Although the end of February provided some much needed winter weather in The Mt. Hood National Forest, reports indicate that this winter’s snowpack is at critically low levels. With little to no snow over the holiday season and January and February producing spring-like temperatures, Mt. Hood’s pristine snow-covered base was almost nonexistent.  According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], as of mid February, the snowpack on Mt. Hood was around 34-

Hoodland Women’s Club member Emily Overland had been an urban kid all her life. But she’d always dreamed of living in the mountains. Then, two years ago, an opportunity to live on the mountain just dropped into her life. She and her partner moved up here in 2025. “It has been a big adjustment, but we love it,” Emily said. Trails into the woods are right out their front door. “I love the quiet and the slower pace on the mountain. It’s so easy, so fulfilling.” Emily joined HWC

Map Curve, also known as “Dead Man’s Curve” by locals, is a sweeping curve of Highway 26 just west of Government Camp. The scenic stretch of highway is notorious for being the site of serious car crashes over the years. Evan Jarvis will never forget that July night in 2023 when he responded to the call as a member of the special rope rescue team. He and other emergency first responders performed the daring rescue of two injured crash victims. Hoodland and Clackamas County fir

If you’ve never made the drive up to Skibowl for a round (or six) of Cosmic Tubing, now is your best shot. Thanks to Skibowl’s rigorous commitment to keeping snow on the ground, there’s never a bad time to hit the slopes, whether you’re riding an inner tube or a pair of skis. It’s been a rough year for snowfall on Mt. Hood. For an anxiety-inducing example of that fact, let’s look at one of the key metrics used by professionals to measure the snowpack: snow water equivalent. E

Eleanor did it again: Another swell book to curl up with and enjoy while waiting for our winter to arrive. One does wonder if her objective was more plotting than pleasure (I never know with her), but whatever her intentions, high praise is in order for Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club .  Unlike many other detective novels, the scene is set at a retirement home and not a dingy, dark, rundown office in some shady part of London. And unlike many other detective novels,

As Sandy High School senior Payten Priester springs onto the mat in Anaheim, California, she realizes she is accomplishing something she never would’ve imagined possible her freshman year: cheering in front of 8,000 spectators at USA Spirit Nationals.  Priester began her high school cheerleading career her sophomore year, but her experience with cheer began far before that. In addition to several years of youth cheer, Priester has been attending practices and games since she

Most art that captivates its audience is displayed on canvas or inside a frame, but some of the more unique forms are the pieces of everyday or special occasion jewelry made by Mt. Hood Villages jewelry maker Patrick Looney – and his art is practical and perfect. A resident of The Mt. Hood Villages for thirty years, Looney’s passion for creating art with metals began in high school, and he has recently discovered that his jewelry not only reflects his creativity, but are top

With lower snowpack across much of Oregon and early signs of dry summer conditions, wildfire preparedness is already part of the conversation in many rural communities. On the west side of the Cascades, spring rain can still influence how fire season unfolds. But when snowpack is lower, preparation becomes even more important. In Sandy and surrounding areas, AntFarm’s Community Wildfire Defense Program is not waiting to see what summer brings. Backed primarily by funding thro

Clackamas County officials are urging residents to take a few minutes to share their experiences with rising living costs and access to essential services before a key deadline later this month. The county’s Community Needs Assessment survey , which is conducted once every three years, is open now and will remain available through March 15 . Officials say the feedback helps guide how social services funding and resources are directed throughout the county. Residents who compl

On a clear winter morning in Government Camp, it’s easy to imagine what the mountain looked like decades ago. Before high-speed lifts and groomed runs became the norm, skiers carved their way through trees and open glades, following routes that felt more like backcountry adventures than resort laps. For many longtime locals, those early ski routes weren’t just recreation. They were part of life on the mountain. Later this month, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum honors th

Camp Arrah Wanna's annual youth Winter Camp this coming weekend, February 13th-16th and have had four last-minute cabin counselor cancellations, plus a medic, due to unforeseen circumstances with travel. Are you or do you know someone that would be willing and able to volunteer? Volunteer positions needed:     (2) Female cabin counselors      (3) Male cabin counselors     (1) Medic WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!! Scan the QR code on the flyer or follow this link to apply:  Sign-in | Ca

Hoodland Senior Center’s Executive Director, Carianne Stearns, has announced she will resign from her position in March 2026, marking the end of more than two years of dedicated service to seniors in the Hoodland community. Change is a normal part of life, and this moment offers a chance to reflect on the positive energy, growth, and care that Carianne has brought to the Senior Center during her time as director. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the center extends sincere

Most of you know that the mission of the Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is to bring County information to our Hoodland community members and provide a loud voice back to the County. We also provide speaking opportunities of interest to the community. At the February 19 th  7:00 p.m. CPO meeting, we are pleased to bring Gary Randall, photographer and historian, back on a Zoom Virtual Meeting with his Barlow Trail Memorabilia and Historic Tales of the pioneers

