



Alpine Trail Uphill
Backcountry Skiing Route
Details
2.83 mi
1,964 ft
A popular ski tour through the woods from Summit Pass to Timberline Lodge.
Alpine Trail makes the most direct route from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge on skis, beginning at Summit Pass Ski Area. As mapped here in the uphill direction, it makes a relaxed tour through the woods on Mount Hood, climbing nearly 2000 feet on a gradual incline. It’s a wide-cut trail that’s sheltered by trees and out of avalanche terrain, so it’s reasonably safe even when conditions are unfavorable elsewhere. Though it’s within the bounds of the resort, Alpine Trail is not groomed and feels more like a backcountry route. Watch for hazards like tree wells and buried obstacles.
To begin Alpine Trail, ascend the perimeter of Summit Pass Ski Area and find the continuation of the trail into the woods. It’s typically well tracked and wide enough to follow even in fresh snow. Eventually this woods trail meets the wider runs of Timberline Resort, and makes an arcing climb past some ski lifts and other trails. Alpine remains designated for uphill travel, so you can continue all the way to the lodge. From there you can ski back down the same way, or take the easier West Leg Road which also descends to Summit Pass.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Alpine Trail makes the most direct route from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge on skis, beginning at Summit Pass Ski Area. As mapped here in the uphill direction, it makes a relaxed tour through the woods on Mount Hood, climbing nearly 2000 feet on a gradual incline. It’s a wide-cut trail that’s sheltered by trees and out of avalanche terrain, so it’s reasonably safe even when conditions are unfavorable elsewhere. Though it’s within the bounds of the resort, Alpine Trail is not groomed and feels more like a backcountry route. Watch for hazards like tree wells and buried obstacles.
To begin Alpine Trail, ascend the perimeter of Summit Pass Ski Area and find the continuation of the trail into the woods. It’s typically well tracked and wide enough to follow even in fresh snow. Eventually this woods trail meets the wider runs of Timberline Resort, and makes an arcing climb past some ski lifts and other trails. Alpine remains designated for uphill travel, so you can continue all the way to the lodge. From there you can ski back down the same way, or take the easier West Leg Road which also descends to Summit Pass.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Route and Elevation
Segments
Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
---|---|---|---|
alpine trail to resort boundary | 1.87 mi | 1,276 ft | 12.9% |
the flats | 0.48 mi | 190 ft | 7.4% |
Alpine Trail: Climb | 1.28 mi | 974 ft | 14.4% |
Alpine Trail - Main Climb | 0.41 mi | 417 ft | 19.0% |
Alpine Trail to Kruser | 0.86 mi | 807 ft | 17.7% |
Alpine Wall | 0.13 mi | 171 ft | 24.8% |