Round The Mountain (RTM)

Labor Day Weekend 2012 - Aug 31, Sept 1, 2, 3

Join us for the 7th Annual Round the Mountain Trail Event

Hike the Timberline Trail around Mt Hood

RTM 2012 Registration will open April 1, 2012

A 3-day hike over Labor Day weekend. Includes all meals (including pack lunches) and dorm lodging (bring your sleeping bag and pillow) at Mazama Lodge along with van shuttle transport.

Hike the Timberline Trail (minus the slide near the closed section of the Eliot Glacier) with only a day pack as you are shuttled to various launch points each day from the Mazama Lodge serving as your base camp.

After hiking each day, return to the Mazama Lodge near Government Camp nightly where you will enjoy great food, hot showers and a comfortable place to sleep and hopefully a few good stories from the day before turning in for the evening.

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The RTM event fees for 2012 are $325 for members and $385 for non-members.  The fees are all inclusive and cover the cost of lodging and meals for three nights, shared van transport to and from trailheads and some of the best companionship you can find around.  Schedule is subject to change if required.

• Friday - We will vanpool from the MMC to the Mazama Lodge leaving around 4 pm.  That evening will be spent getting together with our hiking teams, enjoying appetizers and in general getting to know each other before the big event.  An orientation of the next few days adventure will be laid out for you.
• Saturday - Ready to get started?  Each day we will meet for breakfast at 6 am, pack a sack lunch and be on the way to the trailhead around 7 a.m.  Spend the day hiking and return to the lodge for celebration of the day’s exploration while enjoying a delicious dinner and cozy lodge ambiance. 
• Sunday - By now we are seasoned Timberline Trail hikers!  Spend the day hiking the second section of the mountain with your group.  Once again we return to the lodge for relaxation and a hearty dinner while sharing stories of the previous couple days of adventure.
• Monday - The conclusion of our voyage!  Spend the day trekking our last portion around the mountain, return to the lodge (5-6 pm) and set off for home after a well deserved break and refreshments. An additional night at the lodge for Monday can be purchased separately if desired.

For more information about the Mazama Lodge take a look here…  Your Home on the Mountain

Below is the route we plan to take you and your team around the mountain.  Be aware that the route may change due to unforeseen conditions after the snow melt. Groups may be heading in opposite directions so the route may be reversed depending on which end you start.

Download Elevation Charts here (.doc format)

Timberline Lodge to Ramona Falls TH Leg
From the Timberline Lodge head west, climb uphill to the Timberline Trail and make a brief descent into Little Zigzag Canyon.  Arrive at the ZigZag Canyon overlook which includes views of Paradise Park, across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi Head.  From here, the trail quickly descends a cool, forested slope for one mile to the bottom of Zigzag River crossing. The route will traverse across the alpine meadows of Paradise Park and reconnect with the Timberline Trail dropping 2,000 ft down to cross the Sandy River. This is one of the more challenging stream crossings around Mount Hood and we will most likely have to wade or use a rope as a handline while making our way across.  After reaching Ramona Falls, the route will exit via the Ramona Falls Trail and our waiting van.
Appx 14 miles

Top Spur to Elk Cove Leg
Starting out at the Top Spur Trailhead the route will skirt around Bald Mountain for the astounding views of Mt. Hood and then quickly reconnect with the Timberline Trail. We will wander along towards McNeil Point trail (a possible side-trip) and then into Carin Basin. On this, the north side of Mt. Hood, we do cross several additional glacier rivers and are treated to late wildflower bloom displays. Upon reaching Elk Cove, we will have great views of a nice meadow area and nice place for pause.  We will then hike out the Elk Cove Trail down to our waiting van.
Appx 13 miles

Cloud Cap to Timberline Lodge Leg
We begin at the Cloud Cap Trailhead and head up to the Timberline Trail and the Cooper Spur Shelter.  The route will then cross the east side slope of Mt Hood as it continues to gain elevation to the Timberline Trail high point at 7,300’.  The trail then follows the top of Gnarl Ridge with excellent views.  We then continue over the challenging crossing of Newton Creek and a somewhat challenging crossing of the Clark Creek. Push onward through Meadows Ski Area for our final drop down into the White River Glacier Canyon for an interesting crossing.  Finally, regaining the elevation just lost, we arrive at the Timberline Lodge and our waiting van. 
Appx 14 miles

As you consider the RTM Trail event, a few things to keep in mind:

• Online registration for the RTM is available April 1st each year. After your registration is received the RTM Coordinator will contact you via email with additional information.  Registrations are taken in the order they are received so sign up early to secure your spot for this fantastic event.
• If all spots for RTM are filled, you will be placed on the waiting list.  As spots open up you will be contacted to let you know you have been accepted for the event.  Last year most of those on the waiting list were accepted.  If you do not secure a spot with an RTM team you will be able to join the Alternate Hike Group.  This group has the same lodging, same great meals and companionship with spectacular Mt. Hood day hikes.  If a spot opens up during the weekend, an alternate hiker could join an RTM group.
• The full amount for RTM will be charged upon registration.  A $50 non refundable fee will be charged on all cancellations.  In addition, if you cancel after August 1st and we cannot fill your spot from the waiting list, you will be charged the full event fee.