Mt. Hood Meadows will make Saturdays special this August - offering weekly mountain events combined with a BBQ and summer scenic chair lift rides. Meadows was named for its unique lushness, wetland meadows and fields of wild flowers that come alive in August. The stunning beauty of the permit area is accessible through a series of hiking trails as well as the spectacular Stadium scenic chair ride.
V.P. of communications Dave Tragethon says the resort is focused on August which is normally the height of the wild flower bloom at Meadows. “The scenic chair ride provides a macro view of the forest and meadows as well as the incredible panorama of the Cascade mountains. Our hiking trails wind around fields of wild flowers, along mountain creeks and along side waterfalls. You don’t fully appreciate the nature of Mt. Hood just driving by on the highway, so we’re pleased to offer this enriching experience.”
The natural experience is highlighted each week with events ranging from mountain runs to paint workshops. Live acoustical music is presented each Saturday as well to complete the experience.
August Events Schedule:
August 5 - Uphill Challenge / Music by Larry and Raven
The 4th Annual Uphill Challenge at Mt. Hood Meadows will be run Saturday, August 5. The 1.2 mile uphill course gains 621 feet of elevation, from the base area parking lot to the top of the Stadium Express. The Uphill Challenge is a competitive race, but many take the challenge to walk the mountain road course that winds through forest and next to fields of wildflowers.
All category winners receive a custom branded trophy, and the fastest man and woman each receive a $250 cash prize. Registration is $20 for ages 19 and under and $25 for ages 20 and older.
August 12 - Paint the Mountain in the Nude
As summer runs late, the mountain slowly undresses it’s nighty of snow, revealing its natural beauty beneath. Painters and hobbyists will join together Saturday, August 12 to capture the mountain in all it’s naked glory on canvas. Provocative? Perhaps. But for those attending the splendor of the mountain and their artistry is let loose with a glass of Naked Winery. Inhibition dismissed - now the artist within takes over and creates a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of the mountain.
Mt. Hood Meadows has partnered with Paint Nite and Naked Winery to present an afternoon of wine and canvas painting. An artist in residence for the event will provide guidance and inspiration to those attending who apply paint to canvas to crate their own painting. The registration is $45 and that includes all the paint, brushes, instruction, a smock and the canvas they keep plus a complimentary glass of Naked Winery wine.
August 12 - Hiking Photography Workshop
Professional photographer Grant Myrdal, who will provide insight and techniques to capture the natural beauty of Mt. Hood in a nature photography hike and workshop at Mt. Hood Meadows August 12.
Myrdal is an accomplished action sports and nature photographer who is best known for capturing the fun of snow sports at Meadows during the winter. This class will explore the beauty of Mt. Hood Meadows in the summer, from the tiny details of wildflowers, lava rock, trees and streams to the huge expansive vistas of the valley and lakes below. Myrdal will teach how to accentuate the subject matter by creative use of foreground and background, natural textures and patterns, shadow lines and converging lines.
The cost of the four hour hiking workshop is $50 which includes lunch and a scenic chair ride. The course runs from 9 AM - 1 PM. Please bring hiking shoes, water, sunscreen and a tripod is recommended but not required. This course is developed around novice photographers however all ability levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.
August 12 Music: Redwood Son
August 19 - Wine Festival / Music by Jen Winklepleck
The mountain wine festival at Mt. Hood Meadows will feature dozens of Oregon varietals from several Hood River and Willamette Valley wineries. While the best of Oregon will be served, the magnificent setting with views of Mt. Hood and beautiful forest land will make the tasting that much more flavorful. Meadows’ 50th anniversary vintages will be debuted at this event, to celebrate this season’s Golden Anniversary. $15 entry fee includes a flight of five tastes and a commemorative Meadows wine glass. Extra pours can be purchased, as well as bottles.
August 26 - Mutts on the Mountain / Music by Jenny Lee
Hike with our dog and help raise money for the Oregon Humane Society. While the puppies can’t ride the chairlift, they will enjoy the sights, the sounds and of course the scents of the forest as they hike with you along our trails. The Humane Society will present some special activities making it a fun day on the mountain for both you and your best friend!
Limited Overnight Parking Available for 2017 Eclipse
Mt. Hood Meadows is making overnight RV and self contained vehicle spaces available on a first reserved basis. The two hundred parking spaces initially offered in Meadows’ main paved parking lot are nearly all reserved, so Meadows will make more available for those who have yet to make plans for the event. The vehicles need to be self contained as no services are available. The cost will be $50 and includes up to two nights, Saturday and Sunday August 19 and 20.
Meadows will run the Stadium scenic chairlift Sunday, August 20, from 11 - 3 PM and Monday, August 21 from 9 AM to Noon. Chairlift rides will be $12, or free for 2017/18 season pass holders.
And in September:
September 9 - Beer and Cider Fest
The alpine setting and robust seasonal brews will help transport revelers to Bavaria. Local brewers will pour tasters of different seasonals announcing the changing of the season and beginning of the fall celebrations. Planned is a special tasting of the 50th Anniversary Meadows brew! Wine and cider will also be poured for added variety.
Entrance to the event is $14 which includes four (4 oz.) drink tokens, a commemorative keepsake Meadows logoed mug (additional tokens can be purchased for $1 each).