Mt. Hood Meadows will make Saturdays special this August, offering weekly mountain events combined with a barbecue and summer scenic chairlift rides. Meadows was named for its unique lushness, wetland meadows and fields of wildflowers that come alive in August. The stunning beauty of the permit area is accessible through a series of hiking trails as well as the spectacular Stadium scenic chair ride.
V.P. of Communications, Dave Tragethon, says the resort is focused on August which is normally the height of the wildflower bloom at Meadows. “The scenic chair ride provides a macro view of the forest and meadows as well as the incredible panorama of the Cascade mountains. Our hiking trails wind around fields of wildflowers, along mountain creeks and alongside waterfalls. You don’t fully appreciate the nature of Mt. Hood just driving by on the highway, so we’re pleased to offer this enriching experience.”
The natural experience is highlighted each week with events ranging from mountain runs to paint workshops. Live acoustic music is presented each Saturday as well to complete the experience.
Events Schedule
August 5: Uphill Challenge / Music by Larry and Raven
The 4th Annual Uphill Challenge at Mt. Hood Meadows will be run Saturday, August 5. The 1.2-mile uphill course gains 621 feet of elevation, from the base area parking lot to the top of the Stadium Express. The Uphill Challenge is a competitive race, but many take the challenge to walk the mountain road course that winds through forest and next to fields of wildflowers.
All category winners receive a custom branded trophy, and the fastest man and woman each receive a $250 cash prize. Registration is $20 for ages 19 and under and $25 for ages 20 and older.
August 12: Paint the Mountain in the Nude
As summer runs late, the mountain slowly undresses it’s nighty of snow, revealing its natural beauty beneath. Painters and hobbyists will join together Saturday, August 12 to capture the mountain in all it’s naked glory on canvas. Provocative? Perhaps. But for those attending the splendor of the mountain and their artistry is let loose with a glass of Naked Winery. Inhibition dismissed—now the artist within takes over and creates a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of the mountain.
Mt. Hood Meadows has partnered with Paint Nite and Naked Winery to present an afternoon of wine and canvas painting. An artist in residence for the event will provide guidance and inspiration to those attending who apply paint to canvas to create their own painting. The registration is $45 and that includes all the paint, brushes, instruction, a smock and the canvas they keep, plus a complimentary glass of Naked Winery wine.
August 12: Hiking Photography Workshop
Professional photographer Grant Myrdal will provide insight and techniques to capture the natural beauty of Mt. Hood during a nature photography hike and workshop at Mt. Hood Meadows August 12.
Myrdal is an accomplished action sports and nature photographer who is best known for capturing the fun of snow sports at Meadows during the winter. This class will explore the beauty of Mt. Hood Meadows in the summer, from the tiny details of wildflowers, lava rock, trees and streams to the huge expansive vistas of the valley and lakes below. Myrdal will teach how to accentuate the subject matter by creative use of foreground and background, natural textures and patterns, shadow lines and converging lines.
The cost of the four-hour hiking workshop is $50 and includes lunch and a scenic chair ride. The course runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring hiking shoes, water, sunscreen and a tripod is recommended but not required. This course is developed around novice photographers, however, all ability levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.
August 12: Music by Redwood Son