Ski or Hike at Timberline Lodge
It isn’t called the magic mile for nothing. The lift travels one mile up the side of the mountain, topping out at 7,000 feet. The magic Mile lift operates during the summer until 4pm. You can ride the lift to the top, hike around for a while, then head back down. This is exactly what I did. Here I am at the top. And a look at Timberline Lodge from the top. Wait, what’s that over to the right? On that snowfield is a bunch of snowboarders with a few skiiers. They are up here enjoying what’s left of the snow. Timberline operates 2 chairlifts during the summer, weather permitting. Plan on heading up early as they only operate the lifts until 1:30 for skiing. From the top I headed our for a short hike. The paths are very narrow, not much more than a dirt trail. If you get off the trail, you are hiking on a sort of a sandy pea gravel. You are up above the tree line, so no shade, but the views are beautiful. This high up, it is cooler than town, but still warm. Above are some wildflowers that grow at this altitude. Below is a view looking south. For more information on riding the Magic Mile or Timberline Lodge, visit their website. 
Where can you ski and hike on the same mountain at the same time? It was predicted to be 100 degrees in town, so I headed up to the mountain. Mt. Hood, to be exact, to the Timberline Ski area. The picture above is taken in the parking lot, summertime on the mountain. This is one of the only ski resorts where you can ski into the hot summer months.
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Timberline Lodge sits at around 6,000 feet up the south side of Mt. Hood. It was built in the 30′s as a mountain destination and remains true to it’s focus today. In the wintertime, skiers and snowboarders abound. The summer brings hikers and those same skiers and snowboards. You will find lodging and find dining within.
For those who come in the summer, you can hike or you can ride the magic mile ski lift. There are a wide variety of hiking trails leading from the lodge. If you are an experienced hiker, you can try the 41 mile trail that goes all around the mountain. I chose to ride the lift and do a shorter hike. Here I am on the ski lift heading up the hill.
This is Silcox Lodge. If you’re looking for the perfect place for a small event, this is it. Your room rate includes breakfast, dinner, transportation from the lodge plus access to the lodges pool, sauna and showers. Silcox can house up to 24 people. 
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