Cooper Spur Route, Mount Hood (3 42...

The most popular route Cooper Spur is a fun and obvious line. Climbing above timberline to 8,514 feet, this is one of the highest trails on Mt. Hood. Enjoy spectacular views of both Eliot and Newton/Clark Glaciers. On a clear day, Mt. Rainer, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams will be visible to the north. To the east, the brown rolling hills of Eastern Oregon offer a warm contacts to the ice and rock of Mt. Hood.

Walk through the small campground to a three-way junction. The trail to the left is Tilly Jane Trail, which drops down to Tilly Jane campground and then climbs back to join the Timberline Trail at the Cooper Spur Trail junction. The trail to the right, and straight ahead, is the Timberline Trail. Proceed straight ahead (south) through the woods. A short distance beyond the widerness entry bulletin board a trail leads off to the right. This is an impromptu trail developed by climbers. It ascends the south moraine of the Eliot Glacier. Keep to the left on the main trail. Trail leaves the trees and travels over sandy, boulder-strewn slopes. A few gnarled Whitebark Pines dot the hillside just before the trail reaches a junction with the Tilly Jane and Cooper Spur Trails. The Cooper Spur Trail begins here. A few hundred feet up the trail a rock shetler is on your right. The trail then parallels the Timberline Trail for perhaps a mille before beggining a series of switchbacks that will take you to a dip in the crest of Cooper Spur and the end of the trail at 8514'. The return trip can be made by following the climber's trail down the crest of the moraine. This is not a maintained trail and the tread is often loose rock, and very narrow in places.

Travel south from Hood River on Highway 35 for approximately 25 miles to the sign indicating "Cooper Spur Ski Area". Turn right and drive to the Cooper Spur Inn (about 2 miles) and turn left on Road 3512. Follow signs to the Cloud Cap (about 11 miles). The last 9 miles are narrow and unpaved - stay alert for other vehicles and obstacles. You'll park near the Cloud Cap Saddle Campground.

Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and avoid this area if thunderstorms are in the forecast. Carry warm clothing.