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1996, a natural disaster that reshaped the Mount Hood corridor and tested the resolve of communities of the Mount Hood corridor. The winter of 1995–96 had been unsettled from the start. Snowpack was thin through much of December and early January. Then a late-month Arctic blast buried the Cascades under several feet of snow, which turned to ice, setting the stage for what followed. On February 6, a warm Pineapple Exp

John Drake is serving his third year of a four-year term as vice president of the Hoodland Fire District Board Of Directors. He was elected to the volunteer position in May 2023 and took office on July 1 of that year.  He retired after 26 years working as a firefighter for the Portland Fire Bureau. He spent 13 years as a line firefighter and 13 as a fire inspector with the fire marshal’s office.  He believes that being a Hoodland Fire board member and retired firefighter with

With domestic violence numbers on the rise across the United States, many state and local government agencies are taking to their communities to educate, provide resources, and offer support to survivors. Small towns all across the country, including The Mt. Hood Villages, are reaching out to community members in show of support to those who have suffered at the hands of domestic violence. The Hoodland Bazaar, in partnership with Clackamas County Women’s Services, has been of

Let’s face it, folks. February can be a tough month on the mountain. The holidays are officially over, and our lush corner of Oregon is charging up for a green spring with an endless parade of gray, rainy days. Nothing knocks off that cold shroud like a hot, filling breakfast. Maybe that’s why February is National Hot Breakfast Month. For any mountain residents or visitors who want to start their day with a hearty hot breakfast, here are some of The Mountain Times’ favorite o

As an avid lover of the written word, both from my own creativity and that of others, my fellow Mountain Times journalists have given me my very own column to discuss all things books and boy, oh boy, am I excited! A passionate pastime of mine, and  part of my professional life as a book cafe owner, literature has always been the pinnacle of my existence and, by default, my beloved cat, Eleanor’s. So without further ado, I give to you, a brief synopsis of Maggie O’Farrell’s h

Although most artists’ talents are derived from training, education, and hours and hours of practice, for some, it's the absolute desire and drive which gives them the tools, skills, and focus they need to become proficient in their trade. And for Mt. Hood Villages resident and former Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus performer, Mary Beth Ferlo, all of that is true. Born and raised in Portland, Ferlo knew from an early age that dance was her absolute passion. “Be

February is often associated with love, generosity, and showing up for the people and places that matter to us. At AntFarm Youth Services, this season feels especially meaningful as we navigate a challenging moment for community-based organizations across the country, with unique pressures hitting rural communities especially hard. AntFarm started and exists to connect youth, families, and community members to resources, support, and pathways toward stability and empowerment.

As we prepare to embark on another year, the team behind The Mountain Times is prepping for a truly exciting event: the launch of a new publication, The Sandy Standard . This new monthly newspaper will deliver a fresh batch of community-oriented stories focused on the residents of Sandy. In these divisive times, it’s critical to remember that we are all of us more alike than different. Every print edition of The Mountain Times  is a reflection of that comforting truth. The pa

We have several delicious dining options on the mountain, offerings for your tastes or your budget. But few restaurants on the mountain have the same reputation for blending quality and comfort like the Rendezvous Grill.  Original owners Tom and Susie were known far and wide. Tom worked the front and ensured that every customer was satisfied. Meanwhile, Susie spent her time in the kitchen inventing sumptuous delights for lucky diners. When news of their retirement broke, it s

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — a time to focus on prevention, early detection, and caring for your long-term health. At Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic, we believe proactive, preventive care is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our community healthy. Cervical cancer is largely preventable when detected early through regular screenings, yet many people delay or skip these important exams. Our Hoodland team is here to change that by providing care that

As The Mt. Hood Villages closes the door on 2025 and rings in 2026, many community members are sharing sentiments of excitement for the change and growth a new year can bring. Whether it’s trying to dedicate more time to hiking and outdoor activities or committing more time to family and friends, the new year offers a chance to shed the past and welcome the future with open arms.  Unlike many other small towns throughout the country, The Mt. Hood Villages offers an outdoor es

Most of you know that the mission of the Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is to bring County information to our Hoodland community members and provide a loud voice back to the County. We also provide speaking opportunities of interest to the community.  December brought rains that only some of us have seen over the years. As soon as the power shut down – Wednesday, 12/17/25 3:11a.m. – while we still had cell coverage, the Ham Operators and HECN Radio volunteers

As we head into the new year, we want to acknowledge the challenging end to December for our community. Welches Schools were closed 12/17–12/19 due to windstorms, heavy rain, and widespread power outages. We hope everyone has had time to recover and that, despite the disruption, you were still able to enjoy a restful and lovely holiday break with family and friends. Our community truly shows up for one another, especially during tough moments. Before the storms rolled in, Dec

