Sledding on/around Mt Hood (campgrounds, to move, parking)

[wanderbygrace]

First of all, thanks to all of those who answered my Christmas trees thread! But now, it's time to move on to another exciting winter tradition - hitting the sledding hills.

I've looked online and seen some responses/ideas, but I wanted to check in with my awesome C-D friends: where are some good places to sled on/around Mt. Hood? I see that some places want you to pay to sled or tube - are there any good ones that are just free (besides a sno-park pass, of course)?

I've seen some online comments about Little John, White River, Sno-Bunny, etc., but it's all kind of vague.

[EnricoV]

We always went to the hill at Snow Bunny Lodge, at Government Camp.

[hamellr]

We used to go to the slope right at Government Camp. But it's a pay slope now days.

White River is about the only decent place for sledding any more that is still free. But it's going to be crowded big time. You can go around to the east side of the mountain near where all the campgrounds are and find a few places, but you might have to hike in a ways, which might be a bit tiring for young children.

[wanderbygrace]

For the record, we (four adults & 5 kids, ages 5-16) went to White River today, and had a BLAST! Not very crowded when we got there at 11am, but by the time we left around 2:30pm, the lot was about half full - lots of people, although still not wall to wall..

No snow chains were required (although not by much - the parking lot was the only thing really snow covered), but there was plenty of snow up there for sledding. PERFECT weather - upper 30's and sunny. I was in hiking boots, jeans & a t-shirt almost the whole time. Socks & lower jeans were soaking wet by the time I was done, but with the sun & warm temps, I didn't even notice it.

Within a 15 minute hike, we found at least two awesome hills that packed enough punch for everyone in our group - we had tubes, plastic sleds, and discs - all worked great, although I think the tube was the best. There was at least another good hill about another 5 minutes in, but we opted to not go that far. Spent about 3 hours & enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Lots of people CC skiing and snowshoeing.

For those interested in going - there are 2 potties, but I highly suggest BYOtoilet paper. Also - both toilets are off the parking lot, so go before you head up to the hills.

Also - a sno park pass is required.