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There's really no bad time for Portlanders to visit that mountain on the horizon.
In the winter, obviously, Mount Hood provides the closest ski resorts. And, really, you can always ski, because Timberline, the resort on the glaciated south face of the mountain, is the only resort in North American with a full summer season. In the summer, not only can you ski, but you can retreat down to Trillium Lake for a float and some fishing. And in the shoulder seasons, there are spring wildflowers, and autumn color.
Whether you're looking for a late-season ski trip or early summer getaway, it's a good time to book a cabin. So we did some window-shopping for you.
Here's what we found.
This four-bedroom cottage is near the Sandy River west of Rhododendron, meaning it's still a pretty long drive from the slopes. It also sits pretty close to its neighbors.
But it's also going for only $200 per night on VBRO, and sleeps 12. If you have 11 friends to split it with that's about $33 bucks each for the weekend.
Want something a little more quant and rustic? The Little Yew Lodge, was built "by two Alaskan prospectors in the 1920s," and advertises itself as "the only cordwood cabin on Mt. Hood." You don't see exposed Doug fir beams like that in rental units very often.
They're asking $143 per night and they'll actually let you book just one night if you're coming within the next week. That's very rare in the world of cabin rentals.
If you're digging the historical vibe, but want a dishwasher and don't need much space, this Airbnb on the Zigzag River just east of Wemme is $160 a night.
This spot has a hot tub and is close to the Thriftway where they cook out on weekends and sell all the booze you need to make proper use of that hot tub.
If you're looking for classy, historical spots the best place to look is probably Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals. The company that predates the wild, wooly days of Airbnb. While things tend to be a little pricier —this Sandy River Cabin is one of the more modest options, and a weekend there ends up running $600 after their fees and the included "charitable donation"—everything the site lists looks clean, classy and very quaint.
OK, so I have some good news and some bad news.
The bad news is you're only getting the bottom floor of this chalet on the north side of the mountain. It's on Airbnb and a pair of Newfies and their keepers live upstairs.
The good news is it's under $100 a night and they'll let you book just one if you want. That gets you two bedrooms with queen beds and an incredible view.
OK, so you really want to ball out? This spot claims to have been "voted the best cabin in the Northwest" and goes for about $400 a night on VBRO. You only get glimpses of the majesty via the dark, overexposed photos, but the owners have also provided a vivid description.
"Serenity . . . This is your experience when you arrive at A Majestic Mountain Retreat – a handcrafted, three-story, luxury Log Home nestled in the forest of Mt Hood, Oregon, surrounded by towering trees, awe-inspiring mountains and a sea of blue skies. Attention to every detail has been given with your ultimate comfort and relaxation in mind."
Oh laa laaaaa.
This massive (sleeps 22!) rental in Government Camp may or may not be even more baller in person, but the bright, plentiful photos posted on Vacasa sure make it seem that way.
They call it Great Blue Lodge and there's a pet limit of six. Yes, you can bring up to six dogs in one cabin. Woof.
There's also a wooden Indian, a poker set and a hot tub—we're guessing they do some bachelor parties.
This stylish spot is in Timberline Rim, one of those pre-planned recreation communities. That may be the vibe you're looking for or not, but they have a pool and you can often land this place for less than $100 per night on Vacasa.
We're guessing you need to not paddle anywhere in those wooden kayaks, though.
Lost Lake is a gem on the less-busy north side of the mountain. To get there, you pass through Hood River and Parkdale instead of Govy. The lake is small but clear and beautiful, and the cabins are small, tightly arranged and affordable compared to more private spots.
It's a place that caters to low-stakes ventures—there's a camp store that sells beer, wood and grub for those who're worried they'll forget something. This cozy cabin has a queen bed and formally goes for $125-150, but if you don't mind it being a little chilly, most rentals are half off in the month of May. Check out all Lost Lake's cabin offerings here.
Willamette Week