Just over the saddle of Illumination Rock on Mount Hood's South side lies a coveted view of the epically wild Reid and Sandy glaciers. Photo Credit: Alex Zimmerman.

Mt. Hood National Forest encompasses 1.1 million acres of land in Oregon and holds our most prominent peak standing at 11,239 ft. Our incredible, and very shred-able, Mt Hood. In winter, its upper elevations and cliffs are encased in a thick, artistic looking rime ice with a panel of snow beneath it that stretches all the way to the parking lot of Timberline Lodge at 6,000ft.

The smell of sulfur wafts along the skin track from several open fumaroles that lie around the base of the summit on the south side, because after all, Mt Hood is a freaking volcano!!!

In summer, the corn comes to town, and the park peeps, racers, athletes, and coaches come to the mountain to ride the glacier through July. Even in the dead of summer a patch or two persists that will check the turns-all-year box.

When not going up and down the mountain to ride it, the huge drainages that have melted out by summer, hold the 42-mile Timberline Trail that circumnavigates the mountain. Climbing massive switch backs of volcanic rock, traversing fields of alpine flowers, crossing raging rivers on downed logs, and the stands of fir, hemlock, cedar, and pine trees will give you the full experience. By November snow starts to fall again.

A common fixture on the mountain is local Portland, OR photographer Alex Zimmerman who has captured endless epic shots of alpenglow, full moons, summits, and the wide-range of people who ride this mountain. All the photos in this article were taken by Alex and we've been lucky enough to see first-hand his incredible work and talent. 

Hard to miss Zimm sporting a big smile and some TREW Pinkberry this season.

Here is what Alex had to say about Mount Hood 

“Mt. Hood is more than just a mountain to me; it’s a symbol of adventure and community. Its towering peak, visible for miles around, serves as a constant reminder of nature’s power. For those who enjoy sliding on snow, it offers year-round access from Timberline, where as an added bonus, you can find nearly continuous lift-access skiing (there is nothing better than having fresh legs at 9,000' to start a climb!). This makes Hood a unique destination, drawing athletes from all over the world, especially in the spring and summer months.

As a photographer and snowboarder, I’m drawn to the mountain’s diverse terrain and rapidly changing weather. If it’s the sunrise light hitting the peak, or a classic Cascadian storm day, I can always count on something to shoot. 

For me, it's where I get my inspiration. It’s not just about skiing or the beautiful surroundings—it’s the feeling of connection to something larger and the endless opportunities it offers to explore and create. It's the reason I moved here 15 years ago and the reason I've stayed. Thank you Mt. Hood!”

April is Earth Month! 

Join us in celebrating Earth Day all month long. We will be donating 10% of all profits from this month back to protecting + advocating for our public lands. Learn more here.

All photos taken by Alex Zimmerman!