Cooper Spur (Sunrise Hike)

Activity Notes

Out-and-back from Cloud Cap. We will camp at Cloud Cap Campground the night before, then start out on the hike at 4:15A.M. in the dark. The hope is to get above treeline for the sunrise. Cooper Spur is the highest official trail on Mt. Hood.

Day 1 (Saturday, July 19): If you want some local culture before the trip, the Gresham Arts Festival is Saturday. Anita and I will be there in the morning! Otherwise, carpool from Rock Haven at 2:00P.M. or you can meet us at Cloud Cap Campground at 4:00P.M. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. Campsites are $20 each; we'll try to squeeze as many tents in as we can, or you can sleep in your car. There is a vault toilet, a water spigot, and picnic tables. The road to Cloud Cap is 11 miles of gravel and may not be passable for some lower cars. Suggested gas contribution is $17/passenger. We will share dinner together and play some games before going to bed early.

Day 2 (Sunday, July 20): Start the hike at 4:15A.M. in the dark. Once we get above treeline we will probably slow down significantly to take in the views. Cooper Spur is East facing, so we will hopefully get an amazing view! Astronomical twilight is 3:22A.M., nautical twilight is 4:19A.M., civil twilight is 5:06A.M., and sunrise is 5:41A.M. After that, we'll be open and exposed to the sun at high elevation for the rest of the hike.

We may encounter snow towards the top.

8 miles, 2800' gain, 8500' summit

***One of my motivations for leading hikes is to provide opportunities to improve mental and physical health and build community. There's a lot of evidence that spending time outside in nature and socially engaging outside of work is good for the body and mind. Minorities tend to experience more stress, especially in today's political climate. Therefore, I invite all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, economic classes, religions, languages, and all other minorities to join me on my hikes!