What to Pack for Mount Hood

For the climb

• Crampons and an ice axe: the route crosses the Palmer Glacier and steep snow to the summit.
• A helmet: icefall and rockfall are on the USFS hazard list.
• A harness and rope where the party ropes up on glacier terrain.
• A headlamp with spare batteries: starts are around midnight to 1 am.
• Insulating and waterproof layers, gloves, a warm hat, sun protection and goggles.
• A personal locator beacon or satellite messenger. The Mountain Locator Units once rented for Mount Hood were discontinued in 2017.
• The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit, and the human-waste pack-out bag handed out at registration (Recreation.gov).

Climbing gear lists for Mount Hood commonly add an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel; avalanches are on the USFS hazard list. The climbing page and the USFS climbing page describe the conditions the kit has to handle.

For a day hike

• Sturdy closed-toe footwear; Ramona Falls needs a ford of the Sandy River, where the USFS says “There is no bridge, nor will one be installed.”
• Water, food, a rain layer and a warm layer.
• A Recreation Pass where required, and a free Wilderness permit from May 15 to October 15 in the Mount Hood Wilderness.

The passes page covers the trailhead rules. Wildfires closed a number of trails on the east side of the mountain in late summer 2026; check the Mt. Hood National Forest alerts page before setting out.

For a day tour

The gorge tour’s listing asks guests to bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, a jacket and a sun hat, and gives 40 minutes at Timberline Lodge & Ski Area.

Max 12 guests

From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour

◷ 8 hours from Portland

Not suitable for wheelchair users, per the listing

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Frequently asked questions