Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals' "Creating Memories That Matter" Contest Winners

2011-12-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of our 20th Anniversary "Creating Memories That Matter" Contest Entrants. We had dozens of entrants through November reservations and online sign-ups. The winner of a 2-night stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental from a random drawing of all entrants is Jeannie Lihs of Scappoose, Oregon

The 2nd winner of the 5-night stay was awarded for telling us about a "Favorite Memory that Matters" that was created while on vacation. We received over 30 stories which were all wonderful to read, but a few really stood out. We received the best story from Brenda Harkabus of Lakehead, California.

Here is her story!

"'Memories that Matter' In March of 2010 my beautiful, vivacious, 26 year old daughter died. I thought I was going to die from the horrible grief and pain. If there is anything more difficult than losing a child, I hope I never know what it is. My best friend of 20 years, who lives 9 hours away was my lifeline. She called me EVERY DAY for 6 months. Not many people are willing to enter into another persons grief like that. There are no answers or things you can say to make it better, but making the commitment to be on the phone every day to listen kept me from sinking. I wanted to do something to show her how much that meant to me and to spend some time with her. So, I made reservations for the Hidden Creek Log Cabin at the end of September 2010. She lives on the Oregon Coast and I in Northern California. I was so emotionally exhausted I had to take 2 days to drive to Welches. We met up at the office and proceeded to the cabin. From the moment we walked in the door I knew it was going to be a great experience. We enjoyed everything about the cabin and the area. We shed tears together and for the first time in 6 months I laughed again. I will never forget how that felt. My healing began there. She still calls all the time and we talk often about our stay there and how nice it would be to go back sometime."

Brenda will have the opportunity to re-visit the Hidden Creek Log Cabin because she won the 2-night stay at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for her great story!

We had a tie for the 2nd place story, both of which we thought were good enough to share, too. The first story is from Carol Hoecker of Portland.

"We are 3 couples that share an annual weekend trip in January. This particular year there was a lot of snow and we barely made it to the cabin in Zig Zag. While hot tubbing one night we heard a creek, a crack and then a rumbling noise and the next thing we knew our quite, tranquil and relaxing time in the hot tub was shattered by most of the snow falling off the roof and into the tub. Once we found out that no one was hurt, we started laughing so hard we could barely get out of the tub. I think the temputure went down to 80 after the snow hit. That happened about 8-10 years ago and we still talk (and laugh a lot) about that story."

The other 2nd place story was submitted by Kim Marshel of Vancouver, Washington.

"I had seen the email promoting this contest once before and had dismissed it thinking that I didn't have a sound argument for "Creating Memories that Matter". We have never had any holiday celebrations there, or been there for a significant event, so I think my thoughts went directly to what fun times we may have had while spending time at one of the cabins we have rented. There were quite a few to choose from! But unless you were there-they may not be that funny! So I dismissed it. Until I looked at the calendar the other day and realized that it had been almost 2 years since we lost Denny. Denny was our cocker spaniel and he was considered the baby of the family. We contributed to that completely on our own by always giving him whatever he wanted! He always knew we would take care of him. And that always included carry him when he didn't want to get his feet wet. I'd never had a dog that didn't like the water or the dampness of the pavement, but rather than drag him everywhere we would pick him up on occasion. So when we booked a cabin during the winter we knew we were taking a chance. The winter meant snow, which also meant we'd be carrying Denny. To our surprise Denny never looked at the snow with fear in his eyes. He walked in it, rolled in it and (of course) ate it like he had been doing it all his life. It was the most remarkable thing I had ever seen. Stunned actually but it made for one of those unbelievable happy stories that-you wouldn't get unless you were there. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Denny is no longer with us, but if that's the last thing I could ever remember about him I will take it."

Five runners-up each won one adult lift ticket for their choice of Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline or Mt Hood SkiBowl Adult lift tickets to be used between January 1 - March 31, 2012 in conjunction with a paid reservation in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental. Our lift ticket winners are: Michael Dado, Cara Barstad, Maria Moiel, Jenna Gribbin and Michelle Plotner.

Congratulations to everyone!

Why Not Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental

2011-11-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

To our surprise and excitement, the holidays are nearly upon us! With reports of snowfall already hitting the airwaves and real sightings of snow at the ski areas, Thanksgiving Weekend is bound to be fun for families visiting Mt Hood. If you’re planning on spending your Thanksgiving vacation in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, you can certainly expect to have a seamless and relaxing weekend because our cabins, lodges and homes are perfectly equipped for the holidays.

For our guests who will be preparing a traditional turkey dinner in their Mt Hood Vacation Rental, we have made it easy for you with kitchens that are completely stocked with all the pots, pans, dishes and utensils you need to make a big family dinner. From casserole dishes to pie pans, blenders to platters, wine glasses to bread baskets, the only additional items you might want to consider bringing is a roasting pan and thermometer for your turkey. Also, if you’ve forgotten a food item (or just don’t want to haul all those groceries with you), both the Hoodland Thriftway and Mt Hood Foods in Rhododendron will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

If you’re more inclined to sit back and let someone else do the cooking, there are lots of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Drive up to Timberline Lodge for an intimate and delectable dining experience while you watch the snow flurry outside, and enjoy Chef Jason Stoller Smith’s root beer brined natural turkey. The Resort at the Mountain will be hosting an extravagant Thanksgiving Buffet from 11 am to 7 pm featuring turkey with apricot-pistachio stuffing among many other delicious items. Later in the weekend, visit the Rendezvous Grill for their 2nd annual Holiday Open House and Wine Tasting from noon to 5.

From our kitchens to yours, here is some our favorite Thanksgiving recipes that are easy to make and pleasing to everyone’s palate…

Spaghetti Squash Gratin

1 to 2 1/2 pound spaghetti squash
9 fresh sage leaves, 6 of the leaves finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced and crushed to a paste
2 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated Swiss Gruyere cheese
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and place halves, flesh side down, in a baking dish with enough hot water to come 1/4-inch up the sides of the squash. (The water prevents burning and helps steam the squash so it cooks more evenly.) Cover with aluminum foil and bake until the squash is soft when poked with a knife, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Discard the seeds. Scrape along the pulp with a fork and pull out and reserve shreds. Rub the bottom of a medium (8-cup or slightly larger) gratin or baking dish with butter.

Toss the "spaghetti" with the chopped sage, garlic, 2 cups of the cheese, cream, salt and pepper. Spread mixture in gratin dish (the squash layer should be about 1 inch thick). Sprinkle the remaining cheese over "spaghetti." Arrange the 3 remaining sage leaves on top of the gratin. Bake for about 45 minutes. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over gratin and serve.

Note: The squash can be baked a day ahead, following the above directions. If the top of the gratin doesn't turn golden brown, place it under the broiler for about 1 minute.

Yield: 6 side-dish servings.

Sausage Cornbread Stuffing

2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 pound spicy sausage, broken into bite-size pieces
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 sage leaves, finely chopped
10 cups cornbread, crumbled into bite-size pieces
2 cups dried cranberries
2 cups pecans, chopped
3 to 4 cups chicken stock
Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add olive oil to a large saute pan, add the onions and celery and saute over medium heat until soft. Add the sausage and cook until the sausage begins to brown. Stir in the garlic and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pecans, sage and rosemary and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

In a large bowl mix together the cornbread, cranberries, and the sausage mixture. Add chicken stock and stir until well mixed and corn bread is moist. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a casserole dish.

Bake the stuffing until it is hot all the way through and is crusty on top, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Serves 12.

Martha Stewart’s Mile-High Apple Pie – Makes one 9-inch pie
Note: Bake this pie at least 24 hours in advance to allow the filling to set.

Crust: Deep Dish Pate Brisee
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp sugar
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
½ - ¾ cups ice water

Make your pie dough in two batches, dividing ingredients approx 60/40.

1. Place flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; process until combined. Add the butter pieces; process until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds.
2. Add the ice water in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube with the machine running, just until dough holds together. Do not process more than 30 seconds. Test by squeezing dough; if it is still crumbly, add a bit more water.
3. Turn the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Grasping the ends of the plastic wrap with your hands, press dough into a flat circle with your fists. This makes rolling easier than if the pastry is chilled as a ball. Wrap the dough in the plastic and chill for at least one hour.

Apple Pie Filling
½ cup all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
Deep-dish pate brisee
8 medium sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into ¼ inch slices
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg yolk

1. Preheat oven to 450º. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the smaller piece of pate brisee into a 15 inch round about 1/8 inch thick, dusting surface with flour to prevent sticking, as needed. Brush off excess flour. Roll dough around rolling pin, and place over a deep dish 9 inch pie plate. Line plate with dough, pressing it into the corners. Trim dough to within 1 inch of the pie plate. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate.
2. Roll out remaining piece of dough into an 18-inch round. Transfer round to a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
3. Place apple slices in a large bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon; toss with apple slices.
4. Place apple mixture into pie dough in pie pan, mounding into a tall pile. Dot filling with butter. Place dough round over the apples. Tuck edge of top dough between edge of bottom dough and rim of pan. Using your fingers, gently press both layers of dough along the edge to seal, and crimp as desired.
5. Using a paring knife, cut several vents in top dough to allow steam to escape. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and 2 tbsp water to make a glaze. Brush surface with egg glaze; sprinkle with sugar. Place on a baking sheet to catch overflow juices. Bake until crust is golden, about 15 minutes.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350º and continue baking until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling, 60-75 minutes. Tent with foil during baking time if crust is getting too brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Fall Foliage on Mt Hood

2011-10-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Mt Hood is renowned for year-round skiing and snowboarding, and countless miles of hiking and biking trails. Most people visit during the winter and summer months to enjoy these activities. What these folks are missing out on only happens in the fall, and it is such a spectacular occurrence we want to share it with Mt Hood Vacation Rental guests…the brilliant fall foliage! As the seasons transition from summer to autumn, the days get shorter and leaves change from green to the many colors of fall—gold, amber, red, orange and even pink. Once winter is in full swing, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis, and the leaves dry up and fall to the ground. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer.

Besides evergreens, the Mt Hood National Forest is full of vine maples, oak, huckleberry and Oregon grapes shrubs with colors that strike a remarkable contrast to the dark greens of Douglas fir and hemlock in the fall. Vine maples, in particular, show off the brightest and most diverse color spectrum, from deep dark red to the most vivid yellow.

Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

For a magnificent, sweeping view of the Welches Valley and the abundant autumn colors of the Mt Hood National Forest, hike up Hunchback Mountain, accessible from the Zigzag Ranger Station. While it is a somewhat strenuous hike up (an hour each way), you will be well-rewarded with sweeping views of the colorful valley and the Salmon River below once you reach the top. For a more relaxed experience, meander along the Old Salmon River Trail and watch as the fall leaves float peacefully into and down the Salmon River while the salmon are spawning.

To experience Mt Hood’s fall foliage from the comforts of your car, cruise along the Mt Hood Scenic Byway and the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, which join to create a breathtaking loop around Mt Hood. Fall colors are particularly glorious through Hood River Valley, on Highway 35 between Government Camp and Hood River as you drive from forest to field. Take breaks along the Hood River County Fruit Loop at the many orchards and wineries that dot the beautiful landscape, and watch apple, pear and grape harvest in full swing before tasting the fruits of the farms’ labors. Apples, pears, cider and other fall harvest fruits and vegetables are available for sale at many locations.

Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

If curling up in the front of a blazing fire with a good book and gazing out the window at the leaves falling is more your style, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals’ fall special continues until Thanksgiving! Stay in one of our warm and inviting homes for 4 nights and you will get your 3rd night half off and 4th night free.

Also in November, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is Celebrating 20 Years of Creating Memories That Matter. Stay with us in November and you will automatically be entered to win a 2-night stay at one of our welcoming vacation homes for each paid night of your visit. Share with us your Favorite Memorable Story that was created while on vacation, and the best storyteller will also win a 2-night stay. Plus 5 runner-ups will win an adult lift ticket for the 2011/2012 ski and snowboard season.

Northwest Search and Rescue Conference in Welches, Oregon

2011-10-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Mount Hood, Oregon is the perfect backdrop for this highly popular Search and Rescue Conference.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is hosting the 5th annual Northwest Search and Rescue Conference (SARCon) on October 13-16 at The Resort at the Mountain. Established in 2007 in response to then-Governor Ted Kulongoski’s Search and Rescue Task Force findings, SARCon provides ongoing training, a crucial element for successful outcomes, for volunteers, SAR emergency responders and supervisors, police, firefighters, and military and medical personnel and search and rescue animals including dogs and horses.

This training is especially vital to volunteers, whom are the backbone of SAR operations. In 2010, volunteers contributed almost 150,000 hours to SAR missions in Oregon. Volunteer organizations, such as Portland Mountain Rescue (PMR) and Pacific NW Search and Rescue (PNWSAR), provide important support in the Mt Hood area and its beautiful and occassionally treacherous terrain of forest, lakes and rivers, and the mountain itself. PMR is a volunteer group of 70+ highly-skilled climbers dedicated to getting people out of trouble in mountainous and high-angle areas (Mt Hood). PNWSAR was on hand to help with the flood on Lolo Pass Rd this past January, and assists with rescuing lost and injured skiers, snowboarders and hikers.