Before I climb into this month’s topic, an update to last month’s column on park/parking passes. A faithful reader reminded me that you can get a free day-use pass to any of the several Clackamas County Parks, including Barlow Wayside, through our local public library system. To reserve, you’ll need a library card and access to the library web site, www.ci.sandy.or.us/library (click on Cultural Pass Express). Note that your pass must be printed out and displayed on your vehi

In late December 1964, as the Mountain was preparing for Christmas, the weather in the upper Sandy River valley began to shift quickly. A warm Chinook wind swept into the region, accompanied by days of heavy rain, melting a deep early-winter snowpack, while frozen ground prevented the water from soaking in. Creeks rose first, then the rivers. By the time people realized how serious it was, the water was already moving fast and carrying things with it — logs, boulders, and ent

As The Mt. Hood Villages begin a new year with potential winter weather finally on the horizon, 2025 decided to go out with a bang full of high winds, heavy rains, flooding, and landslides all within the borders of the community. With two significant weather patterns, back to back, the Mt. Hood National Forest and Mt. Hood Villages became significantly damaged with both systems that fell across the area. The first wave of storms hit the second week of December, bringing warme

As children awaited the arrival of Santa Claus, Mount Hood ski resorts and hydrologists alike were hoping and waiting for the arrival of the next big winter storm.  As of Dec. 15, Timberline Lodge, Meadows, and SkiBowl were all still waiting for enough snow to open, and USDA supervisory hydrologist Matt Warbritton and his team were likewise looking for some lower temperatures and wintery precipitation to hit the Hood, Sandy, and Lower Deschutes region (and other parts of the

Seventy-five years ago this winter, a city bus rose off the ground at Government Camp and began climbing Mt. Hood – not on pavement, but on steel cables suspended high above the forest. Packed inside were reporters, photographers, and radio announcers, all invited to witness the debut of one of the most unusual transportation experiments in Oregon history: the Mt. Hood Skiway. The January 3, 1951 preview run marked the arrival of what promoters called the longest aerial tramw

In the late hours of November 21, just a few days before Thanksgiving, a residential fire erupted just off Barlow Trail in Rhododendron. Luckily the fire was contained in just 17 minutes thanks to the robust response of local fire officials — however, the house is a total loss for the family.  Hoodland Fire Division Chief Brian Henrichs spoke to The Mountain Times , in the aftermath of the blaze. “The first call came in just after midnight, at 12:32 a.m,” he says. The first c

The call came through and the question was simple: were we interested? Why, yes. Yes we were! There was going to be an Irish festival in Boston, and we’d been invited to perform. The festival was supposed to have it all: plenty of music on several stages, Celtic dancers, vendors, specialty foods, events for children. They’d cover airfare and accommodations, which was standard, plus a nice check at the end of the day. Big names from Ireland and Scotland were flying in from bot

Place of birth: Paris, TN How long on the Mountain: 25 years If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain: My husband and I started praying about where we should begin our life together, God paved the way to Oregon, and it was meant to be. It's been a blessing ever since. What a great place to raise children and be a child at heart yourself!  Profession: Welches School Assistant Building Secretary and co-owner of Salmon River Electric  Other pr

Happy New Year to all of you from the Mt. Hood Lions Club. Let’s hope we have a great 2026! Christmas Toy Drive Dinner, “The Polar Express“ That mean old Grinch couldn’t derail “The Polar Express.“ Thanks to all of you for attending our Christmas Toy Drive Dinner the evening of Saturday December 6th. We had a great turnout with about 160 in attendance. There were lots of toys contributed for the local children. This year we will also be giving out lots of gloves to folks. The

Lori Neely, HWC Vice President, models a wrap for sale at the HWC craft booth at Mount Hood Villages in December. The Hoodland Women’s Club celebrated the season on Dec. 15 with a festive holiday party at Alpine Events. The donation table piled high as the night progressed, with members bringing canned food and unwrapped gifts for teenagers to give to the Holiday Baskets for our community. “Seeing the donation table fill up was a beautiful reminder of what this group is capab

It was pouring outside Welches Elementary School on December 13, but, for the students of Sandy High School, the weather was just a backdrop to an annual tradition. A district van and two school buses pulled up, loaded with students and gear, and the "schlep" began. With rain hitting the pavement in sheets, students and helpers dodged raindrops as they hauled in a heavy marimba, various drums, and carts loaded with chairs and music stands. Despite the damp start, the atmosphe

This past May, local voters passed a $19.1 million dollar bond measure to help build a new fire station for the Hoodland Fire District. They also elected retired attorney Kirk Peterson, a strong advocate for the bond measure, to fill a vacancy on the board of directors. A member of the fire district budget committee since 2019, Peterson looks like a good fit for Hoodland. The newest director on the board has a handle on the issues facing the fire district.  “After retiring as

