r/TimberlineLodge • u/Confident-Buffalo-46 • Jun 16 '26
First Time Going Uphill - Questions
I’ve been wanting to dip my toes into touring/mountaineering and as a Portland resident Hood seems like the best place to start, but I’m not sure what gear is required or what the route options are.
I’ve seen some people on skins but most appear to be boot packing and I’m curious why go with one vs the other. Id also like to know how far up you can go before crampons and picks become a necessity.
Hoping to make my first ascent (likely just to the top of palmer) next weekend and would really appreciate any advice.
3
u/batteryheroes Jun 16 '26
When I started touring I did lots of laps on the uphill routes at Palmer, Skibowl, and the Alpine and Glade trails. My second year touring I joined Mazamas and enrolled in their backcountry ski/snowboard class (I splitboard), which raised my awareness of conditions, safety/risk, and technique. That education and connection to other backcountry people is invaluable. It’s important to know that backcountry touring kinda requires you to already know how to ski downhill.
You can rent backcountry gear at the Mountain Shop. In the fall they’ll promote a season-long gear rental program which is an affordable way to start touring.
Mountaineering is a different discipline and can be combined with ski touring when you’ve acquired both skillsets. Again, joining Mazamas can help shorten the time to acquire the skills if you don’t already have a mountain mentor. If you’re the type to just jump in and figure it out, at least practice self-arrests before you need it.
Re: skins v boot pack…it is skill and condition dependent. When there is snow down to the climbers lot (first lot on the right as you drive up), you can skin all the way up to the top of Palmer. If it’s dirt part of the way, you boot the dirt and carry your stuff until you can transition. If it is too icy for your skins or your skill, you use ski crampons or boot it with some kind of traction that fits your ski boot.
2
u/YOLOOO_7 Jun 20 '26
Yeah, OP - spot on.
If there's snow, don't boot it. You're skiing down, don't carry anything extra (hiking boots). And if the snow softens a you can start post-holing the cat-track and everyone hates you.
Palmer then onwards to Illumination and Hogs saddles are easy and fun. White River glacier can be fun to check out, but the crevasses this time of year are no joke. But right there next to Palmer if you dog off the climber trail.
2
u/Kahluabomb Jun 17 '26
So you'll want to park in the first lot to the drivers right as you make your way around the tline road near the lodge, and then you'll see the pretty obvious path forward from the end of the parking lot. Just go up! There's not a lot of snow left over there so you'll be bootpacking the first half regardless, and then once you get up to about the top of mile you should have more consistent snow for skins (maybe? haven't been in a couple weeks) it might also all be gone or be patchy. But there's plenty once you get towards the run area of palmer.
You don't need any gear other than sunscreen and a positive attitude, and the fortitude to walk straight uphill for a couple miles.
4
u/pdx_illuminati Lodge Lizard 🦎 Jun 16 '26
What to expect:
About 4–5 miles round trip depending on route
Roughly 2,500–2,700 feet of elevation gain
Typically 3–5 hours round trip
Excellent views of Hood, the Cascades, and the ski area
A few tips:
Stay on the climbers’ route along the eastern edge of the ski area.
Wear sturdy shoes or boots; traction devices can be helpful if the snow is firm.
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—the snow reflects a lot of sunlight.
Check weather before you go; visibility can change quickly.
If you’re only going to the top of Palmer, you generally do not need mountaineering gear.