ColoradoDave

Thanks. I'll be sure and bring my balaclava. I'm driving out from Colorado and am not so familiar with the area or the particularities of the terrain / snowpack. Is it reasonable to expect to set a high camp somewhere around 8K ? Any chance of finding any running water around that part of the mountain or is it all diving below deep snow ?

I heard snowshoeing or skinning are recommended if heading up the southside from the road closure through Cold springs CG and on up. Is the post-holeing that bad ? Are we talking thigh / waist deep sugar snow plunges ? I'd probably get to the closure and car camp night 1, hike up the next morning as high as possible, Summit the next morning and collect the high camp on the way down and would ideally like to get back to the car that afternoon. I'd imagine the way up would be OK without shoes as I can leave the closure camp early and get up high before things soften up, but coming back down after summiting has me a little worried ...

Well, we summited via Cooper Spur on the 6th. It was great. We bivy'ed at the site below Tie in Rock and headed up from there about 5 AM. and summited about 7:30. Snow was hard on the way up and acceptable on the way down. Thanks for everyone's beta. If you're ever in Colorado and need beta or a partner, Email me at david.pneuman@sun.com

Where does the trail start exactly ? It looks like it is a toss up whether or not the road will be open on the 4th. when we are heading up there.

Thanks for the replies. Since my partner has a trick knee, a long approach with a heavy backpack on a road doesn't work too well. I think we are going to re-schedule for the 4th. or so. A bivy at tie-in rock sounds good then. Am I looking at a low temp in the 40's or so ?

A few questions from an out-of-state'er. I am considering a climb up Mt. Hood via the Cooper's Spur route next week. I understand the road is closed at Inspiration Point and will check progress on it being clear before leaving Saturday. If it is not clear, When is the realistic end of season for that route ? Would it be reasonable to postpone until the week of July 3 ? Thanks for any advice.