General info: White River is just off Highway 35 on our way to hood river from Portland. It is about 15 minutes before you hit Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort and there are a few large snow parks around the bridge that crosses the White River on HW 35. From the snow park you trek up river and it is a gradual climb into the basin. I should not take more than an hour or so to get to some really good terrain. The walls of the canyon are steep and littered with cliff bands, trees, chutes, and some mold rollers. There is a large variety of terrain in the is canyon that is good for a group of people that wants to be on different terrain but still be with in sight of each other. There is even are a few perfect spots for booters in the base of the canyon.
Type of trip: Day trips are easy for this area. It is only a mile or two from the road so an early start is not needed but it can never hurt. If you get caught having to trek back in the dark the trail is very easy to follow out because of the distinct terrain of the river basin. .
Gear needed: A good pair of snow shoes of AT Skiing set up is best to get in. It is an uphill climb on the way in but a nice downhill ride all the way out. Trekking poles are always a good idea but crampons or an ice axe is not needed. This is at a lower elevation so conditions are more mild than higher up on Hood but it is always a good idea to bring an Avalanche gear you have or maps, headlamp, compass, ect.