The Mt Hood area provides the perfect backdrop for the conference, with its wilderness serving as a “classroom” for field exercises. The conference includes classes focusing on SAR management, wilderness, technology, medicine, K9 training and water rescue. A complete list of seminars can be found on the SARCon website.

We look forward to hosting SAR teams in Welches next weekend. Without this invaluable group of volunteers and service people, we would not be able to provide a fun, safe and reliable vacation destination for guests visiting the Mt Hood area and staying in our vacation homes!

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offers a variety of homes and lodging options in Welches in close proximity to the Conference site at The Resort at the Mountain. Most homes are dog-friendly, too, so are ideal for attendees bringing dogs to the conference.

For Reservations:

877.352.4277 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

Dog Day at Mt Hood SkiBowl Benefits Guide Dogs for the Blind

2011-09-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Bring your best friend (woof) up to Mt Hood on Sunday, September 18th for the 2nd annual Dog Day at the Adventure Park at Mt Hood SkiBowl. Start the day with a fun run/walk, recover with a tasty beverage in the dog-friendly beer garden, and finish that day with some laughs at the Best Pet Trick Contest. There will be three courses offered for the fun run/walk—an easy, 1-mile course great for families with kids, a moderate 2-mile round trip course, and a 7-mile extreme course for the more adventurous dogs. Registration is $15 per dog with proceeds benefiting Guide Dogs for the Blind.

10:30 a.m. Registration opens on site at Skibowl West
10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Vendor Fair
11:15 a.m. Start of Extreme Course
11:30 a.m. Start of easy/moderate and moderate course
12 Noon Dog-Friendly Beer Garden Opens
1:30 p.m. Best Pet Trick Contests

Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for Dog Day, September 18, 2011 and your dog stays free for the first night! Valid for reservations of at least 2 nights including September 16 - 18, 2011

Dollar Lake Forest Fire in the Mt Hood National Forest Burning in Wilderness Area on NE side of Mountain

2011-09-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

A lightning strike-caused wild fire has been slowly growing in the Mt Hood National Forest for the past 10 days. The Dollar Lake Fire was first sparked in the late evening on August 26, 2011 from a lightning strike. The site of origin is in a very rugged, roadless area of the Mt Hood National Forest. The fire has grown to just under 3000 acres in the past week and a half.

The forest fire is located about 7 miles SSW of Parkdale on the northeast side of Mt Hood and about 16 miles NNE of Welches "as the crow flies". Of course the direct line from the fire to the Village of Welches goes through the mountain, several lower mountain ranges and a very large river gorge created by the Sandy River, all of which create obstacles to movement in this direction. This fire is adjacent to the burned-out area of the 2008 Elk Meadows Fire.

Photo of the Dollar Lake Fire taken from Parkdale on or around Sept 1, 2011

The winds have been blowing west to east since the fire began until September 3rd, when the winds shifted to very strong east winds which blew the smoke overhead in the Welches area and all the way to Portland, some 50+ miles away. Interestingly, areas north of Highway 26, especially the Lolo Pass area had a lot of brown smoke in the sky and haze settling in the river valleys. However, most areas south of the highway including The Resort's golf course still had clear, blue skies.

The 5-day weather forecast for Welches calls for high temperatures in the 80's and winds from the ESE around 5-7 MPH and gusts up to 12 MPH. The weather forecast for Parkdale is for highs close to 90 and winds coming from the East at about 6 MPH, switching to a NNW direction in the evening.

As a precaution, the forest service closed Lolo Pass Road at the turn-off to McNeil Campground, Ramona Falls Trailhead and Lost Creek Campground. All campers and hikers in this area were evacuated on Saturday, September 3rd.

Photo courtesy of USFS

There are two very good resources for up-to-date and factual information about the fire (it is getting a bit dramatic out there, especially on Facebook), visit the USFS official Incident Website or visit the Hoodland Fire District Facebook Page.

How does all of this affect your vacation plans to Mt Hood? The winds have died down and the skies are clear and blue on Sunday morning, September 4, 2011. While a few trails and campgrounds have been closed, most areas are still open for recreation in the Mt Hood National Forest.

And there is no threat of fire anywhere near any Mt Hood Vacation Rentals. So you can still head up and enjoy your vacation.

Gary Randall photo taken at Sunset on Sept 3, 2011.

Mt Hood Festival of the Forest at Wildwood Park, September 10-11

2011-08-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

Weekend of Live Music includes Cajun & Zydeco Sunday Sashay

Sunny & warm summer weekends will soon be transitioning into cooler fall days. So if you’re looking for ways to maximize your summer of fun, head up to the mountain for a great weekend of live music. Stay at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental home during Festival Weekend, and we’ll give you a little something extra… (read on to find out what!).

On Sept 10 & 11 from noon to 6 PM, bring your groove and your dancing shoes to the Mt Hood Festival of the Forest at Wildwood Park in Welches. The first annual Cajun & Zydeco Sunday Sashay of the festival will feature live music by the New Iberians, Too Loose Cajun Band and Atomic Gumbo all day on the Wildwood Stage. Other attractions include the Garcia Birthday Band, the Bob Voll Band, belly dancers, and crafts booths. When you’re not dancing among the trees, take a leisurely stroll on one of the 600 acre park’s trails, relax in the beer garden, sample a treat from one of the food vendors or take a nap by the Salmon River.

When you stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental during Festival Weekend, we’ll give you a free admission pass to attend the Mt Hood Festival of the Forest!

Make your reservation today! 877.352.4277 Email Book Online

Western States Blacksmith Conference and Blacksmith Wars at Mt Hood, August 18 - 21

2011-08-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Twenty-five years ago the first Western States Blacksmith Conference was held on Mt Hood, and this year it’s back! The Village of Government Camp will host blacksmiths and enthusiasts from all

over the US for this year’s conference and Blacksmith Wars World Championship August 18-21. Fittingly, opening ceremonies take place at Timberline Lodge, which features hand-forged iron spanning 75 years of craftsmanship.

A highlight of the event is the Blacksmith Wars World Championship, a competition that gives “Iron Chef” a more literal meaning! In a contest that simulates a customer-inspired job, complete with last minute changes, teams of 4 blacksmiths will compete to win the coveted title (and prize money) of “Blacksmith Wars World Championship.” The Wars will take place each day of the conference and culminate in a final showdown on Sunday, Aug 21. These competitions are open to the public to demonstrate the talent and camaraderie in blacksmithing and give people the enjoyment of seeing the craft in process. After the final showdown, the Blacksmith Wars creations will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the teams’ respective associations. The Blacksmith Wars World Championship is open to the public; check with the Cascade Ski Club or Valian’s Ski Shop to confirm locations for the public events.

Thursday, Aug 18, 6 PM to 9 PM
Friday, Aug 19, 6 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Aug 20, 1 PM to 5 PM
Sunday, Aug 21, 9 AM to 1 PM: Blacksmith Wars conclusion, judging and auction

For a complete schedule of events, go to the Western States Blacksmith Conference website. There will be many demonstrations around Government Camp, however, these are closed to the public as the registrants have paid to attend these classes, lectures and events. The Hand Forged artwork and pieces available for sale will be located in the Valian’s Ski Shop building right on main street in the center of Village of Government Camp.

The entire Northwest Blacksmith Association Archive Collection will be on display in The Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum during the conference. 9 AM till 5 PM daily.

Wine and Dine on Mt Hood

2011-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

There’s lots to do during the day when you vacation on Mt Hood: hiking around Trillium Lake, watching your kids tear it up at snowboarding camp, golfing at the Resort at the Mountain, mountain-biking the Pioneer Bridle Trail, fishing the Salmon River and more. After a long and eventful day of playing outside, what better way to unwind than with a glass of wine or two? Whether you enjoy it along with a home-cooked meal at your Mt Hood Vacation Rental or head out to one of the area’s fantastic restaurants, this is your guide to where to find and enjoy great wines:

WINE EVENTS

Saturday, August 13
Join Sokol Blosser Winery for an absolutely stunning view and 4-course Dinner at the Resort at the Mountain. Enjoy Sokol Blosser wines paired with Chef Paul Bosch’s cuisine outside on the golf course greens and under the stars. Dinner begins at 6 pm. Call Bonnie at 503-622-2220 to make reservations or simply to learn more about the specific menu and wine pairings.

Friday, August 5 & 19

Nine & Wine at The Resort Golf Course. Greens fee, cart rental, three appetizer and wine stations on the course, prizes and awards at Mallards Cafe & Pub for only $50. 4:30 PM Shotgun Start.

Saturday, August 27

To coincide with a sunset start time, The Resort at the Mountain’s Executive Chef Paul Bosch has designed a magnificent four-course menu to be paired with delightful wines of Oak Knoll Winery. As unique as the menu is its awesome location -- on Foxglove Nine of The Courses! Call Bonnie at 503-622-2220 to make reservations or simply to learn more about the specific menu and wine pairings.

Wednesdays

Wine Down Wednesdays at The Rendezvous Grill: 2-5 PM, $2 off all wines by the glass and $8 off bottles over $20. Buy a bottle to have with dinner at the Rendezvous or a bottle to take home—they have their retail license too!

Every Night

Check out Timberline Lodge’s renowned and award-winning extensive wine library of current and past vintages of Northwest wine paired with the inspired cuisine of Chef Jason Stoller Smith at the Cascade Dining Room. Splurge on a special night out to one of his intimate Winemaker’s Dinners at Silcox Hut.

Where to Buy Wine at Mt Hood

The Villages of Mt Hood are only a one hour drive to Hood River wineries to the east and about 1 1/2 hours to the world-famous Willamette Valley wineries to the west making it easy to take a day trip and go wine tasting. Also, since we are in the epicenter of several great grape growing regions, our local stores have pretty amazing selections of wine too!

Hoodland Thriftway, Hwy 26 & Welches Rd, Welches, OR, (503) 622-3244
Mt Hood Food and General, 73265 E Hwy 26, Rhododendron, OR, (503) 622-4652
Govy General, 30521 E Meldrum, Government Camp, OR, (503) 272-3107
Rendezvous Grill & Tap Room, 67149 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR, 503-622-6837(the restaurant sells wines from their list plus a few special selections on a retail basis)

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Last Minute, Late Summer Specials in Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

2011-08-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

It’s Not Too Late to Save on Summer Travel by Reserving a Mt Hood Vacation Rental: Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Offers a Varied Selection of Last-Minute Accommodations for Less

Welches, Oregon (August 1, 2011) – For trips planned during the late summer months, savvy travelers are looking at every way they can stretch the family budget to maximize enjoyment without sacrificing comfort while building life-long memories.

The Villages of Mt Hood (Brightwood, Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron and Government Camp) are within a 1-2 hour drive from the Portland metro area and just 4 hours from the Seattle area. Guests traveling from the California Bay Area can drive to Mt Hood in one day. Many area visitors are saving on the rising costs of airfare by hitting the road. Lodging is the largest vacation expenditure, and one way traveling families can save without cramping style before summer’s end is by staying in a multi-bedroom vacation rental home.

Professionally managed vacation cabins, cottages, chalets and lodges are fully equipped, and provide travelers more space, amenities, special guest services and privacy. Also the option to dine-in saves on the second largest vacation expense, meals, and guests who drive can save even more by loading up a care package with food and beverage items enjoyed at home – things like their favorite snacks, cereal, spices, coffee and libations. Vacation rental guests enjoy preparing large family-style meals in well-appointed kitchens. Many homes offer riverside alfresco dining on the back deck.

For last-minute trips to Mt Hood, Oregon this summer, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offers a wide range of vacation homes to suit every budget and vacation desire including cozy cabins, romantic cottages, spacious lodges and beautiful chalets in a variety of settings with riverfront, secluded and golf course views providing the perfect lodging choice for Mt Hood, Oregon. Each private home has its own personality and charm and is close to Mt Hood recreational activities; guests enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding and mountain and rock climbing just minutes from their Mt Hood Vacation Rental throughout the Villages of Government Camp, Rhododendron, Zigzag, Welches and Brightwood.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are the ideal base camp for families, friends and couples celebrating family reunions and weddings, on a romantic getaway such as a proposal, honeymoon or anniversary, participating in golf tournaments, bike races and summer ski & snowboard camps or just looking for a quiet relaxing vacation away from the city.

End of Summer Specials:

LATE SUMMER LAST MINUTE RESERVATION SPECIALS
• Stay 4 Nights & the 5th Night is Free!
• Valid on new reservations in a Featured Vacation Rental booked August 1- 14, 2011
• Arrival and Departure Dates must be August 15-31, 2011

PREFERRED CUSTOMER DISCOUNTS AT THE RESORT AT THE MOUNTAIN
• 20% off daily greens fees, Sunday through Friday after 1 PM
• $25 greens fees on Wednesdays
• 10% off at the Altitude and mallards restaurants
• 20% off massages, facials and nail treatments Sunday through Friday
• 15% off purchases in the Golf shop and Riverstone Gift Gallery

RESERVE 7 NIGHTS & THE 7th NIGHT IS FREE

AAA, AARP or MILITARY - Take 5% off the Regular Rate

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is recommended to travelers by Discover Vacation Homes, the official public resource on vacation rental travel, operated by the long-standing Vacation Rental Managers Association. All of the organization’s member companies, including Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Practices to ensure guests are provided a quality lodging experience.

