It's Polallie Ridge in a blowout over Tilly Jane 73 - 17

[rainrunner]

Our backpack trek took us up Polallie Ridge Trail to Cooper Spur with a return down the Tilly Jane Trail.
There were 73 downed trees along Polallie Ridge (only a handful that we had to crawl under or straddle to get around). On Tilly Jane, there were 17 downed trees which we either stepped over or skirted around.
The 25 cars at the trail head surprised us. Many groups were staying at Tilly Jane and heading up for skiing or climbing Mt Hood. The snow was solid from 6,200'.

Morning light


Trees down along Polallie Ridge Trail


Fallen trees are starting to really open up the view on Polallie Ridge Trail


Fairy Slipper Orchid


A nice treat for a long hike


A bright almost full moon low on the horizon lit up the landscape but still allowed me to capture some stars


Looking east to Hood River and the Dalles


Early morning climber headlamps lit up the sides of Mt Hood


Bundled up during the rather cold morning (The shelter has about a foot of snow inside.)


Lots of snow for skiers


"Survivor Tree" on Tilly Jane Trail

[Jeb]

downright stunning pano of cooper spur. whatdya think caused so much blow down?

[drm]

Lots of snow for skiers - if you carry them all the way up there.

[miah66]

A fire swept through that area several years ago. The trees are dead now and falling constantly. Will be for some time in the future.

[mjuliana]

Thanks for the update on the snow levels on that side of the mountain. That area is one of my favorites on Mt Hood.

[drm]

Also, I've heard that the road up to Cloud Cap may open early this year, possibly late this month, given the lack of snow.

[rainrunner]

There were lots of skiers up there who hiked up with their skies attached to their packs.

This picture shows how deep the snow is next to the Cooper Spur shelter.

[woodswalker]

Stars, distant lights, snow and mountains! Truly beautiful.
Woodswalker

[woodswalker]

I'm thinking of heading up there soonish. How was the tread and route finding especially on the Pollalie trail. Besides there being lots of downed trees of course.
Thanks, Woodswalker

[rainrunner]

Woodswalker, the Polallie Ridge Trail is very easy to follow with good tread, but we were not joking about the down trees. If you return via the Tillie Jane, look for deer just after you leave the Tillie Jane buildings and drop down the trail.