Difference between revisions of "Cooper Spur via Tilly Jane Ski Trail Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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| + | [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]] | ||
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[[Category:Alpine Hikes]] | [[Category:Alpine Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Difficult Hikes]] | [[Category:Difficult Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Glacier Hikes]] | [[Category:Glacier Hikes]] | ||
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[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]] | [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]] | ||
Revision as of 23:27, 22 September 2019
- Start point: Tilly Jane Sno Park Trailhead
- Ending Point: Cooper Spur
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 11.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 4600 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Seasons: July–October
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: Yes—connects to Timberline Trail
- Crowded: Upper part on summer weekends
Contents |
Hike Description
Most hikers reach Cooper Spur, the highest point on the mountain reachable by trail, by starting from the Cloud Cap Inn for a moderate 6.5-mile hike. This hike takes a longer and more difficult approach, starting at the Cooper Spur Ski Area and gaining over 4500 feet in less than six miles. No two ways about it, this hike is a calf-burner, with almost as much elevation gain as Mount Defiance in a similar distance! Make sure to bring sunscreen, as there is no shade for the majority the hike.
To start, follow the Tilly Jane Ski Trail #643 from the trailhead through the mid-altitude forest. Almost immediately the trail starts to gain elevation. The trail soon crosses a small boggy area before coming to a junction with the Polallie Ridge Trail #643A. This trail offers a loop opportunity in the area but has become overgrown and unmaintained, and is only for experienced adventurers. For now, keep straight at the fork, and soon enter the Gnarl Ridge Burn zone. The trail continues roughly along a ridge through a substantial crown fire, with a few hardy trees surviving among numerous bleached snags. Occasional views of the imposing northeast face of Mount Hood present themselves over the ridges. You can try to spot Cooper Spur itself if you like. At 2.7 miles from the trailhead, the trail abruptly leaves the burn zone and enters the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District. Several buildings are present; the A-frame is a popular cabin (reservations required) during the skiing season. Passing by several historic structures and an informational signboard, come to the junction with the Tilly Jane Trail #600A.
Make a left, and almost immediately keep right at the next fork. This is the western end of the Polallie Ridge Trail mentioned earlier; on the way back down the loop adds approximately 0.5 miles to the trip on an extremely-overgrown tread. The Tilly Jane Trail soon reaches the northern rim of the massive Polallie Creek Canyon and follows it for the next half-mile. There are numerous viewpoints to take in the view and hear the roaring creek below, and If you’re lucky you may see active rockfall on the south canyon wall. The canyon walls here serve as as stark reminder that the the mountain is still an active volcano; each distinct rock layer represents one eruption. The trail then leaves the rim and continues up through ever-shortening trees, soon reaching the Timberline-Cooper Spur-Tilly Jane Trail Junction and Timberline Trail #600. Right leads to the Cloud Cap Inn, while left eventually reaches Gnarl Ridge. To continue to Cooper Spur, keep straight on the Cooper Spur Trail #600B.
The trail soon passes by the historic Cooper Spur Shelter, one of the only surviving shelters of the many that used to exist along the Timberline Trail. After admiring the architecture, continue on the trail up to Cooper Spur, switchbacking up the face of the mountain. Soon the trees disappear entirely and the vegetation is reduced to small grasses and flowers. Even these will soon cease to exist as the trail continues to climb the mountain, with nothing but rocks and snow remaining. In early summer butterflies often swarm the trail, and you will see ravens perching on the many rocky outcroppings. Views into the Eliot Glacier canyon are unrivaled, and soon, as the ridge narrows, views of the Newton-Clark Glacier to the south are also possible. If you’re lucky you may hear the glaciers creaking, a reminder of the active geomorphological processes that continue to shape the region.
Make sure to turn around occasionally to see just how far above the tree line you’ve climbed, and for stunning views to the north, east, and south. To the north it is easy to make out the peaks of St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams. To the south, Jefferson and the Three Sisters can be seen. To the east, looking beyond the foothills of the cascades, the vast Oregon High Desert on the Columbia Plateau extends. On an exceptionally-clear day it is even possible to spot the Ochoco Mountains and Blue Mountains beyond the desert. Eventually the ridge narrows into a single moraine separating the Eliot and Newton-Clark glaciers. Several small boulder rings are present here, if shelter from the wind is necessary. At 8500 feet, this is a good spot to turn around, and marks the end of this hike.
For the adventurers in the crowd, it is possible to continue west along the moraine for around 0.5 more miles. The last quarter mile is sketchy, with crumbly rock and steep slopes characterizing the trail. Eventually you will reach a small prominence, and one final stone ring with a hiker registry inside. Sign the book if you wish. You are at almost 9000 feet at this point. Here, less than a mile away from the summit as the crow flies, is where it becomes too dangerous to continue without technical equipment. Turn around here and leave the rest of the mountain to the climbers.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Geo-Graphics: Mount Hood Wilderness Map
- Adventure Maps: Mt. Hood Area
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mt. Hood National Forest
- Discover Your Northwest: Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map & Hiking Guide
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Hood River Ranger District
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- A sno-park permit is required to park at the Tilly Jane Sno Park Trailhead between November and April, while parking during the summer months is free.
- Information kiosk
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Cooper Spur via Tilly Jane Ski Trail
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Cooper Spur via Tilly Jane Ski Trail
Guidebooks that cover this destination
More Links
Page Contributors
- Brian Eisner (creator)
- Webfoot (editor)