ABOUT MT HOOD VACATION RENTALS
Mt Hood Vacation Rentals has been the premiere professional vacation rental management company on the south side of Mt Hood since 1991. Homes managed by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals have a reputation for their cleanliness, comfort, quality and amenities. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is proud of their reputation for excellence, which is testimony to their commitment of providing the most professional and friendly customer service in the area. Guests return to Mt Hood Vacation Rentals year after year with confidence, knowing that the accommodations and the service they receive is top notch and will make their vacation memorable.

ABOUT DISCOVER VACATION HOMES
Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice on vacation rentals, providing an official resource for vacation rental travel information. As the awareness initiative of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, it represents tens of thousands of professionally managed rental homes, condos and villas from hundreds of the most well established vacation rental companies in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Reservations & Information:
866-761-8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

Off to Mt. Hood: An Autobiography of the Old Road

2011-07-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

"It took us an hour and a half in those days to drive just from Rhododendron to Government Camp"

"How's the road?" That was the question that was most frequently asked of us who drove the motor stages over the old road to Mount Hood. It was a question that had to be answered differently to different people. If it were asked by an "oldtimer" who knew the road well, the answer was a simple "good" or "bad." If the questioner was a stranger, one had to find out what he considered a "bad" road to be. If he were a person used to mud and dust, corduroy and plank, bumps, sand and rocks, with trees here and there that nudged in close to the ruts, it was easy to give him an idea of the conditions that prevailed for the particular day. If he were not used to such things, it was far wiser to change the subject, else you might lose a passenger before ever getting started."

This is how Ivan M. Woolley describes driving to Mount Hood from Portland. His first road trip from Portland to Mount Hood was with Bert Higley in his 1909 Peerless. The followin year, during summer breaks from college, Mr. Woolley's acquired a job as a driver for a commercial car service. In those days, most visitors would not drive their own vehicle on this somewhat sketchy road; they hired a driver. And only the adventurous even made their way to the mountain. It could be a multi-day trip, with the first day's drive from Portland to Sandy and the 2nd day's drive ending in Welches. The most difficult part of the drive was to Government Camp where the road ended.

"Horseless Carriages" such as those seen in this August 1915 photograph will return to Government Camp on July 28, 2011 when the Horseless Carriage Club of America tours
Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge. Over 100 pre-1915 Horseless Carriages will travel a
portion of the Loop Highway proposed in 1915 and constructed in 1922. The drivers in
this photograph were promoting construction of the Mount Hood Loop Highway.

To learn more of the history of the history of driving to Mount Hood, you can read Ivan M. Woolley's book, Off to Mt. Hood, written in 1959, in full online. The online version is scanned from the original book including several photos of early "horseless carriages" making their way along the Mt. Hood Highway during the early 20th century.

For more information about the history of Mount Hood, you can also visit: mounthoodhistory.com online or tour The Mt Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government Camp, Oregon.

Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory to host Episode for New TV Series Getting Away Together

2011-07-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

New series showcases the ‘togethering’ trend of sharing vacation rentals with friends and family.

Getting Away Together, a new TV series airing on PBS member stations, is featuring Mt Hood, Oregon in an episode of the show’s premier season. Unlike other travel shows, Getting Away Together brings the concept of “togethering” to television. Getting Away Together will feature the benefits of staying in a professionally managed vacation home as well as travel tips for patrons visiting The Villages of Mt Hood. The show will be filmed at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental in Zigzag, Oregon as well as several locations throughout Clackamas County this month.

Slated to air in October 2011, the Getting Away Together series features a new group of travelers each episode as they unwind with meaningful travel experiences in fun locales, with vacation rentals as their home base. As this “togethering” trend continues, people are selecting vacation rentals for multi-bedroom accommodations and a sense of comfort under one roof.

The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) is introducing the show as part of its Discover Vacation Homes awareness initiative, together with series sponsors TripAdvisor®, CSA Travel Protection and 13 dynamic travel destinations.

“Getting Away Together is a unique opportunity to showcase the benefits of staying in a professionally managed vacation rental home and the remarkable attractions Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory features,” said Alex Risser, president of VRMA. “Staying in a professionally managed vacation rental home is a unique lodging option which allows families and friends to stay together, under one roof, in a fully furnished home. Patrons are able to have a comfortable, relaxed vacation while experiencing all facets the location offers,” said Risser.

Vacation rentals are one of the fastest-growing hospitality categories in North America, with groups of friends and families discovering them now more than ever. There are millions of vacation rental choices across North America, from individual owners to professional companies who maintain and service vacation rental properties and their guests each day which includes all of the proper inspections, secure reservation services, housekeeping, landscaping, laundry, etc. Professional vacation rental companies provide all the benefits of other lodging options with additional amenities and value, including extra values or coupons for local activities, shopping and dining, as well as free rental cars, gift cards, home features and more.

“One of the core issues facing the vacation rental industry remains the lack of awareness surrounding the lodging option,” Risser said. “Getting Away Together is an ideal outlet for increasing awareness and serves as an educational tool for traveling patrons, which in turn, increases tourism revenue dollars for each destination the series features.”

The series is being produced by the Emmy Award-winning PineRidge Film & Television Company, who has proven travel series success with Great Hotels, Great Vacation Homes, Passport to Europe and more. Getting Away Together portrays the professionally managed vacation rental experience in an authentic and informative manner.

Visit http://www.gettingawaytogether.com/ for more information about episodes, best-kept trip secrets, expert takeaway tips and other links and resources to help you make travel decisions along the way. “Like” the TV series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GettingAwayTogether and follow the show on Twitter @GetAwayTogether.

About the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
VRMA is the professional trade association of the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Founded in 1985, VRMA has more than 600 property management and associate members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean representing approximately 150,000 vacation rentals, condos and villas.

About VRMA’s Discover Vacation Homes Initiative
Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice on vacation rentals, providing an official resource for vacation rental travel information. As the awareness initiative of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, it represents approximately 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the most well established vacation rental management companies in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

About PineRidge Productions
As a division of Jerry Smith Film & Television, PineRidge Film & Television Company develops, produces and delivers quality television programs, utilizing an Emmy Award-winning production team. Since 1985, PineRidge has commissioned more than a thousand half-hour shows and 34 hour-long Prime Time specials. Perhaps best known for their series on Discovery Travel Channel including Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America and Samantha Brown's Weekends, PineRidge also produces for HGTV, Fine Living Network, Food Network and PBS stations nationwide.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, Vacation Rentals, TripAdvisor Mobile and TripAdvisor Trip Friends) with seamless links to booking tools.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection, a Europ Assistance company, is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers’ valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

For More Information:

Amanda Drake
727.420.8395
Amanda.drake@ypartnership.com

Betsy LaBarge
866.794.6813
betsy@mthoodrentals.com

Sandy Mountain Festival

2011-07-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

“Sandy Celebrates 100 Years of Pioneer Spirit!”

The 39th annual Sandy Mountain Festival in Sandy, Oregon celebrates the city’s 100th birthday this year. The nearly week-long party kicks off with the parade down Proctor Ave on Thursday, July 7 and continues through the weekend with live entertainment, over 150 artists and 20 food booths on display in Meinig Park, a carnival and events for kids.

The best way to make sure you don’t miss any of the festivities is to stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for the long weekend. Reserve one of our Featured Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, July 4-8 and receive an automatic 10% discount.

Kids' Pet Show on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:30 am behind the Sandy Aquatic Center. Bring your pet and show off some tricks.

Kids' Bike Derby on Thursday, July 7 at 10:30 am at the Cedar Ridge Middle School track. Categories for kids ages 3 and up.

Sandy Mountain Festival Parade, Thursday, July 7 at 7:00 pm. Enjoy a true home town parade that features horses, antique cars, floats, marching groups and Sandy's five-generation court.

Sandy Music, Fair and Feast in Sandy's Centennial Plaza. Thursday Night is Family Night, 6:00 -11:00 pm featuring Anything Goes Band (the band will not play during the parade). Free to attend.

The Junior Talent Show is on Friday, July 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm (with cake and ice cream!). 6:00 pm to 12:30 am is entertainment for people 21 and over. Enjoy the beer and wine garden, margarita booth, concessions and main stage entertainment with live music from Dirt Farm Cowboys and Crush.

Open Microphone Session is on Saturday, July 9 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Those 21 and over will enjoy live music featuring Lock, Stock & Barrel and Crush from 6:00 pm to 12:30 am in the beer garden with beer, wine and margaritas. Get your $2 off admission coupons from Sandy Les Schwab!

Kids' Carnival and Events will open after the Parade on Thursday and continue through Sunday, July 7 - 10. Other kids’ events include a pet show, bike derby, puppet shows and a kids’ parade.

Birdcage Theater Performances throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, July 9 - 10. Enjoy Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, Penny’s Puppets, the Sandy High Jazz Quartet and more!

Dale Nicholls Front Stage features live performances of music throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, July 9 - 10.

Reservations & Information:
866-761-8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

Spend July 4th Weekend in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental and Enjoy these Fun Events

2011-06-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

We’re experiencing perfect weather (sunny and in the 70’s) here on the mountain now that summer has started, and we’re gearing up for a fun 4th of July weekend! Have you made your holiday plans yet? It’s not too late to reserve a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for the upcoming 4-day weekend! Below is a list of events taking place in the Mt Hood area throughout the holiday weekend.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals has a few vacation homes still available, but we’re filling up quickly, so call us today! Head up to the mountain for the best summer skiing and riding we have seen in years. Then stay at the Edelweiss Condo in the heart of Government Camp, where you can walk everywhere. Bring a good book and your favorite BBQ recipes and just kick back and relax at the Salmonberry Retreat. Or, get your friends together and forage for the last of the mountain morels, come back and include them in a feast in the beautiful kitchen of Rapid River Retreat. If you have a large group of friends who want to get away to the mountain for the 4th, you will love the space at the Huckleberry Wilderness Lodge. We make it easy to get in a golf vacation at the Whispering Woods condo which includes 10-20% discounts at the Resort's golf course and facilities. What do these three homes have in common?

Call in with your answer and we’ll give you 5% off your 4th of July Weekend reservation!

• JULY 1, 5:30 PM: What else pairs well with wine? Golf, of course. The Resort at the Mountain in Welches hosts “Nine and Wine” $49 per player fee includes greens fee, cart rental, three appetizer and wine stations on the course, prizes and awards at mallards cafe & pub.

• JULY 1, 10:00 AM: Due to late spring snow (good for skiers and riders!), the Adventure Park at Mt Hood SkiBowl got off to a late start this year. The Alpine Slides and Mountain Bike Park at Mt Hood SkiBowl West finally opened on June 24. Check out the video of the downhill mountain bike course from a couple of days ago. The rest of the Adventure Park with over 20 attractions (bungee tower, horseback & pony rides, Indy karts, mini golf, kiddy canoe and more!) opens on July 1.

• JULY 2, DUSK: Round up the family and head to The Resort at the Mountain for some night-time mini golf. $25 per person covers your greens fee and glow-in-the-dark golf ball. Call (503) 622-2216 to make your reservations!

• JULY 3, 10:00 AM: Calling all mountain bikers! Head up to SkiBowl for “6 Hours of SkiBowl” and ride multiple 40' to 50' laps on an up-and-down loop around Mt Hood SkiBowl East. Each lap offers great views, fully-stocked aid station, DJ music and more. 2-person, multi-person (3 to 6) or solo. Start 10 AM. All ages & abilities.

• JULY 3, 6:00 PM: The Sandy Summer Sounds and Starlight Cinema season kicks off with “Shakespeare in the Park” presented at the Amphitheater Stage at Meinig Park in Sandy. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy the free showing of the “The Tempest,” featuring the Portland Actors Ensemble.

Reservations & Information:

866-761-8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

MT HOOD INC. What’s the Mountain Worth to You?

2011-06-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Mt Hood is one of Oregon’s most prominent icons. It’s the picturesque image you see beyond the skyline of Portland. It’s what you think of when planning winter or summer vacations, whether you ski, snowboard, mountain bike or fish. You know you’ve reached Oregon when you fly over it before landing at PDX. This is what Mt Hood might mean to visitors or other Oregonians. To us, it is so much more. It is our very livelihood.

Last week, OPB launched a week-long series (June 10-17) that delves into the economy of Mt Hood and its many contributions to the state as a whole. Kicked off with a live broadcast of Think Out Loud from Timberline Lodge, the series takes an intriguing look at the value of Mt Hood in terms of jobs (a whopping 5300 which includes all forest, tourism, agriculture and timber jobs) products (besides wood and water, carbon!), costs (to be reported on June 16) and as a brand (to be reported on June 17). Although looking at the mountain from a financial and economic standpoint is certainly relevant, what kind of impact does Mt Hood have on the people who live or visit here? We enjoyed reading the personal stories and comments after the Think Out Loud commentary, as well as the photo gallery and videos of people relating “What Mt Hood Means to Me”.

