Cooper Spur
Mount Hood, Oregon
Details
Distance
6.87 miles
Elevation Gain
3097 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Isaac Koval
About a two hour drive from Portland, OR. Breathtaking views of Mt. Hood (it's right there in front of you). Views of Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens and eastern Oregon. From the top you can hear Elliot Glacier creaking and groaning.
Cooper Spur is located on the north east side of Mount Hood. This is the hike to do if you want to get up close and personal with the mountain.
To get there you have to drive around 10 miles up a bumpy dirt road, once off the main road. Low-clearance vehicles can make it but high clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive will have an easier time.
Cooper Spur trail is accessed from the Cloud Cap Trailhead parking lot, which is also home to Cloud Cap Inn and Cloud Cap Campground. The Inn is closed to visitors but the camp ground is a good place to spend the night if you want to get an early start on the trail.
The trail starts out in an old-growth forest. Shortly after you will come across a split in the trail. The left is a more gradual trail while the right is steep and will take you immediately up on the ridge-line. Once on the ridge there are steep drop-offs to the right so if you are afraid of heights take the left trail.
A little over a mile in you will come across the Cooper Spur shelter, one of the few remaining stone shelters along the Timberline Trail. If you are backpacking you will find a few flat spots around the shelter to pitch a tent.
From here you'll climb higher, going up switchbacks until you reach the top of Cooper Spur.
Notes:
- A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. You can pay for a day pass at the trailhead ($5) or you can obtain a year pass ($30) at a ranger station or at your local REI.
- This trail is popular and gets pretty busy on the weekends. Either go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you pick the later just make sure to bring a headlight as the terrain can be pretty tricky navigating in the dark. The upside is you will be rewarded with an amazing sunset view.
- Most years the snow doesn't clear till the end of June, making this a good July - October hike.
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Reviews
An easy hike that takes you right up to the climber's route, Cooper Spur offers incredible views of glaciers and the surrounding skyline. This hike is almost entirely above tree line, so bring your sunscreen!
5.0
This is a classic hike for anyone wanting to explore PNW! Highly recommend
5.0
The drive may seem a little daunting, but it's well worth it. I had no trouble getting my car up the gravel stretch--just take it slow and watch for ruts. I went early and had the entire mountainside to myself. Once you get past the shelter, you can hear the Elliot Glacier creaking and popping. At the end of the trail, if you traverse the ridge that leads to the foot of one of the glaciers near the peak, there's a fantastically smooth rock that's perfect for a mid-afternoon nap. As of 10/15/18, the trail was mostly clear with some snow pack on the last half mile.
5.0
Probably on my list of top hikes locally. Did it once with some friends for the eclipse but on my 16th birthday, came up and spent an overnighter just under the shelter. No wind, craziest sunrise ever, perfect times. Hike itself is decent to kinda tough, but especially if your carrying a full camp pack. Also, watch out on the ridge if there’s any high wind. Would totally recommend. Cheers and play it safe, especially if your rolling solo
5.0
This was an amazing hike with great views of hood. It was so cool to get so close to Eliot Glacier! It was a strenuous hike but if you just take your time it's totally doable for most people. I saw a lot of people without hiking poles but I would definitely recommend using them, very helpful. Also I didn't bring gloves but I wish I had because when you get close to the glacier it is freezing! With crazy winds! Such a fun and beautiful hike!
5.0
This is one of the best hikes I've been on. Between the two glaciers, and view of five mountains (I was fortunate enough to have a clear day), and the mesmerizing expanse of mt hood I highly recommend it. Continue up the ridge line until an elevation of 8900ft. Worth the extra burn to get that close to the mountain. Trail is a bit of choose your own adventure. I went up elk cove, which I later learned was closed from a flood in 2006. The best hike route is the hardest-- the near vertical ridge line all the way up the side. Choose the inner mountain switch backs on the way down to save the knees. Poles suggested for hike down. Mad respect to low clearance vehicles who can make it through the sand ditch half way up the road. I didn't go into 4wheel drive but came close.
5.0
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