This trail starts in the sno-park off of Highway 35, near Mt Hood Meadows. A sno-park permit is required in the winter months. This is a very popular trail for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. It is an old abandoned road that has a mild elevation trail on it. The first part is protected by tall trees but can get very icy. You may want to bring microspikes. You can go quite a ways on the trail and connect up with other trails farther on.

Activity Notes

Bennett Pass is a good early-season destination for Nordic skiing due to the (relatively) high starting elevation of about 4700 ft.  As of 12/20/18, USFS reports 18" of snow.  This is a mixed-use trail with light traffic, mostly skiers and  snowshoers, snowmobiles are allowed but rare.  Excellent views of Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson are possible depending on conditions.  Intermediate nordic skills are recommended.  Most of the trail (forest service road 3550) is fairly level, but there are some steep drop offs, notably the Terrible Traverse.

8am sharp departure from Gateway (please arrive by 7:45am) should put us on the trail by 9:30 or 10am at the latest.  I'll set a turnaround time with the intention of being back to the trailhead by 3pm, returning to Portland by approximately 4:30pm.  My pace is moderate but steady.  Total distance will depend on conditions and group preference.

I plan to drive and can accommodate 3 passengers with gear.  If you can drive, please email me when you sign up, and let me know how many passengers you can bring.  Sno-park pass required.

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 115 miles
Distance - Round Trip 5 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Awards Qualified Mt. Hood Award, Wild Ones
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