What about you? Please share with us your insight, experience or history with majestic Mt Hood. What’s the mountain worth to you?

Reservations & Information:

866-761-8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

I’ve Reserved My Vacation Rental, What Do I Need to Bring???

2011-06-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

One of the great advantages of renting a vacation home is that it’s a HOME. Sit back and think of all the images that word invokes: Cookies baking in the oven; Freshly laundered linens; A comfy place to unwind after a tiring day; Steaks on the grill; Family game night; Knitting by the fire; Your morning cup of coffee. Better yet, your evening glass of wine!

Renting a vacation home instead of a hotel room or roughing it in a tent offers all the creature comforts of your own home but in the beautiful setting of your vacation. Now, think of all the images THAT word invokes: vacation. You’re on your own schedule: Spending the day hiking to a waterfall; Mountain biking through the pristine forest; Skiing or snowboarding; Doing absolutely nothing; Relaxing in a hot tub to the lulling sounds of the river rushing by.

We want your vacation to be seamless and relaxing, so we’ve equipped Mt Hood Vacation Rentals with everything you need. Which begs the question…what do you need to bring???

• FOOD & DRINK All of the kitchens in our vacation homes are fully equipped with the pots and pans, utensils, appliances, serve ware…everything you need to prepare the most basic breakfast and up to an elaborate multi-course dinner. Want to bake cookies? Your vacation home not only has cookie sheets, but a blender, spatulas, measuring cups and spoons, hot pads, some even have cookie jars. Want to grill some steaks? There’s a gas BBQ on the back deck and BBQ tools in the drawer. Want a glass of wine? There’s a corkscrew in the drawer and wine glasses in the cupboard! And don’t worry, if you forgot something you’re sure to find it at the Welches Thriftway, Welches Liquor Store, Rhododendron Food and General, Govy General, Hoodland Fruit Stand or several local coffee shops!

Dining Table & Kitchen at Rapid River Retreat

• SWIMSUIT There are towels in the basket by the door and plastic cups in the kitchen for your adult beverage at all of our homes with hot tubs. The hot tub is the perfect temperature and the jets feel oh so good after a long day of hiking, biking, skiing or snowboarding.

Private River-viewing Hot Tub at River View Cabin

• YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE Instead of turning on the TV, why not start a rousing game of Monopoly? Or, test your family’s brain power with Trivial Pursuit? Not feeling so competitive but want to bond with the family? Complete a jigsaw puzzle before the end of your vacation. All of our vacation homes provide a variety of games to keep your entire family entertained. Winner gets bragging rights! For outdoor fun, some of our homes even have horse shoe pits!

Kids Playing a Board Game at River Rock Lodge

• YOUR BEST FRIEND Dogs need vacations too! Most of our vacation homes are pet friendly, and as dog owners ourselves, we strongly encourage you to bring your furry friend along on your vacation! Fido will enjoy frolicking in the river, leading you on your hike through the woods and curling up in front of the fire at the end of the eventful day.

Man & Friend Choosing a Hiking Trail for the Day

• HIKING BOOTS & A BIKE If it is easier, you could rent a bike when you get here too! Whether hiking or biking, you’ll find access to countless miles of trails right out the front door of your vacation home. Stay at River Rock Lodge and pedal out your front door right to the Pioneer Bridle Trail. Stay at Moondance Cabin, just a couple miles down Lolo Pass Rd from the splendors of the hike to Ramona Falls. Stay at Cedarwood Lodge in Government Camp and be at the epicenter of mountain and lake trails galore!

Cedarwood Lodge in Government Camp, Oregon

Are you ready to reserve a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for your summer vacation? We are available to serve you 24/7/365:

866-761-8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

School’s almost out! Have you planned your summer vacation yet?

2011-05-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Mt Hood Vacation Ideas

Although it seems like spring has barely started, summer is nearly upon us! Before you know it, school will be out and your kids will be BEGGING for you to keep them entertained. Or, perhaps you just need an escape from pressures (and heat) of the city and want to take advantage of the long sunny days of summer at Mt Hood. Whatever your objectives or needs, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals has countless suggestions for how you can make the most of your summer vacation. Here are 5 Mt Hood vacation activities that are sure to keep the whole family entertained:

1. Did you know that Timberline Ski Area is the only mountain resort in the US that offers skiing and/or snowboarding year round? Enroll your kids in one of many ski or snowboarding camps. Enjoy your own adult vacation while they’re off fulfilling their dreams of becoming the next Shawn White. http://www.skinet.com/skiing/photo-gallery/mt-hood-summer-ski-camps

2. A hike a day keeps the doctor away. Not only is hiking a great way to see the amazing wildlife and lush landscapes Mt Hood has to offer, but the advantages of the clean, fresh air will work wonders for your heart, mind and soul. After a rewarding day of wandering through the forest, spend the evening relaxing in a hot tub with a river view and barbecuing on the back deck of your vacation home. For 3 beautiful and amazing hikes, visit: http://www.oregonlakesandrivers.com/content/base-camp-mt-hood

3. Tired of being stuck in traffic? Frustrated with waiting in line for your first cup of coffee? Fed up with the noise and crowds of the city? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you need a “relaxation-cation”. Whether you’re napping on the deck to the lulling sounds of the river, spending an afternoon at the luxurious spa at The Resort at the Mountain, or curled up with a good book by the fireplace, you’ll return to your everyday life revived and refreshed. http://www.theresort.com/spa.php

4. Sure, the kids are out of school, but why not continue their education by visiting the many historical sites located around the Mt Hood area? Step back in time at the Philip Foster Farm National Historic Site, the “last leg” of the Oregon Trail. Explore the architectural wonders of Timberline Lodge with a US Forest Service Ranger, and meet Heidi, the resident St Bernard, along the way. Discover other wonders of the mountain at the Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum: http://www.mthoodmuseum.org/

5. Calling all foodies! Forage for your dinner in the abundant Mt Hood National Forest, where depending on the season you’ll find chanterelle or morel mushrooms, wood sorel, fiddlehead ferns, and huckleberries. Another day, take a leisurely drive around the Sandy Area Farm Loop for your berries, heirloom vegetables and more. Whatever you bring home to put on the plate, you’ll enjoy cooking it in a fully equipped vacation home kitchen. http://www.mthoodterritory.com/countrypleasures.jsp

Location, Location, Location!

2011-05-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals' New Office at 67898 E Highway 26, Welches, Oregon

After spending a successful 18+ years in the office on Welches Road (over 20 years in business!), Betsy LaBarge, owner of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, found a spacious and charming building on Highway 26 to be the new home for Mt Hood Vacation Rentals. With pride of ownership comes an open and welcome front office, a landscaped yard, incredible visibility from the highway, room to grow (read: increase our inventory of vacation homes) and a warm and private office space for Betsy (seriously, there’s a fireplace in there!).

Cari and Emily S. in the front office look forward to greeting guests into the bright and inviting space, which features a comfy seating area flanked by well-loved plants. Housekeepers Dani and Emily R. have easier access to their own area, with double doors and more room for linens and supplies, a utility sink, and a prep table. Coby, our maintenance technician, appreciates having his own loading zone and storing all of his supplies in one accessible and well-organized area. Paul is eager to do some landscaping once summer hits.

Thanks to Cari for organizing the big move, and thanks to the rest of the crew for all your heavy lifting, sorting, packing and unpacking. Not only are we moved, we are spring-cleaned and de-cluttered! Just in time for the busy season of summer to start. Bring it on.

You can’t miss us! The NEW Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is located at 67898 E Highway 26 in Welches, Oregon, just west of the stop light at Welches Road. Stop in, say hi and see our new digs.

Guest Entrance to the Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Office

For Reservations and Information:

Email Book Online 866.761.8029

Clackamas County Officials to Speak about Recent Flood Events at Mt Hood Chamber Meeting

2011-01-31T13:59:00.000-08:00

County Officials will be available at the February 1, 2011 Mt Hood Area Chamber of Commerce meeting to provide updates and answer questions regarding the Lolo Pass Rd flood and road rebuild and the Zigzag River Bridge repairs. The meeting will be held at 8 AM at Mt Hood Village RV Resort.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Guest Survey - Fall 2010

2010-10-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to our past guests who completed this fall's Guest Survey. Your answers help us to know what you are looking for when you stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental and to serve you even better, the next time you visit.

There was a good cross-section of guests who completed the survey. The vacation rentals you stayed in were spread evenly across our inventory of homes. You visit Mt Hood throughout all of the seasons of the year. And you all agreed (65% - 88% of you) that the most important factors in making the final decision of which home to stay in were:

The home had the amenities you wanted
The home was in the location you wanted
The home had enough bedrooms and bathrooms
The home was available for your desired dates
The rental rate of the home was a good value

However, surprising to us is that for about half of you, the decor and style of the home was only a consideration; for the other half of you it was very important.

When asked to rate amenities on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being very important, you all mostly agreed here, too.

73% rated riverfront or creekfront as a 4 or 5
72% rated secluded settings as a 4 or 5
66% rated fireplace or woodstove as a 4 or 5
62% rated a hot tub as 4 or 5
60% rated decor & style as a 4 or 5

Even though 26% of you told us you visit for skiing, snowboarding and snowplay, 44% gave the importance of staying in a home at the snowline a 1; 26% of you rated the snowline location as a 3.

A pet-friendly home was rated as a 5 for 34% of you. And 43% said it was not important.

Your reasons to visit are varied. However, a whopping 72% told us that you come to relax. The top reasons to visit are:

36% visit for a Friends' Gathering
26% visit to Ski/Snowboard/Snowshoe/Snowplay
26% visit to Hike
25% visit for a Romantic Getaway/Anniversary, Honeymoon, Proposal
25% visit while on an Oregon Vacation
12% visit for a Family Reunion
12% visit for a Birthday Celebration

And it turns out that of our guests who answered this survey, you tend to be in the 30-59 age group and traveling without kids.

54% visited without anyone under the age of 18. Of those who did travel with kids, 38% brought 1-3 children with them.
52% had 1 or 2 in the group aged 19-30
66% had 1 or 2 in the group aged 31-45
61% had 1 or 2 in the group aged 46-59
44% had 1 or 2 in the group aged over 60; equally 44% had no-one in the age group

Over 60% rated our website, mthoodrentals.com with a 5.

64.5% gave top ratings to Gathering information about the homes
63.5% gave top ratings to Overall navigation of website
61.9% gave top ratings to Ease of online booking
61.3% gave top ratings to Searching for homes

A few of you mentioned that you would like to see the address to the home on the website. We do not give out addresses to homes until check-ins to protect the privacy and honor the security of other guests and to protect the overall security of the home. As noted above, 72% of you told us that a secluded location is important to you. And 40-60% of our guests live within a 2-hour drive which makes it easy to drive up to the mountain in advance of their visit to check out the home. When you are visiting, we do not want you to be disturbed by a future guest who is just looking around. This policy ensures that everyone will enjoy their private and secluded vacation.

We do try to post as many photos of the surrounding area as possible, so you can get an idea of the type of neighborhood and the proximity of other homes. We also have 360 virtual tours for each home posted on the website. You can find the virtual tour by clicking on the Overview page of each home, then scrolling down to the end of the text and clicking on "Take the Tour".

How do you prefer to make your reservation?

64% said you prefer to book online
62% said they would prefer to email us
38% said your least preferred method of contact is by phone, while 38% said your most preferred method of contact is by phone

38% of you have a smart phone and 91% of you use it to view emails. The next most popular use at 57% is for using the GPS to find our office and your rental home. We want to warn you that GPS systems are often inaccurate in the Mt Hood area. The tall trees and mountains sometimes get in the way of the satellites; it is not uncommon for our guests who use GPS's without referring to the maps and directions we give you to get lost.

How can we do better?

Besides asking for addresses for homes, the most common requests are to provide more detailed descriptions and photos of the homes and surrounding landscape on our website. We will work on that during the next 6 months. You also made miscellaneous comments regarding maintenance and housekeeping. We strive to keep our homes beautifully maintained and cleaned; during October and November, we are doing a thorough deep clean of all of our vacation homes. We are also servicing furnaces, woodstoves and fireplaces, septic systems, cleaning all gutters and windows and having our carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned.

You had lots of great compliments, too. Most of the compliments were also regarding the maintenance and housekeeping. We heard several comments like the one below:

"It was beautiful, relaxing, the house was perfect for our vacation, quiet, peaceful, and the hot tub was great! We had a WONDERFUL time and will definately be back!"
"Location & pet friendly-ness. I love that we can stay in an exceptionally beautiful and clean home with our pets."
"The whole rental was amazing. The location, how secluded it was, that INCREDIBLE kitchen, the amenities (seriously, how soft those sheets were!). I have traveled extensively and this ranks in the top two trips. Thanks!"
"Everything about the home was exactly how it was described and explained both on the website and by your wonderful and very helpful office staff. They were very responsive and friendly. The home was clean and amenities were great"
"We loved that the kitchen was well stocked for cooking. The home was cozy and felt clean, not like a "revolving door "rental."

