Where To Sled And Tube On Mt. Hood
As the snow blankets Mt. Hood, it becomes a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. While skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes, Mt. Hood also offers exciting alternatives like sledding and snow tubing, making it a top destination for family-friendly snow activities in Oregon.
Planning a day of sledding on Mt. Hood? This guide covers popular spots for Mt. Hood sledding and tubing, including Government Camp sledding areas and where to find cosmic tubing spots. Here are the best places to sled and tube on Mt. Hood.
Mt. Hood Skibowl has an epic tubing hill. They even take the difficult part out of the equation: walking back up the hill for another ride. You can slide on down, then take the conveyor back up to the top, saving your legs for more runs. Weekend nights get even more thrilling with cosmic tubing, a laser-lit rock show on the snow. Skibowl also has one of the most advanced snow-making systems out there, so even in low snow years the hill will still be open.
While Timberline Lodge & Ski Area is an iconic attraction on Mt. Hood, they don't allow tubing or sledding on their hills. Fortunately, Timberline does allow sledding and tubing at Summit Pass. Because of its location, Summit Pass is a top choice for Government Camp sledding. Tubing tickets include a tube rental, making it as budget-easy as it is family-friendly.
Another popular spot is Snowbunny Sliding Area Sno-Park. Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, they don't charge any day-use fees from November through May. You will need to have a valid ODOT Sno-Park parking permit, however. The entrance is located 2.5 miles east of Timberline Road, so it's pretty close to other options. It's also a popular starting point for a lot of snowshoe and cross-country ski trips into the Mt. Hood National Forest.
A little further east of Government Camp and Snowbunny is the White River Sno-Park. With one of the largest parking lots of any day-use recreation area on Mt. Hood, it's a great location for tubing and sledding. As the name would suggest, it's located along the White River. While you'll want to keep the sledding activity away from the river, the view does make for some truly gorgeous photos, so bring the camera when you bring the kids. You will need a Sno-Park Permit for this location.
Weather conditions on Mt. Hood can change rapidly, and this can significantly impact road conditions. To ensure a smooth and safe journey, it's crucial to check the latest road updates before you hit the road. This is why you "otter" visit TripCheck.com. The site has up-to-date information as well as webcams so you can know what to expect before you go.
When To Go Sledding On Mt. Hood
- Weekdays And Early Mornings: Smaller crowds and easier parking.
- After Fresh Snow: Better glide and softer landings.
- Peak Times: Holidays and school breaks fill fast. Consider reservations for managed hills.
What To Bring For Mt. Hood Sledding
- Waterproof boots, gloves, snow pants and warm layers.
- Eye protection.
- A sturdy sled or plan to rend provided tubes where required.
- Snacks, water and small first-aid kit.
- Sno-Park parking permit where required.
Safety And Etiquette
- Sled in designated areas and keep clear of roads, rivers and ski runs.
- Watch out for others, waiting for clear lanes before starting.
- Helmets for kids are a smart idea.
- Follow on-site staff directions at managed tubing hills.
- Remove all trash and belongings from the site to keep Mt. Hood sledding areas pristine.
FAQs: Sledding On Mt. Hood
Do I Need Reservations?
Managed tubing hills often use timed sessions during busy periods. Booking ahead is recommended for weekends and holidays.
Do I Need A Sno-Park Permit?
Most Sno-Parks require a valid permit during the winter season. Check signage and official sources before you go.
Can I Bring My Own Sled?
In designated Sno-Parks like Snowbunny and White River, many families bring their own sleds. Managed hills typically require you to use their provided tubes.
Is Comic Tubing Kid-Friendly?
Yes, but always review age/height guidelines and consider whether lights and music are a good fit for your child.
