine. Anyone looking for a safer climb should heed to the advice of climbing as early as possible and on the left side, which is basically a steady incline to the summit. I started at midnight and arrived at 4:30 am. There were serious signs of melting from previous days; it looked like a different mountain from my last time in March. However, on Sunday morning the surface had frozen and I found much purchase in the snow. The sunrise was beautiful too. But get up there soon. It's turning into icecream. The only risk on that mountain that morning was the large groups of guided tours. Cheers.

If anyone is interested in climbing Mt. Hood tomorrow morning (Sunday the 21st) then give me a call at 971.533.4247. I would like to head out from Portland early, maybe 3am., and then climb the southern route. I just need some excercise and a decent partner. Let me know. I work from 1-9:30pm, so if you call, just leave a message and I'll call you around 5pm to make arrangements. I don't think we'll be needing a rope/protections, just the old ice axe crampons and coffee. Cheers!

Dave, I recently returned from a long trip abroad as well--two years in Africa. And it stunted my climbing track. Now I'm looking to get into climbing in the local area, as I am new to Portland. However, I would consider myself novice. Before I left for Africa I was steadily climbing 5.10/11 routes with zero difficulty. I hate gyms and that's why alpine style climbing is my only option for exposure in the mountains during winter. Anyway, I have been following the weather and waiting for a good window to do a training run up Mt. Hood--probably just the south side. You seem to be much more experienced than myself, but you might enjoy a little relaxer stint on Hood. Let me mention more about myself. Physically, I'm in moderate shape. I run 3 times a week and weight train. I try to go to indoor climbing walls but resent the environment. I grew up in Montana so I had never climbed indoors before I moved to the Portland area. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm physically ready to encounter a number of alpine routes. Also, I don't take the slopes for granted; avalanches concern me. Anyway, let me know if you need some practice routes. I'm planning to go to Hood this Saturday/Sunday and hope to summit on whatever route. Call me at 971.533.4247 Or email at montanabartlett@yahoo.com Or just send a PM. Cheers, Louis Bartlett

I am looking for a partner to climb Mt. Hood on any Sunday (or other days) starting this weekend. I would prefer someone who has climbed the mountain before or summited any equivalent mountain. This (and several more climbs) will be preparation for Rainier in July. My experience consists only of route climbing on Granite Peak in Montana and backcountry experience. I am physically prepared for an alpine ascent of Mt. Hood and/or an equivalent mountain.

I am looking to climb Mt. Hood on any Sunday starting this weekend (if the weather permits). My winter summit experience is weak. Previous climbing experience includes route climbing on Granite Peak of Montana. But, I have been training and am ready to summit Hood as a training session for Rainier. Let me know if you are interested.