A very common sentiment is "It was very secluded, yet near to everything. We absolutely adored the privacy of the personal hot tub overlooking the river."

Congratulations to Karen S. of Washington. She won our random drawing of all survey takers. She will receive an adult lift ticket and an annual Sno-park permit when she stays in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental this winter season.

If you would like to make a reservation at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, please contact us:

866-761-8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals will have a New Home Soon

2010-10-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

Very exciting news for us. Paul and Betsy just closed on the purchase of the Heart of the Mountain Building at 67898 Hwy 26 in Welches. We have wanted to own a building to house Mt Hood Vacation Rentals for some time, so when this property came onto the market last May, we decided to take a closer look.

Because the property was involved in a foreclosure and bankruptcy proceeding, this was not your usual real estate deal. It took us 5 months to get here.

Now we have some county permitting hurdles to get over which will get us into the renovations right about the time La Nina's promised snow arrives to the mountain. Thankfully most of the work is on the interior. We will work on cleaning up the yard in the next few weeks.

This is the view of the building from Highway 26. We won't be painting soon, but eventually hope to update the color to something a bit more subtle, like Betsy's favorite sage green.

This will be our new front office. This was the dining room for the Backyard Bistro Restaurant.

We will need to take out a couple of walls, but this will become our linen room. It even has double 6-foot doors to the outside for laundry delivery. Mt Hood Cleaners is going to like that.

This will be our conference room/lunch room. Note there is a fireplace in the corner.

This space will be divided into 2 offices, one for Betsy and one for the bookkeeper.

We will keep you updated on the progress and let you know when we get closer to our move-in date.

Foodies: Head up to Mt Hood this Fall for Great Food, Wine, Beer & Coffee

2010-09-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Oregon's Bounty offers a variety of culinary delights for food and drink lovers everywhere. Oregon is well known for its fresh fruits, vegies, seafood and home-grown meats as well as wine, craft beers and fresh roasted coffees. During the next few months, the delicious food and beverages and the incredible ways they are prepared by Oregon's chefs, brewers, winemakers and roasters will be showcased at a number of events in the Mt Hood area.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Wine Tasting with Andrea at the Rendezvous Grill and Tap Room. A fun and informative event is a great way to start the weekend. Explore the wines of Washington's Wahluke Slope paired with appetizers in the Tap Room. 5-7 PM.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
First Annual Mt Hood Blues and Brews at The Resort at the Mountain. From Noon - 8 PM, join us on the 19th Green in front of mallards cafe & pub for this fun event. Admission is free. And food and beverage vendor pricing ranges from $1 - 5. Entertainment by local artists starts at Noon. Participating area restaurants (besides Altitude and mallards, of course!) are El Burro Loco, Rendezvous Grill and Tap Room, Wraptitude and Sandy Brew Pub while participating distributors and brewers are Fearless Brewing Co, Point Blank Distributing, Mt. Hood Brewery, Portland Brewing, Pyramid Brewing and Hood River Distillers.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Blackberry Jam and Dutch Oven Cook-off at Philip Foster Farm. Acoustic music festival with Oregon's folk musicians and Dutch Oven Cook-off.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 & FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Nine and Wine Golf Event at The Resort at the Mountain. 9 golf holes with wine and appetizer pairings at three stations on The Courses. Contests, too! During dinner following play, prizes will be awarded. A chef's 'special' will be paired with a selected wine from the tastings. Wines will be available by the glass and bottle. Each event specializes in one type of wine allowing participants to experience differences within the category. Tee times from 3 – 6 PM. Cost is $100 per couple. Contact The Courses Golf Shop for further details and to sign up at 503-622-3151.

FRIDAY - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10-12
Sandy Oktoberfest at St. Michael's Church. Autumn festival with Biergarten featuring German and popular music all night, Weingarten, Microgarten, Kindergarten, Cruisin' Car Show, Craft Vendors, Food Vendors. Friday: 5 - 10:30 PM, Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM; Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Winemaker's Dinner at Silcox Hut at Timberline Ski Area. Located high above Timberline Lodge near the Palmer Snowfield, Silcox Hut is a must-see unique location for this special evening. A 6-course dinner will be prepared by Executive Chef Jason Stoller Smith; each course expertly paired with wine from Cristom Vineyards' winemaker, Steve Doerner.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Wild about Game at The Resort at the Mountain. This annual one-day event pairs some of the Pacific Northwest's best game chefs with game birds and meats. The Wild Game Cook-off and cooking demonstrations complement the culinary marketplace featuring ample food and wine tastings and cookbook signings by Bruce Aidells, Nancy Oakes, Vitaly Paley, Liz Crain and Cole Danehower. 11 AM - 4 PM. Paul Bosch, The Resort's executive chef, will prepare a game dinner buffet starting at 6 PM. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Cider Squeeze at Philip Foster Farm. Press your own cider or buy fresh-pressed cider. Crafters, vendors, living history exhibits, food and live music.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Winemaker's Dinner at Silcox Hut at Timberline Ski Area. Located high above Timberline Lodge near the Palmer Snowfield, Silcox Hut is a must-see unique location for this special evening. A 6-course dinner will be prepared by Executive Chef Jason Stoller Smith; each course expertly paired with wine from Ponzi Vineyards' winemaker, Luisa Ponzi.

If you would like to stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental while enjoying one of these great culinary events, call us at 866.761.8029 or Book Online.

Five Most Important Tips When Reserving a Vacation Rental

2010-08-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Staying in a vacation rental home is becoming increasingly popular for families taking a vacation, couples on a romantic rendezvous, sports enthusiasts coming together for an event, family reunions and just about anything else you can think of that you do when you go on vacation.

Some of the benefits of staying in a vacation rental include having a lot more space for your family and friends, the use of a complete kitchen for preparing meals, enjoying all the modern amenities of home like flat screen TV’s with cable, high-speed Internet, phones and sometimes luxuries that you don’t have at home like a pool table, theatre room, outdoor swimming pool and private hot tub all in awesome locations with ocean, mountain, river, desert and lake views.

With the growth of the popularity and availability of vacation rentals, there are some important things you can do to insure your visit will be everything you hoped for and more.

1. Decide what is important to you in your vacation home accommodation. Remember the more items you “need”, the higher the cost of your vacation. So if you are on a budget, pare down the list.

Location
Is oceanfront a necessity or are you ok with being a few blocks from the beach? Also, check out the community you will be staying in. Do you like places with lots of night life and activity or do you prefer a quiet, sleepy little town?

Size of Home

How much square footage do you need? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need to be comfortable? Do you want separate living spaces for the kids and the adults? Most vacation homes have occupancy limits for safety reasons, so don’t try to cram too many people into a home. With a vacation rental you can afford to spread out as the cost is typically much less per person than renting several hotel rooms would be.

Amenities
Which amenities are necessary and which would be nice? Many vacation homes come equipped with multiple TV’s and entertainment centers, game rooms, 2 kitchens, high-speed Internet, private swimming pools and hot tubs, access to recreation centers and more.

Pet-friendly
Do you want to bring along your family pet? Many vacation rentals are pet-friendly. Just make sure pets are allowed at the home you will be staying in and that you inform the vacation rental manager that Fido will be joining you. And of importance to your pet, be sure this is a vacation that you will be spending with your pet. If your pet is left alone in a strange home, he may cause damage and it really isn’t very fun for him either.

2. Check the website listing of the vacation rentals you are interested in for guest reviews and testimonials. This is a great way to find out if other people who have stayed in the vacation rental had a good time and if they would rent it again. If the reviewers enjoyed some of the same activities you are planning on doing, it will help you to determine that this home will be a good fit for your vacation. And be wary of reviews that are over-glowing with positive remarks; if there are a couple of minor concerns with a home, then you know the reviews are honest.

3. Look for lots of good photos, virtual tours and videos. These all give you a better sense of the feeling of the home and the surrounding area. The interior photos and tours will help you see how the floor plan flows and if the home has the style and space that you need. The exterior photos and tours will assure you that the home is really situated in the setting that you are looking for. Take the Tour.

4. Connect with a real person via a phone call or email. Ask important questions about the home and the rental process. Make sure the home has the amenities and characteristics that are listed on the website. Ask about the proximity to recreation and activities that you will be enjoying while on vacation. Your inquiries should be responded to in less than 24 hours and they should be thorough, professional and friendly.

5. Only do business with someone who treats the transaction professionally.

Internet Listing
First look for an Internet listing that has good descriptions and photos of the vacation rentals.

Valid & Reliable Company
There should be clear and specific contact information for the company you will be making your reservation with.

Rates & Policies
The rates, payment policies and rental policies should be posted online; they should also be in a written rental agreement that outlines your arrival and departure dates, the name of the home you have rented, the rent, taxes and other charges with a grand total as well as any other important information regarding the rental of the vacation home.

Professional Vacation Rental Manager
The best way to find a professional vacation rental manager is to make sure the organization you are working with is a member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, http://www.vrma.com/, as well as other professional organizations such as local Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, the Better Business Bureau and others.

For more information and useful tips to assist you in making the best choice when reserving a vacation rental this summer, visit www.discovervacationhomes.com/travelers.asp. This webpage includes:

• Vacation Rental Advantages over Hotels
• Travelers’ Testimonials
• Why a Vacation Home
• Vacation Rental Specials
• 10 Secrets to Saving on Travel with Vacation Rentals
• Top 8 Vacation Rental Myths, Debunked
• Vacation Rental FAQs
• Vacation Rental Planning Tips
• Choosing the Right Vacation Rental
• Listing of over 150,000 vacation rentals across the United States

Another great source of information is in this article by Pauline Frommer.

To reserve a Mt Hood Vacation Rental:
866.761.8029 or Fun@mthoodrentals.com or Book Online.

Welches Vacation Rentals on Special through August 11

2010-08-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is offering 3 of their most popular vacation homes on special through August 11, 2010. Make a reservation for the River Dance Retreat, the Bear Den Log Cabin or the Whispering Woods Condo now through August 11 with an arrival between now and September 5, 2010 and the rates are reduced up to 30% off the regular summer prices.

River Dance Retreat on the Sandy River

3 bedroom + loft
2 bathroom
Spacious Great Room
Large Country Kitchen
Sandy Beach and Meadow on the Sandy River
Picnic Bench and Firepit at the River's Edge
Deck & Gas BBQ
Private Outdoor Hot Tub
Dogs Welcome
Sleeps 10
Starts at $199/night

Bear Den Log Cabin on Billy Creek

2 bedroom + loft
2 bathroom
Open Great Room
River Rock Fireplace
Trails to the Salmon River
Deck & Gas BBQ
Dogs Welcome
Sleeps 6
Starts at $129/night

Whispering Woods Condo on the Golf Course

2 bedroom + loft
2 bathroom
Golf Course Frontage
Open Great Room
Heated Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub
Deck & Gas BBQ
Dogs Welcome
Sleeps 8
Starts at $109/night

And all of these homes feature cable TV, free high speed Internet and unlimited long distance.

Make a reservation today, get in a last minute summer vacation and get a fantastic value.

Reservations and Information 24/7/365

866.761.8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

Salmon River Retreat-Ideal for Cooling off on a Hot Summer Day

2010-07-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Salmon River Retreat, a 2-story ranch style cabin stretched along the banks of the Salmon River under towering cedar and fir trees in Brightwood, Oregon is a long-time favorite Mt Hood Vacation Rental for staying cool on a hot summer day. The spacious cabin offers river views from the great room, kitchen and master bedroom downstairs. The spacious deck all along the riverside of the home is just a few short steps from the river which flows slowly by during the summer months.

Even though the water is glacial melt from the top of Mt Hood, it is shallow in places here, warming it up a bit and making it a great place to cool off. The deck has plenty of room for a BBQ dinner or to just relax with a favorite beverage and a good book. The private outdoor hot tub is just around the corner with river views, too.

Mountain bikers can ride a couple of miles to the new Sandy Ridge Mountain Bike Trails off of Barlow Trail Rd and Homestead Rd (FS Rd 14) in Brightwood. After your bike ride, toodle over to Brightwood Beach for a quick dip in the Sandy River.

And for larger groups, you can also rent the Salmonberry Retreat which is just a 5-minute walk down the road.

The Salmon River Retreat is this Week's Special Mt Hood Vacation Rental. Four-night stays start at just $199/night.

For reservations: 866.761.8029 Email Book Online Live Chat Push to Talk

Why a Homeowner Should Use a Professional Vacation Rental Manager

2010-07-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

Why Use a Rental Manager?

We occasionally hear vacation rental homeowners ask about the tradeoffs between self-management and management services. Obviously managers cost money. Do managers earn it? Yes! Are they cost effective? Yes! This month, we share our answers to the question, “Why use a manager?”

