Welcome the Winter Solstice, the first day of Winter. The return of the Tundra Swans to Mirror Lake marks the beginning of Winter for me. They arrive sometime in November where they winter in the Columbia River Gorge. Mirror Lake is at the foot of Crown Point, visible from Interstate 84 just west of the Rooster Rock exit. The Lake can host upwards of 100 Tundra Swans, many have arrived from their Arctic tundra nesting grounds. The Scenic Columbia River Gorge is just one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders near the Old Parkdale Inn. The other being majestic Mt Hood.
Tundra Swans dine on plant material, slugs, snails, insects and crayfish, and typically weigh from 10 to 18 pounds, averaging about 53 inches in length. They mate for life and travel in family groups in roundtrip migrations of up to 3,725 miles.
Tundra Swans winter here and share space with Hooded Merganser, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Song Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Steller’s Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, making it a birders paradise.
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, if you’d like.
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. We’ve created some enticing packages for your Stay Play and Ski Vacation on Mt Hood. During the summer months stay at the Inn and take advantage of our partnership with Wet Planet Whitewater to receive $10 your raft adventure.