“I technically got first place,” junior Rory Mason said, regarding her first swim meet of the 25-26 school year. “It was a really small meet, so I was the only person in the 100 I.M. category.” Despite being the only competitor in her category, Mason didn’t feel too unaccomplished. This is because Mason doesn’t find her motivation in what she places; instead, she focuses on improving her time between meets and bonding with her teammates.   “I like that in swim, you can measur

Art can come in a variety of different mediums, but it’s usually the nonconformists that deliver the most unique and moving pieces. Different stroke angles with a brush or glasses melted into a rainbow of colors, even fire breathing life into creativity, an artists’ world is filled with unending mediums and for Mt. Hood Villages local and artist, Damien Weisgerber, all of that rings true. A recent Portland transplant, Weisgerber is no stranger to The Mt. Hood Villages. Born a

As winter settles into our area, AntFarm’s housing team is working with heightened awareness. The colder months bring additional stress for people already living close to the edge. Bills increase. Missed hours on a paycheck carry more weight. Transportation becomes more complicated. Firewood runs out sooner than expected. When maintaining basic necessities is already unstable, winter has a way of magnifying every vulnerability. Housing instability in smaller communities like

Clackamas County and Homeless Solutions of Clackamas County are inviting all neighbors to a poignant evening of reflection and remembrance at the annual Longest Night Homeless Persons’ Memorial candlelight vigil. The powerful gathering is set for December 21st in Oregon City , intentionally held on the first day of winter—the longest night of the year—to honor the memory of those in our homeless community who tragically lost their lives over the past year. Last year's ceremo

Hello Mountain Times Readers,   My name is Amanda and I’m the fundraising chair volunteer of Sandy High Music Foundation and a Sandy High parent. SHMF is a nonprofit parent volunteer group supporting the music program of Sandy High School. We are not affiliated with the Oregon Trail School District.   This year, our fundraising goal is a new piano! 12/10 is the High School Winter Band concert 12/17 is the High School Choirs concert! Each night we will have a silent auction an

Hello, Welches Families! November was a wonderful month filled with community and holiday spirit! Students and their families joined us for an engaging morning of learning and treats at our Music, Math, and Muffins event — our largest turnout yet with 148 guests. We also kicked off our annual Wreath Sale Fundraiser with Welches Mountain Building Supply. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far! Wreaths remain available for purchase at the hardware store while supplie

I confess: As a teenager, I occasionally avoided paying campsite fees by leaving early in the morning before the rangers could stop by to demand payment. Hey, I was 16 years old and making $1.80 per hour at a restaurant, and $3 a night seemed like a lot of dough. (on the other hand, I was more than willing to pay $1.99 for a 12 pack of Lucky Lager beer in 11-ounce bottles. Don’t ask how I got them.) Okay, I cheated. I apologize. Since then I’ve been a good citizen and paid fe

I read a recent news article by Melissa Busch about a quirky donation made to a Salvation Army Red Kettle in Arizona. Every year, you can always count on the familiar Big Red Kettle outside retail shops with someone happily ringing a little holiday bell reminding every one of us about the Salvation Army’s support of those in need.  Well, for the second time in recent years, a gold tooth was donated into the Red Kettle!  This may sound weird, a bit gross, and a curious choice

The holiday season settles over the Mountain communities in a way that feels both magical and demanding. Between the early nightfall, the cold damp air rolling in off the forest, and the pressure to “fit everything in,” many of us feel our bodies tightening up long before the snow really starts to fall. Even when we love this season, our nervous systems often get overwhelmed — especially here in the foothills of Mt. Hood, where winter asks a little more from our bodies. Your

Last week I was in Uncertain, Texas - yes, that’s the real name, supposedly chosen because  nobody was certain what to call the town when the first maps were drawn – co-leading my  annual photography workshop at Caddo Lake. After four years of visiting, the place has  become familiar, but never ordinary. The bayou stretches out in a maze of slow, still, dark  water, lined with ancient bald cypress trees draped in long strands of Spanish moss. It’s a world that feels half-wild

The holidays bring rich food, decorations, guests, and travel. They also bring a spike in preventable emergencies. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping dogs and cats safe and comfortable through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Kitchen and table risks Rich, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. Keep pets away from turkey skin, gravy, ham trimmings, prime rib fat, and buttery sides. Do not give cooked bones.

Trillium Lake has long been a popular destination in the Mt. Hood National Forest, drawing thousands of visitors each year for its calm waters and uninterrupted views of Oregon’s tallest peak. This fall, the popular 1.9-mile trail reopened in full for the first time in several years after a multi-season effort to rebuild deteriorating sections of the Trillium Lake Boardwalk. Multiple stretches of the boardwalk, originally built in the early 1990s, had reached the end of their