RBOs Don’t Save Money; they “earn” it, doing some of American’s dirtiest work. The challenge is not just finding renters, but “fixing, cleaning, and taking care of the screaming guests:” Afterall, someone still has to do the work the professional management company is being paid to do. Typical examples:

Responding promptly to emails by impatient renters who are quick to look elsewhere. In today's marketplace, guests expect a response to their email inquiry within 30-60 minutes of sending the email. Can you do that from work or when you are at your kids' soccer games?
Answering 10 inquiries for every booking. Again do you have time to spend on the phone or on your computer responding to all of the inquiries?
Negotiating rent with bargain shopping renters. The Rent by Owner websites typically attract bargain-hunters. Renters who choose to work with a professional management company expect to pay more because they know they will get more, especially when it comes to customer service.
Responding to renters who argue that a malfunctioning hot tub justifies a full refund. Professional managers are available to ensure there are minimal problems with hot tubs and other amenities at your home. When the unexpected does occur, they are equipped to handle this type of customer without giving away the farm.
Finding a back up cleaner when the regular cleaner doesn’t show up or is sick. This also applies to finding maintenance workers, handymen and other workers in a pinch.
Dealing with lost keys at 2 in the morning. Even though it is a pain in the neck, a professional vacation rental manager will roll out of bed and get the guest back into their rental home. If you live several hours away, it is difficult to help a guest who is locked out.
Finding a vendor to remove unexpected snow that is blocking access to the home. Professional managers have built strong relationships with local vendors, so when they need snow plowed, furnaces repaired, broken water pipes fixed and so on, they usually have a number of licensed contractors they can call upon, even on Sunday afternoons.
Getting prompt response by an a/c repairman in the middle of summer or a furnace repairman in the middle of winter. Same as above.
Handling unplanned problems. Are problems rare? Work-order statistics commonly reveal as many major problems per home as rentals! Managers are experts in the problems that routinely arise in putting a non-resident renter into a home owned by a non-resident. We anticipate and avoid recurring problems through preventive maintenance. We put together networks of service vendors who respond to us faster than they would respond to an individual homeowner because we send them so much business. We can keep backup cleaners on call because we have enough homes to keep them busy. Our cleaners serve as our eyes and ears for homes in our inventory, helping us keep properties safe from unruly or unauthorized renters.
Liability. Many rent-by-owners expose their net worth by failing to inform their insurance companies that they are renting their vacation homes without using a professional manager. In many regions, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain homeowners' insurance for vacation rental homes. Many agents are more willing to work with a professional property manager because they of their business reputation.

Managers minimize homeowner’s liability by using:

Bonded & licensed workers.
Workers covered by workers’ compensation insurance
Professional laundry services (do you know how many pathogens survive a household washer)?
Taking credit cards, assuring more rentals. This is a credit card society where most renters want to either defer payments or earn miles by paying with credit cards--individuals can’t take cards and PayPal or third-party services are only partial solutions as they do not provide chargeback protections to the RBO.
Collecting and remitting local lodging taxes. No one enjoys dealing with the tax man. It is not uncommon for RBOs to not charge transient occupancy taxes. This may appeal to renters, but local tax authorities are mobilizing and starting to access homeowner’s Federal Tax returns (through PACE agreements) to identify homeowners who have reported the expenses associated with their rental homes. Managers relieve the homeowner of tax collection, tax reporting and, of course, interest, penalties and criminal penalties. In Clackamas County and the State of Oregon, all lodging taxes collected are dedicated by statute to tourism development and promotion.
Offering Travel Interruption Insurance. Professional managers also earn their keep by relieving homeowners of the infrequent but inevitable nightmares-- where heat or water systems break down and the renter cannot remain in the home or the guest experiences a personal emergency and cannot make it to the vacation rental. The Travel Insurance will cover the unexpected problems instead of the homeowner. RBO sites sell travel insurance, but usually not in a way that prevents uninsured renters from demanding a refund from the homeowner.
Multiple channels to interact with guests including phone, online bookings, email and mobile devices. RBOs can become slaves to their phone and computer. Most importantly, there is the question of bookings. RBO sites make it easier for owners to market their own properties, at least for homeowners who are willing to chain themselves to their phones and computers. Aggressive RBOs can generate as many bookings as a manager. But most RBOs lack the time or energy to respond promptly to the many non-booking inquiries. And you only need to look at the leading RBO sites to appreciate the challenge of maintaining availability calendars. Professional managers have real time integrated systems for their reservation software and online availability on their websites.
Maximizing rental revenue for a property. RBO sites attract bargain shoppers which often leads to deep discounting. We have a larger pool of renters who are more interested in getting the home they want than in getting a bargain. RBO site renters often send multiple email requests soliciting discounts. We monitor the booking pattern of a rental program to determine whether we need to give discounts. We have a good sense of when to discount and by how much. With deep discounting, after paying housekeepers, paying for your online listings, utilities, mortgage payments, property taxes and all of the other expenses associated with owning real estate, the RBO is not paying themselves for their time and trouble; they may even end up with negative cash flow.

To summarize, vacation rental management is fun, but it is not a stress-free job. Self-management can work for a homeowner who is both motivated and willing to do a lot of work. Some who self-manage know what they are getting into. Others don’t yet appreciate how much stress and work is involved. Professional vacation rental managers are equipped to do the heavy work for homeowners. We make vacation rental home ownership a more pleasant experience which is why most of our homeowners prefer to hire us; they appreciate their free time with family and friends.

This article is mostly written by George Volsky, Director of Research at Instant Software, with a few comments inserted by me, Betsy LaBarge, President and CEO of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals.

Another article on the same topic was recently published in the HomeAway Owner Newsletter; Using a Property Manager vs. Renting Your Vacation Home by Owner

Summer Vacation at Mt Hood Photo Contest opens June 21

2010-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Do you have a favorite picture you took while on vacation at Mt Hood? Enter you photo in the Summer Vacation at Mt Hood Photo Contest and you could win a 2-night stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental.

Upload your funny, cute, heart-warming, scenic and memorable photos at the Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Facebook page.

Each week fans will vote on their favorite photos and the photo with the most Likes will be that week's semi-finalist. Eleven semi-finalists will be entered into the final voting the week after Labor Day.

Each week, the contest opens at 9 AM on Monday throughout the summer and closes at 8:59 AM the following Monday.

We are looking forward to seeing all of your photos beginning on Monday, June 21.

Oregon's Mt Hood Territory and Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Showcased at RoadTripsforFamilies.com

2010-04-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Mt Hood has always been known as a great destination for family road trips and in a recent blog post, Sheri Wallace has hghlighted everything you can think of to do in Oregon's Mt Hood Territory at RoadTripsforFamilies.com. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast (white water rafting, skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and road cycling, hiking and camping or fly fishing plus much more) or a gourmand (40 different types of tamales, decadent desserts, world famous donuts, fresh roasted coffee, micro brews) or just need some time to enjoy with your family, Oregon's Mt Hood Territory has it all.

Of course, here at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, we were especially pleased to see such a nice write-up for our vacation homes, especially the Deer Island Chalet. Our vacation homes are located in the Villages of Mt Hood including Government Camp, Rhododendron, Zigzag, Welches and Brightwood. The cabins, cottages, chalets and lodges are nestled among tall trees with riverfront and view locations. All homes include fireplaces or woodstoves, entertainment centers, washer and dryer and free long distance. Most homes also have a private outdoor hot tub and free high speed Internet. The most asked-for feature by families is the complete kitchen with all appliances, pots, pans, dishes and utensils. For the family on the go, a kitchen is a great way to feed everyone the foods they like on a family-friendly budget.

If you are planning a family road trip this year, head on up to Mt Hood. Our experienced Vacation Advisors will be happy to assist you in finding the best Mt Hood Vacation Rental for your family basecamp and the most fun activities for you and the kids during your visit.

Reservations & Information 24/7/365:

Email us or call us at 866-761-8029

Book Online

Chat with a Live Person Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

Intentionally Cut Trees on Highway 26 on the way to Mt Hood Could have Killed Someone

2010-04-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

The idiots out there who are cutting down trees along a rural section of Highway 26 at Cherryville between Sandy and Welches for some unknown reason need to be apprehended. This behavior is not mischievious, but downright criminal. These people need to be identified, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

During the past several months, "pranksters" have been felling trees in numerous locations in the Cherryville area of Highway 26. The Oregon State Police have found it to be a curiousity that this level of illegal behavior is even taking place. And why are they doing it?

Back in February an illegally felled tree along the highway caused a non-injury accident. Last night, a 20-year old young woman driving home from a birthday dinner at her mother's home could have died when her Subaru hatchback drove head-on into the large fir tree that straddled the 2 east bound lanes and one west bound lane of Highway 26.

The front end of the Subaru took the brunt of the damage thankfully. Even though the car is pretty smashed up, the passenger compartment is in pretty good shape which likely saved the driver's life along with the fact that she was wearing a seat belt and the airbags did deploy.

Just to set the record straight, the driver had not been drinking that day or evening. She had dinner at her mother's house to celebrate her 20th birthday. The accident occurred at about midnight when there is very little traffic and very little light. Another vehicle came up behind her within a minute or so of the accident and just barely missed hitting the fallen tree as well. We are all speculating that the tree came down within a few minutes of the driver's impact. Otherwise another driver ahead of her would have been in the unfortunate situation of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She is a full-time college student (all A's last quarter!!) and works part-time as a waitress. The Subaru is a 1995 model, so she only carried liability insurance on it and of course it is totalled. With limited financial resources, it is going to be difficult to buy another vehicle to use to get to school and work. Thankfully, as a student, she is covered on her mom's medical insurance. And even more incredible, she is only a bit banged up and bruised and sore.

There is likely more than one person involved in these actions and they are likely bragging about it. It appears that these culprits are gaining in bravado and may escalate their activities to an even more dangerous level.

So if you have any information about who is cutting down trees on Highway 26 in the Cherryville area between Sandy and Welches, please contact the Oregon State Police at 800-452-7888. You can remain anonymous

Note: I usually reserve our blog for updates and news about Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, tourism or other travel-related news. However, this story hits closer to home for me as the driver who could have died last night is my niece.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Employee Honored by the Vacation Rental Managers Association

2010-04-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Vacation Rental Managers’ Association (VRMA), the only national trade association representing the professional vacation rental management industry, announced that Cecilia Kuchabsky, Front Office and Reservation Sales Specialist at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals has been selected as “Best in Class” for Reservations Excellence for the western region of the United States.

Cec was awarded this honor because of her deep caring for every guest she assists in securing the perfect vacation rental home for their visit to the Villages of Mt Hood. ““From the moment I answer the first email or phone call to the moment the guest departs on the last day of their visit, I make sure that they are well taken care of. I care about their experience“, states Cec. For her, it really is not about making a reservation but delivering exceptional customer service. She continues, “I really enjoy the feeling of accomplishment I get when I help the guest select the perfect Vacation Rental where they can start making memories with family and friends.“

Cecilia Kuchabsky will be honored at the VRMA Western Seminar in Reno on May 5-6. She has been asked to serve on a panel of industry leaders in front of her peers to share her tips on how to be a great reservation sales agent while providing exceptional customer service.

Cec began her career at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals as a Housekeeper and transitioned to Front Desk Reservationist and Housekeeping Supervisor within the first 6 months of employment. Her hospitality career includes working as Front Desk Clerk and Housekeeping Inspector at a condominium time share resort and as Executive Housekeeper and Assistant Guest Services Manager at a luxury RV resort. Cec has lived in the Villages of Mt Hood with her husband for the past 15 years. Her family moved around as a child as her father was in the Army, which has likely been beneficial in the development of her comfortable, easy-to-like personality. Her other work experience includes vet tech, dental assistant and Army recruiter which she credits for her enjoyment of talking with people and finding a way to relate to them. In her spare time, besides currently building a new house, she loves spending quality time with her husband, 10 year old granddaughter and exotic cat. They enjoy camping, fishing and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.

If you would like to "meet" Cec you can reach her at 888-489-9583 or Cecilia@mthoodrentals.com.

TRILLIUM: Today's Code Word to Receive 10% Discount on Reservation

2010-04-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Last-minute discounts for new reservations at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals for April 9-10 today only. Call 866-761-8029 between 9 AM - 6 PM on Thurs, April 8 & we will take 10% off the rental rate on a new reservation for April 9 & 10.

If you add a 3rd night, it will be at 1/2 price and the 4th night is FREE!

Plus all nights of your reservation will be discounted by 10%.

For Reservations: 866-761-8029

Front Office and Reservation Sales Position open at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

2010-03-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, a fast-paced, high-energy vacation rental management company in a growth mode, is currently accepting resumes for a Front Office and Reservation Sales position.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma
• Minimum 1 year of experience working at the Front Desk/Office and in Reservation Sales for a lodging company during the past 3 years; experience working for a vacation rental management company is a plus
• Competent computer skills including knowledge of MS Word, Excel & Outlook; can type minimum 30 WPM
• Ability to communicate and articulate ideas using proper English grammar and punctuation both verbally and in writing
• Experience in delegating housekeeping and maintenance tasks on a regular basis
• Experience with closing email and phone reservation requests
• Competency using basic office equipment including multi-line phones, headsets, copiers, faxes, etc

Applicants possess the following attributes:

• Ability to multi-task
• Embraces challenges
• Enjoys working with people
• Self-directed in executing job functions
• Likes to learn new things
• Willingness to go above & beyond your job description
• Engages in friendly, competitive work style
• Recognizes the value in an opportunity to convert a difficult customer into a life-long customer
• Relishes the selling process and booking reservations

Working Conditions:

• Part-time to train; moves into full-time after 90-day Introductory Period
• Requires some weekends, holidays and occasional evenings
• Requires some travel for professional seminars (generally 1-2 times a year)
• Requires use of personal car to perform some job duties throughout the Villages of Mt Hood. Must have clean driving record, ODL, clean registration and insurance. Must be able to and comfortable with driving in snow.

