by Thomas Beckham

Created on: September 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

"ALL SEASONS, ALL AGES, ALL ADVENTURE"

Mt. Hood, Oregon offers a unique diversity when it comes to beauty. Whatever the temperature, Mt. Hood has something for everyone, excitement, adventure and relaxation. It's a prime destination for kids of all ages.

For the youngsters, Mt. Hood offers several children's programs that occur year-round. The Mt. Hood Aquatic Center uses the American Red Cross LearntoSwim progression. All instructors are certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards. Cost is $40 per session per child.

The Mt. Hood YMCA offers multiple camps for kids during the summer. Some of the more popular are Soccer, Golf, Volleyball, Acting and Tennis camps. For most camps there is a minimal fee, usually $45 and under per child.

The Timberline Ski Resort also hosts a number of Summer Camps with winter sports being the main theme. A few to check out are The Mt. Hood Summer Ski Camps, High Cascade and Windells. These camps teach snowboarding, skiing and racing classes.

For adults while the kiddos are being entertained, Mt. Hood has the best in entertainment, arts and festivals. Outdoor Activities are plentiful in the area, hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing and mountain biking. As for art and festivals, there are many agricultural events, wine tastings, and if you're lucky you can catch a play at the famous Rex Putnam Black Box Theatre.

It is said when the leaves start to herald in the Fall and cooler weather, you can attend the New Harvest Festival, The Giant Pumpkin Festival, and try and find your way through a maze, cut out of corn and hay.

Even at 11,235 feet above sea level, the people of Mt. Hood know how to eat well. The restaurant scene is abundant with different tastes to satisfy everyone, whether you are looking for a quick bite on the go, or a nice quiet meal. Mt. Hood delivers to your expectations with eateries that are rich in history, as well as novelty treats native to the area. A few spots to check out are Charlie's Mountain View Full-Service Restaurant, open 365 days a year, with seasonal live music. The Highland's Restaurant, experience the spirit of Scotland in the highlands of Mt. Hood, exquisite, yet casual dining. The Huckleberry Inn serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, world famous for their huckleberry pies and milkshakes, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As far as seasonal goes, Mt. Hood gets two thumbs up for being a year-round place of vacation. During the winter and summer months, be it personal, family or romance that brings you here, the warmth you get from the locals will leave a lasting impression, and great memories for the rest of your life. Come see for yourself.

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