White River
Snowshoeing
A sunny cold day
The mighty Mt. Hood
This time of year, White River is a snow-covered tributary that flows from the permanent glaciers atop Mount Hood. We snowshoed along its gushing waters for a short four-mile round trip. Being out in the snow on a sunny cold winter's day is invigorating. The trek started in full sun under blue skies, but as the day wore on, high-level clouds moved in, and the sun dimmed in the ever-graying sky.
Even on a freezing cold day when you are surrounded by snow, the sun will warm you. However, when it dimmed, we began to feel the chilling cold move into our bones. We continued to where the valley opens into what appears to be an ancient caldera or perhaps a volcanic crater. Here, we made our lunchtime snow camp and ate our vegan cheese sandwiches, taking in the awe-inspiring vista that is Mount Hood.
We were here last year around the same time. It seems that this snowshoeing trek is becoming an annual event for us. I am glad of this, as it is one of the most wonderful places on the planet.
White River
White River Last year