I have been up Hood many times, by many routes. I would like to eco EB that any time after early to mid June is too late. The junk typically starts to fall off the top around 9-10 am. Dependent on quantity of rime, temperature and light exposure. Moving quickly and being away from the masses and the rime is your best bet for a safe experience. Personally, I find the masses on the South side route to be the biggest danger, choose a weekday if possible.

Great advice here, now can someone give up current conditions and precip activity? Would love to make the trek up there in the next couple of weeks.

Deb wrote:Great advice here, now can someone give up current conditions and precip activity? Would love to make the trek up there in the next couple of weeks.

Recent trip report: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthr ... ost1138281

Hey everyone!

Is it too late for the Pearly Gates or Old Chute route? Has anyone been up there recently?

The Mazamas, a Portland-based mountaineering club, have a nice FAQ on climbing Mt Hood that addresses some of your questions.
http://mazamas.org/activities-events/cl ... -hood-faq/

Regarding a Mountain Locator Unit (MLU), they are ancient technology, and while popular a decade ago, are not really used anymore.
South side of Mt Hood typically has good phone reception, so use your phone if you need a rescue.

Regarding a GPS, get the Gaia GPS app for your smartphone.
It cost $20 for the app, but it essentially turns your phone into a $600 Garmin GPS receiver.

Here's a short tutorial video on how to use it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi4aUEQj7vU

(about me, I've climb Mount Hood about 30 times by 14 different routes).

Anyone who is planning on climbing Mt. Hood can find accommodations at my hostel, Zigzag Mt. Hideaway located 25 minutes from Timberline Lodge in Rhododendron, OR. Call 971-373-3869 for availability or go to airbnb.com and search for availability in Rhododendron and to see pictures. Bunks are $25 and private rooms are $50-70 per night.