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It's October and 50 miles south east of Portland Oregon, the Mt. Hood Railroad chugs along through trees laden with gold and yellow and crimson leaves. It carries passengers looking like ghosts and goblins excited to hear "It's a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown." Passengers will see wide vistas, narrow valleys, winding rivers and at the end drink hot cider, listen to local music talent and watch their children conquer the hay maze. Mt Hood Railroad continues through time clicking and clacking into December. This time children wear pajamas and snuggle in the warmth and comfort of the train as it moves quietly through the swirling white snow. They listen to the story "Polar Express" as their parents gaze up at the glimmering snow on Mt Hood illuminated by the full moon. On it chugs into a spring of mountain flowers where passengers take in a murder mystery dinner or a good old fashioned train robbery.

Tired of the train ride? Challenge Mt. Hood directly. Palmer Glacier will teach and challenge all types of snow enthusiasts. Snowboarding and ski camps are available at Windells and the Mt. Hood Ski bowl. Over Christmas and spring break snowboard or ski with the professionals at the various youth camps. In the summer, drive an Indy cart, take a ride along a zip line or perhaps jump from a quad bungee at the ski bowl.

Because the diversity of activities at and around Mt. Hood are extensive, birdwatchers, fly fishermen, hikers, mountain bike riders, rock climbers, golfers and other hobbyists will find great enjoyment. After a cold day of snowmobiling warm up in the hot tub at Timberline lodge located midway to the summit of Mt Hood. Spend a few days at Hood Village just 40 miles east of Portland for a personal retreat or for a company retreat or family reunion.

After discovering a Towhee or a rare Pileated Woodpecker in the woods, come back to town for the Harvest Festival, Oktoberfest, or the Gorge Fruit and Craft Fair. While getting the lay of the land, stop by the Skyway Bar and Grill for signature burgers and homemade soups. Or try the Whistle Stop Bar and Grill on 66674 East Highway 26 for their famous Whistle Burger. If wishing for a more elegant fare, the Sixth Street Bistro and Loft has great steak and seafood and the Celilo Restaurant and Bar promotes locally grown and naturally raised products. They are both located off of I84 East and exit 64.

An auto tour around Mt Hood is a popular activity. The mind will awaken to the power of Bonneville Dam or be hypnotized by waterfalls. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center will take you into the geological past, present and future of the Mt. Hood Region featuring artifacts from the Lewis and Clark Expedition. An interpretive trail that meanders through cottonwoods, willows and cattails offers a chance to see turtles, raccoons, and a wide variety of other animals. Look across the Columbia River Gorge and the Klickitat hills while bringing the kids back to the museum to the Kid's Explorer Room. They will make archeological digs, load a keelboat and try on period clothing from the Lewis and Clark expedition.

From the Cascade Locks and the Vista House in the spring to hiking the Oregon Trail in the summer, salmon and trout fishing in the fall or the extreme sports in the winter, Mt Hood offers a wide variety of activities suitable for people of all ages and preferences. As you explore, remember, the mountain is wild use caution.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Mckinley.
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