My favorite is snowshoe. Never really did too much downhill as a child and now I don’t like to fall down as much and speed is not a necessity! So we snowshoe. For us there is nothing better than a hike in the Mt Hood National Forest, fresh snow, no wind, fresh tracks. If it’s snowing, it’s even better.
The Mt Hood National Forest is about 5 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn. Plenty of snow parks, trails, and our favorite, forest roads to explore. A couple of weeks ago a single gal spent three days with us, put her XC (cross-country) skies on right outside our door, and headed out through town, around the soccer field and out into the orchards.
The Nordic Center at the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is 10 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn and provides 6.5 kilometers of trails which are groomed for skating and traditional striding. Separate snowshoe trails are also available for winter outdoor enthusiasts.
We go up Laurance Lake Rd. It’s 4 miles to the lake and the road continues on for a few more miles and there are many side roads to explore. You might meet another couple of local folks, and usually their dogs. No crowds, just you, the forest and occasional wildlife, certainly lots of tracks. We’ll start your day with hot coffee and a hearty breakfast and be here when you return, with the fire burning and a warm beverage.
Let us be home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and Mt Hood National Forest. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with a glass of wine from a bottle you picked up at a local winery or our wine cabinet. We can even have a bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Outdoor adventures such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the vast Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound. During the summer months stay at the Inn and take advantage of our partnership with Wet Planet Whitewater to receive $10 your raft adventure.
