Still climbable. 03 and 04 of September 2005
I can give you one good reason to climb Mount Hood in September. You will be one on one with the mountain. Certainly it is not for everybody. Slopes are more steep more icy and some places are under constant cannonade of falling rocks.
First night we spent around 8200' couple of hundred feet right of top lift chair station. We woke up around 5:00 am a bit surprised seeing beautiful sky and no snow storm like in a weather forecast, a bit confused we start our ascent at 7:00 am. When we stood on Hogsback, constant falling rocks from Pearly Gates turn our attention to much safer left (west) part of crater rim. Att: If you reach Pearly Gates early enough, frost may keep loose rock together but don't be fooled by this. Ones you come back one or two hours later, sun may fully operate on this slope causing constant rockfall, looking for a alternative descent could be problematic.
So we reach the ridge probably in a place where "West Crater Rim" route suggested. Personally, for safety reasons, in this condition I would recommend to approach from right (east) and not left (west) side of Crater Rock.
Climbing the ridge is the best part of reaching the top. Fantastic view on both and especially north and north-east side of the mountain gives you a feeling of real mountain adventure. Please check my pictures from the trip.
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Cascade Volcanoes