Detailed Job Description

If you meet the above qualifications and requirements and this sounds like a job you would enjoy, please email your resume to Betsy@mthoodrentals.com. No phone calls, please.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals
Owner/Manager: Betsy LaBarge
Office: 24403 E Welches Rd
Mailing: PO Box 454
Welches, OR 97067
866.267.6521

How to Outsource Vacation Rental Management

2010-03-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

I just found a great article on how to find a good vacation rental manager for your vacation home. The story is found at HowtodoThings.com and is written by Ursula Roberts. Click on the blog title to read the entire story. I have outlined the main points of the article below:

Outsourcing your vacation rental management will relieve you of all the headaches and stresses managing a vacation rental can give.
Search the web for realtors and property managers and property management associations such as the Vacation Rental Managers Association to find professional property managers in your area.
Make a short list of agencies that you are considering and get in touch with them. Call their customer service or reservation phone numbers to check out how they treat customers. Review their websites.
Find rental management agencies that are local to the area where your vacation rental is. This sounds obvious, but you want someone who knows your market.
Check out what conditions the property management agency requires before you place your property under their management. You will want to be sure your home is a good fit for this company. It may be worth a few updates to go with the management company of your choice.
Once you have identified the property management agencies you are interested in, call and set up a meeting to discuss your property. Provide detailed descriptions and photos along with the address of your home before the meeting.
Check the company's vacation rental management industry affiliation and membership. Go to the Vacation Rental Managers Association website to check.
The property management agency you get should only be engaged in property management and not in selling properties. This is the one area I do not agree with. Many vacation rental managers are also realtors, which could be to your advantage down the road if you decide to sell. You will, however, want to insure that your manager is devoting the appropriate amount of time to the rental activity of your vacation home.
Inquire about their accounting and billing process, their rates and all the management fees. Also ask about contracts and when statements are mailed and when payments are made. Before signing up, ask for other owner references you can talk with.
Ask about the extent and type of marketing and advertising the vacation rental manager will provide for your rental property.
One other area to ask about that is not included in the Howtodothings.com blog, is how the vacation rental management company will provide housekeeping and maintenance services for your property.
And finally, once you enter into an agreement, the outsource vacation rental company will be your business partner. Communicate regularly and work with them to maximize your benefits to this relationship.

If you are looking for a vacation rental manager to manage your vacation rental home in The Villages of Mt Hood, please give me a call. I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss the rental possibilities of your vacation home with you.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals has been established as the premier vacation rental management company throughout The Villages of Mt Hood for over 18 years under the same ownership and management. We provide full-service, exclusive property management for your home with the care and respect we would give to our own homes.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals uses a state-of-the-art reservation software system that is tied into our website on a true real-time basis, allowing guests to book online any time of the day or night. Our property owners also have access to their accounts through a password protected log in on our website. Our website receives daily compliments on its user-friendly navigation for vacation rental guests. Our staff is available to assist owners and guests 7 days a week. And our after-hours reservation agents answer the phone 24/7/365 to ensure we never lose a reservation.

Please contact me today to discuss the vacation rental opportunites that Mt Hood Vacation Rentals can assist you in realizing.

Betsy LaBarge

President & Owner

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

Office: 24403 E Welches Rd, #104

Mailing: PO Box 454

Welches, OR 97067

866.794.6813

Betsy@MtHoodRentals.com

New Doggie Park at Mt Hood Meadows is Nice Benefit for Vacationers & their Dogs

2010-02-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

A cool new feature at Mt Hood Meadows is their Doggie Park. They have now designated an area for skiers and riders who bring their dogs with them for the day to walk and potty their pooches. We think this is a great idea. We have noticed dogs in the parking lot everytime we head up to Meadows and while I have never had the unforunate mishap of stepping in or skiing over doggie doo-doo, I sure would be unhappy if it happened. Meadows was pro-active when they designed the special area just for dogs. Instead of alienating their customers, they have made their visit a bit easier.

About 3/4 of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are pet-friendly. Most of our guests are driving to Mt Hood from 1-3 hours away, so they like to bring their dogs with them on vacation rather than leave them at home. We see the Doggie Park as a win-win solution for our vacation rental guests who like to travel with their dogs.

Also, when you stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, you can purchase Mt Hood Meadows lift tickets and save up to $19 per person per day.

To reserve a dog-friendly Mt Hood Vacation Rental:

866.761.8029 or Search Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

Tips for Travelers when Reserving a Vacation Rental

2010-02-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

The preference to stay in a Vacation Rental as a lodging accommodation for travelers while on vacation is growing. The secret is out that a fully-furnished vacation home offers fabulous settings and views, complete kitchens, fireplaces, private hot tubs and lots of space for everyone in your group of family and friends.

When looking for the perfect vacation rental to stay in during your vacation, here are a few tips:

1. Rent a professionally managed vacation rental to ensure you’ll get consistent hospitality services and quality assurance standards, as well as professionally cleaned and managed homes, ongoing & objective inspections and concierge type services that provide destination expert advice. Also, make sure your reservation requests are treated with respect and in a timely fashion. Friendly, helpful service goes a long way when planning your trip.

2. Request and evaluate past guest reviews, testimonials and references. You can find guest reviews for each rental home http://www.mthoodrentals.com/.

3.Ask about bedrooms and bed types, to make sure they match your group’s needs – whether two twins, three queens, one king etc. or if there are real bedrooms or lofts.

4. Maid service is usually not included in the rental, so if you prefer daily housekeeping services, you usually can pay an additional daily fee. All Mt Hood Vacation Rentals include a washer and dryer and basic cleaning supplies, so you are able to easily take care of the small items.

5. If driving on vacation, bring a package with any unusual food and beverage items you enjoy at home. Most specialty items are available nearby, so check with the management office first. All of our rental homes also provide salt, pepper, ground cinnamon, Italian seasoning, cooking oil and sugar.

6. Does the rental agency have an accessible customer service number for 24/7 emergency needs and after hour requests? At Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, you can call our local after-hours emergency number when the office is closed or you can reach someone at our toll-free number 24/7/365.

7. Inquire about the privacy and setting of your rental home, as well as the type of community it’s located within (gated, near recreation, riverfront, etc.). At Mt Hood, we categorize our homes as secluded, semi-secluded, not secluded or condo. Most homes are riverfront or creekside.

8. Look for third-party endorsements on the websites of rental management companies, including membership in industry associations like the Vacation Rental Managers Association, Oregon Lodging Association or the local chamber of commerce.

9. Ask about the kitchen and available appliances. Ask for a list of all cookware, serveware, utensils and specialty items. Rather than spending hard-earned vacation dollars on a full restaurant breakfast every morning, stock up from the local supermarket on your favorite cereal, snacks, eggs, or pancake mix. Then cook up a delicious group gourmet feast for dinner. You can enjoy your favorite Oregon beer, wine and spirits and not have to worry about driving anywhere.

10. If budget is of concern, traveling during Quiet Season can save you big money. At Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, our Quiet Season is from April 1 - mid-June and again from the first day of fall up to the Thanksgiving weekend. The rates are already discounted and your 3rd night is 1/2 price, the 4th night is free. Also, ask about other available specials.

11. Find out if your vacation rental company has partnerships with any local vendors, attractions, etc., and whether or not they offer discounts or recommendations for area services, including dining, shopping, local activities, transportation and more. When staying in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, you enjoy the privilige of purchasing discounted lift tickets for Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl.

12. Ask about extra charges such as security deposits, cleaning fees, damage waivers, recreation fees, parking fees, travel insurance, reservation fees and lodging taxes. All of these fees increase the total nightly cost. At Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, the only extra charges are lodging tax, reservation fee and optional trip cancellation insurance.

13. Before your trip, confirm what amenities are included in the rental home to assist you in planning and packing more efficiently.

14. If planning to bring a pet, check with your management company for any applicable fees, breed restrictions and any specials or pet welcome packets. Make sure you only bring pets to pet-friendly homes. Some homes are set aside as non-pet homes for people with allergies. Also, do make sure you "register" your pet with the management office.

15. Are there lots of high-quality photos and virtual tours or videos of the home on the website? These tools will help you to select the best home for your vacation.

16. Real-time online availability and booking services on the website are useful as a way to determine which homes are available for your dates. Also, if you end up finalizing your plans late at night, you can book your reservation yourself online.

17. Once you have booked, you should receive a written confirmation of the home you have rented, the dates, total dollar amount and when payments are due along with rental, cancellation and refund policies. These should be delivered within 24 hours if by email and within a couple of days if by regular mail.

If you are thinking about staying in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental this year, give us a call. We would love to talk with you about your vacation and your needs, then assist you in selecting the best home for your Mt Hood Vacation.

Reservations & Information, 24/7/365:

866.761.8029 or http://www.mthoodrentals.com/

Why Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are Way Better than a Hotel

2010-02-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

HOW TO TRAVEL TO MOUNT HOOD USING VACATION RENTALS

With a TV commercial highlighting vacation rentals having aired in Sunday’s big game, football fans are discovering why renting vacation homes, cabins, chalets and lodges is a favorite choice for many travelers versus hotels. Beyond the experiences families and friends build by staying in a home away from home in The Villages of Mt Hood, there are numerous benefits to choosing vacation rentals – sometimes in ways they’d least expect.

Whether trying vacation rentals for the first time or if you’re one of the nearly nine in 10 travelers who plan to rent again*, here are some useful planning tips and insights as a post-game update for visiting Mount Hood, Oregon:

KNOW YOUR DESTINATION:
Whether you are a first-time traveler to Mount Hood or regular visitor, it’s recommended that you become familiar with the mountain’s special events, seasons and offerings. Here are some activities that guests find most enjoyable:

Sundays in February & March: Fusion Series Ski & Snowboard Competitions, alternating between Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl
Saturdays in February & March: Music in the Market at the Wy’East Day Lodge, Timberline Ski Area
2nd Sunday of the Month: Free Fly-Tying Party at the Fly Fishing Shop
Every other Friday: Wine Tasting at Andrea’s Wine Gallery
Ongoing: Art Classes at The Arts Cabins in Government Camp
Thru March 31: Windell’s Open Skate at the indoor skate park
February 27: Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series
March 6: Ski the Historic Glade Trail, groomed just one day a year
March 12-14: Sue Allen Studio Art Sale
April 10: Sustainability Day at Mt Hood Meadows
April 1-June 10: Quiet Season Discounts in Mt Hood Vacation Rentals: stay 2 nights and the 3rd night is ½ price, the 4th night is free.

For more local events, visit our Calendar of Events.

LOOK FOR PACKAGES:

During certain seasons, vacation rental packages can provide even more value, some with 3 bedrooms starting at just $144 per night, with all of the typical amenities of a resort and more. Visit Mt Hood Vacation Rentals to become familiar with various vacation rental types, reservation rates as well as travel specials available at Mount Hood.

USE SPACE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE:
Mt Hood Vacation Rentals’ cabins, cottages and lodges can be from 600 sq. ft. for a romantic, riverfront and secluded cabin for 2 to more than 2500 sq. ft. and sleeping up to 10 people, typically costing less than the multiple hotel rooms required to accommodate 10 guests.

SAVE ON DINING OUT:

With full kitchens and outdoor gas grills, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals’ guests often enjoy making family-style meals and storing lunches and snacks for their activities, including football favorites like homemade nachos or steaming pots of chili during postseason trips. Using local and seasonal ingredients like salmon, huckleberries and wild mushrooms to create your favorite recipes creates more memorable mealtimes. Of course, in Oregon, there is a bounty of local wine, microbrews and fresh-roasted coffee to accompany your special feast. This also provides healthy travel options, which may cut the amount of calories typically consumed while on vacation.

ASK ABOUT AFTER-HOURS SERVICE:
When looking into any vacation rental accommodation, check to see if there is an accessible customer service number for emergency needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and for after-hour requests. At Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, the toll-free number is answered 24/7/365 by a real person and there is always a local after-hours phone number for emergencies.

ENTERTAIN YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR FREE:

All of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals’ vacation homes include amenities not often found in hotels, such as fireplaces and woodstoves, multiple TV’s, stereos and DVD players and phones with unlimited long distance not to mention the above-mentioned well-appointed kitchens . Most homes also offer high-speed Internet access, private outdoor hot tubs and spacious outdoor living spaces with decks, lawns or riverfront settings. And of course all homes are close to ski resorts, a 27-hole golf course, a mountain bike park, world-class fly fishing for salmon and steelhead and hiking trails. Adventure seekers can get their thrills by climbing Mount Hood or doing some rock-climbing while visiting.

ASK ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS:
Beyond the ability to live like a local in The Villages of Mt Hood, vacation rental guests can also take advantage of our relationship with Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl. Throughout the winter ski and snowboard season, guests enjoy the privilege of purchasing discounted lift tickets with savings of up to $19 per person per day.

