As of January 1, 2024, all climbers above 9,500' in the Mt. Hood National Forest are required to carry a permit. As a Mazama member, if you are accepted onto this climb, your permit will be included with your registration—you will not need to arrange your own climbing permit.
While this route can be a chore to get to and usually requires a car shuttle, once you are on it it's the most direct line to the summit of Hood. This classic route is exposed and continuous, and confidence on steep snow is required. Be sure and check if the road to Cloud Cap is open - in a big snow year it may not melt out until late June. Early season climbs are possible, although starting at Cooper Spur ski area adds an extra 2,000 feet onto your climb.