Registration is open!
Join us for an epic three-day adventure around Oregon’s preeminent Cascade volcano! Hike through meadows of Alpine wildflowers, cross glacial creeks, and take in stunning views of Mt. Hood and its neighboring peaks, all as part of a hiking team led by an experienced Mazama leader.
Each day consists of 13-15 miles with more than 2,000 feet of vertical gain while carrying your day pack and lunch. Shuttle vans to and from the trailheads are provided, with evenings spent around a cozy fire in the charming and rustic Mazama Lodge.
Your registration includes:
- Lodging at the Mazama Lodge (three nights)
- Meals (Friday dinner through Monday post-hike snack)
- Transportation to/from the Mazama Lodge (from the MMC in Portland)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
You don’t need to be a super-athlete to do well on this 40-mile, three-day hike. However, you should be well aware that this is a strenuous and challenging event that requires your commitment and preparation. Expect these challenges:
Distance: About 13 miles each day
Duration: 3 consecutive days of challenging hikes
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,000–4,000 vertical feet daily
Terrain: Uneven terrain, steep inclines and descents, water and snow crossings
Pace: Choose the team that fits your hiking speed
If you're up to the challenge, our volunteer hike leaders are ready to help you achieve this dream, all while enjoying amazing views you can only get on foot from the trail. Be prepared to work, but be prepared to be WOW’d!
2024 PRICING
Registration opens April 6. Mazama members get the best price, plus exclusive access to an early-bird discount period through April 21!
$650 early-bird pricing for Mazama members only – through April 21
$700 members / $800 non-members – through June 30
HOW IT WORKS
The full group is divided into six teams of 10 that are co-led by two volunteer hike leaders. Hike leaders drive their team to each morning's trailhead. Three teams will hike clockwise around Mt. Hood, while the other three teams will hike counter-clockwise. The teams swap van keys along the way when they cross paths with the team going in the opposite direction. When the day's destination is reached, the team hops in the waiting vehicle for the trip back to Mazama Lodge!
2024 DETAILS
On the evening of Friday, August 30 we'll gather at the Mazama Lodge, our mountain home for three nights. We'll then meet the teams with whom we'll hike three Timberline Trail segments around Mt Hood over the following three days. We'll return to Portland in the late afternoon on Monday, September 2.
- Cloud Cap to or from Top Spur (north side of Mt Hood): 12.3 miles, 3,743 feet up in one direction, 1,808 feet up in the other direction
- Cloud Cap to or from Timberline (southeast side of Mt Hood): 13.6 miles, 3,694 feet up in one direction, 3,619 feet up in the other direction
- Ramona Falls to or from Timberline (southwest side of Mt Hood): 11.4 miles, 4,741 feet up in one direction, 1,224 feet up in the other direction
OTHER INFORMATION
Hazards
The main hazard on the Timberline Trail is stream crossings, as there are no bridges. The streams are generally easier to ford by Labor Day. It's possible to cross the many streams without getting feet wet.
Accommodations
The Mazama Lodge offers a common space that's warm and inviting. In the great room, we'll gather for meals and RTM team meetings. All meals will be included between Friday dinner and Monday post-hike snack; we will self-assemble lunches every morning.
The lodge offers bunks with a large co-ed bunk room and smaller men-only and women-only bunk rooms. There is also the possibility to sleep outside on the deck or in a tent. Bring a sleeping bag or blanket, as it's chilly year-round in the bunk rooms. The lodge offers hot showers, WiFi, and a game room.
Weather
Weather is one variable we can't control. Past RTM days have featured cold rain, extreme heat, heavy smoke, and/or strong winds. But Oregon's weather tends toward beautiful in September, and teams will be happy to stop for those who want photos!
Vehicles
You can drive your own vehicle to Mazama Lodge, but for those for whom Portland is a more convenient starting/ending point, transportation will be offered to and from the Mazama Mountaineering Center in SE Portland on Friday and Monday afternoons.