Mt. Hood June Sandy Headwall? Other options?

[salamander]

I'll be in the PDX area mid-June for a wedding and was hoping to get in a climb on Mt. Hood. I've done a lot of climbing in the WA Cascades but none at all in OR. I was looking at the Sandy Headwall route just because it is in the Classic Climbs book. I don't have any other guides that cover OR. Anyone been up there lately or have a sense of what it is usually like that time of the year? I would welcome any other recommendations for routes other than the standard walk-up for this time of the year. Preferably with some steeper terrain, some alpine ice is always nice. Any details or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. What is a good guide for other routes on Hood?

[Chad_A]

Seems like most agree that the Reid Headwall is the best bang for the buck. Sandy Headwall was cool, and feels more remote, but I really liked going up between the towers on the Reid. If you trend toward climbers left as you climb through the gullies, you'll end up at the Queen's Chair, the topout for Reid/Yocum/Sandy; then, you'll get to walk the scenic summit ridge to the true summit.

 

If you pick up "Oregon High" by Jeff Thomas it will give a pretty good description.

 

post-note: I just saw your time window; Mid June will probably be a bit late for those routes this year. Supposed to get real warm this week, and I'd guess that they'll start melting out quickly.

[wayne]

It HAS to be cold and you will start EARLY if at all./