REMEMBER BIG EVENTS:

Whether it’s for football championships, ski and snowboard races, golf tournaments or weddings and family reunions, vacation rentals can save guests from the hassle of finding multiple hotel rooms during big events, and save on the cost of multiple reservations. Vacation rentals also provide a romantic location for a special moment such as a proposal, honeymoon or anniversary.

SMALL BUSINESS RETEATS:
Vacation homes are an ideal location for small business retreats for 2 or more days. Business associates find the private and relaxed setting of a vacation home’s living room to be an asset to getting a lot done in a short time-frame without the distractions of the office. And the full kitchens can be used to prepare meals by the group or by a local caterer.

For general answers to frequently asked questions about vacation rentals or for more information, visit Discover Vacation Homes as an official resource for professionally managed vacation rentals across the country. Also connect with travelers and experts in the Facebook Vacation Rental Community and join the conversation on Twitter @GoVacationHomes. Visit Mt Hood Magazine for information about ongoing events, recreation, dining and the history and culture of the Mount Hood area. For more travel information about The Villages of Mt Hood, visit Mt Hood's Online Info Center.

For Reservations and Information:

www.MtHoodRentals.com or 866-761-8029

*PhoCusWright’s Vacation Rental Marketplace: Poised for Change

Skiing & Snowboarding are Pretty Safe and Fun

2010-02-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Debunking: Skiing and Snowboarding Myths*

Now that winter is with us in full force, many people, young and old alike, are thinking about hitting the slopes and enjoying that fresh powder.

Over the years certain myths have surfaced about skiing and snowboarding. These myths are continuing to throw their weight around mainly because the media keeps championing their cause and the snowboarding/skiing industry does little to dispel or address them.

Some of these myths are that:
· Snowboarders are more likely to become injured or to cause injuries to other skiers.
· Helmets will save your life.
· Deaths on the slopes have increased.

Snowboarders have a 40% lower death rate than skiers. In fact, it is snowboarders who are more likely to get hit by an out of control skier-not the other way around. When snowboarders fall, the snowboard acts as an anchor; when riders hit the ground, they stay put and don't slide. When skiers fall, they tend to skid and slide. In truth, skiers are three to four times more likely than a snowboarder to hit another person or a stationary object.

Can wearing a helmet save your life? The answer is yes-if you are traveling less than 12 - 15 mph. However, when a person is traveling at 24 - 40 mph, helmets lose their effectiveness. Head injuries are less common than knee or lower leg injuries. Dr. Jasper Shealy, chairman of the department of industrial engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, pointed out that of the 39 deaths last year, six of them were wearing helmets. "A helmet is not a panacea; it's not a magic bullet," Shealy says.

Regardless of how the media will spin the deaths associated with thrill-seeking activities such as skiing and snowboarding, the facts are that ski and snowboard fatalities have remained quite constant for a number of years now. The historic average is about 35 deaths per year. And the overall injury rate has declined by 50% over the past 25 years.

* This story was copied in it's entirety from the Upscale Consignment Newsletter. Not sure where they sourced their "data". Does anyone have research they know of to add to the discussion?

Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental and Help Raise Funds For Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts

2010-01-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

Despite the slowdown in business during the past 16 months, the Team at Mt Hood Vacation Rentals feels very fortunate and blessed to live in warm, dry homes, to have plenty of food to eat and to be living healthy and happy lives. The citizens of Haiti who have been affected by the devastating earthquake that hit their tiny island nation last week cannot say the same.

When guests of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals stay in one of our vacation homes, now through February 15, 2010, we will donate $5 for each reservation towards assistance in Haiti Relief Efforts.

Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, January 15-31 and we will donate $5 for each reservation to Mercy Corps.

Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, February 1-15 and we will donate $5 for each reservation to Medical Teams International.

For reservations:

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals or 866-761-8029

1/2 Price Super Bowl Sunday in Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

2010-01-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

Head up to Mt Hood for Super Bowl Weekend. Go skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, sledding or snowshoeing on Saturday (you can burn up the calories you're gonna consume on Sunday a day ahead of time), then enjoy the Super Bowl in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental on Sunday.

When you rent Friday and Saturday night (February 5 & 6) at the regular rate, you can stay on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7, for 1/2 price! We will even add on Monday night for you for FREE!

And we will provide the popcorn and a medium cheese pizza delivered by Mogul Mountain Pizza, voted the best pizza in the Villages of Mt Hood by the Mountain Times.

Our favorite homes for watching the Super Bowl are:

Zigzag River Chalet: The family room is attached to the kitchen and includes the TV and entertainment center, making access to gametime snacks easy to get to. There is a separate living room for anyone who would prefer to knit, play board games or read a book. This way the whole family will enjoy the weekend.

River Rock Lodge: The media room is a perfect place to hang out and watch the game. This entire room is an entertainment center with TV and surround sound. Family members and friends who are not into football have a spacious living room to hang out in and are close to trails.

Wy'East Log Lodge: This home has the largest big screen TV you will find anywhere on the mountain right in the Great Room. Plenty of seating for everyone and close to the kitchen. You can even prepare food while watching the game. Located on 2 acres with a creek and a quiet street, there is plenty to do besides watch football.

Salmonberry Retreat: The open Great Room is ideal for a smaller group to watch the game on a large flat screen TV. The river rock fireplace keeps you warm and the kitchen is within reach of the living room here as well.

To reserve your Super Bowl Weekend at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental

and stay Sunday night for 1/2 price and Monday night for FREE:

Call us at 866-761-8029 or Book Online

January is Learn a Snow Sport Month

2010-01-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

January is National Learn a Snow Sport Month and the unlikely ambassador is extreme skier, Glen Plake.

"Most people know me as an extreme skier and I admit I have done some pretty crazy things on snow. I’ve worked hard to be able to do some things most people can’t do or shouldn’t do. One thing I’ve learned during my career is that, first and foremost, snow sports are FUN!"

You do not have decide to become an exteme skier to learn a snow sport. You can learn to downhill ski or telemark ski, snowboard, cross-country ski or snowshoe or even go skijoring with your dog.

With 5 lift-operated ski areas (Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline, Mt Hood SkiBowl, Summit Ski Area and Cooper Spur), there are plenty of opportunities to learn one of the faster snow sports that have you moving downhill on a customized board designed for that sport. The 3 larger ski areas have promotional opportunities this month to help you on your way to learning a snow sport.

For a quieter snow sport that still gets your heart rate going, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. There are several types of cross-country skis including skating, track and back country. Snowshoeing is a good entry level snow sport as it is very stable and snowshoes are easier to balance on that skis. There are dozens of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the most popular being Crosstown Trail and the multitude of other trails that intersect this trail, Trillium Lake, Barlow Pass, Bennet Pass and White River. Groomed trails are located at Mt Hood Meadows and Teacup Lake. Check with the Zigzag Ranger Station or Mountain Tracks Ski Shop for more details and maps. You can also rent gear at Mountain Tracks.

If you like the idea of getting out in the snow with your dog and letting him do some of the work, try skijoring. Popular trails are at Frog Lake, Clear Lake and Skyline Sno-Parks. For more info on skijoring, check out this article at MtHoodMagazine.com or contact the Cascade Sled Dog Club.

Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental when you head up to Mt Hood to learn a new snow sport and avoid the long drive home after a day in the snow. Soothe tired muscles in the hot tub or curl up in a blanket in front of the fireplace while a warm pot of chili simmers on the stove top.

To make a Reservations or for more Information 24/7/365:

Email us or call us at 866-761-8029 or Book Online

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are Just Right for the Way Americans are Traveling Today

2010-01-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Americans still believe that they deserve a vacation every year, but they will be searching for value when making their leisure travel plans and purchases during 2010, according to a recent survey conducted by Y Partnership, one of the country's top corporations specializing in travel, leisure and entertainment marketing.

Other findings of the research indicate that travelers will look for:

Less expensive lodging
A drive-to location
Searching the Internet for their vacation rental

The good news is that when you stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, you get all of the above features. A group of 4 people can stay in a vacation home for about $50 a night, less expensive than a moderate motel room. And there are lots more amenities including a complete kitchen, fireplace, entertainment center, phone with unlimited long distance and wifi, washer & dryer and a private hot tub at most homes, too. And unlike most motels and hotels, your family dog can join you on vacation, as well.

For about what it would cost to enjoy one dinner out on your trip to Mt Hood, you can prepare meals in your rental home for everyone for the entire weekend: a great way to save money and still be able to take a vacation.

If you live in the Willamette Valley or in western Washington, you can drive to Mt Hood in 1-4 hours, making this an easy vacation destination.

Of course, you can always view all Mt Hood Vacation Rentals on the Internet. Every home listing includes several photos, a virtual tour, detailed descriptions of the home and a detailed list of all home amenities. You can book your vacation rental online at our website using our real-time reservation system or you can call us 24/7/365 to make a reservation.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offer a great value for a close-to-home getaway. You can get to Mt Hood on less than a tank of gas and then spend the night for about $100 per person for a weekend. Skiers and snowboarders will save up to $19 per person per day on lift tickets with our discounts, too. Or for a quieter day spent in nature, go for a cross country ski on one of the many trails at Mt Hood.

To make a reservation, visit us at http://www.mthoodrentals.com/ or book online or call us at 866-761-8029.

Stay at the Riverside Retreat this Winter & Receive Free Stuff

2009-12-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

Riverside Retreat on the Salmon River in Welches is our newest Mt Hood Vacation Rental. Perfect rental for romantic rendezvous or a small family vacation.

Open Great Room design with vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling view windows
Flagstone gas fireplace
Gourmet kitchen with top-of-the line appliances and granite countertops
Two master suites with queen beds and full bathrooms
Salmon riverfront
Quiet gated community for walking the dog

Stay in the Riverside Retreat, January 4-31, 2010 and receive an Annual Sno-Park Permit at check-in

Stay in the Riverside Retreat, February 1-28, 2010 and your dog(s) stay free the first night

Stay in the Riverside Retreat, March 1-31, 2010 and receive a souvenir mug + 1/2 lb coffee from Cafe Aria

Reservations and Information 24/7/365:

866.761.8029 Email Book Online

Moondance Cabin in Zigzag open Dec 29 & 30

2009-12-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

Moondance Cabin, a secluded Panabode log cabin on Clear Creek in Zigzag, Oregon is open for 2 nights, December 29 & 30. This is a great cabin for a quick Mt Hood snow play vacation after Christmas, with open dates that still get you back home in time for your New Year's Eve party.

This warm and cozy cabin with all wood logs inside and out is the classic mountain getaway.

The full kitchen is completely set up to prepare your favorite meals, keeping the costs of a mini-vacation within your budget. After a day of playing in the snow, you can warm up in front of the wood-burning fireplace or relax in the private outdoor hot tub overlooking Clear Creek.

There are two private bedrooms; one is a master suite with a queen bed and spacious attached full bathroom. the second bedroom also has a queen bed with a full bathroom across the hall. This cabin will accommodate a total of 6 guests if you use the queen sofa bed in the living room.

For reservations:

866.761.8029 Email Book Online

83% of Travelers would stay in a Vacation Rental to Get a Better Deal

2009-12-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

According to a recent survey by TripAdvisor, 83% of Travelers Surveyed Would Stay at a Vacation Rental Over Other Accommodations This Winter to Get a Better Deal

"NEWTON, Mass. — December 17, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor®, the world’s most trusted source of travel advice, announced the results of a recent survey. Whether travelers are looking to hit the ski slopes or relax on the beach this winter, vacation rentals provide an appealing accommodation option for those searching for better value and more living space.

A recent TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers found that 83 percent of respondents would stay at a vacation rental rather than a hotel or B&B for a winter leisure trip if they could get a better deal. In addition, when asked what factor would make them the most likely to stay at a vacation rental this winter, 37 percent cited low prices, 27 percent said a good location and 16 percent said more amenities."

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offer several amenities that you just won't find in a hotel room or at a resort.

First, all of our vacation homes have fully equipped kitchens with appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, stove top, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, blender, mixer, waffle iron). And each home has an extenisve list of pots, pans, dishes, glassware and utensils for preparing just about any meal you can think of, even a holiday spread.

Additionally, all of our homes include a fireplace or woodstove, entertainment center with TV, DVD player, stereo and cable or satellite, phone with unlimited long distance and wifi. Most homes also have a private outdoor hot tub, too.

And you will have plenty of room to spread out with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms plus living rooms and family rooms. The average hotel room is about 300 square feet. Many Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are over 2000 square feet.

All homes are non-smoking and many are pet-friendly, too. Most hotels and resorts won't let you bring the family dog along on vacation.

The best benefit of staying in a vacation rental home is that the home is in a setting that becomes the destination. Imagine sitting in front of the fireplace in the great room and looking out the windows and watching the Salmon River flow by with snow topped mountains in the background. And if you decide to venture out, your are just minutes from ski and snowboard resorts, sledding hills and restaurants and shopping.

Guests of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals enjoy the privilege of purchasing discounted lift tickets for Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl, too.

For reservations:

866.761.8029 Email Book Online Chat with a Live Person Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

Family Road Trip Tips when Driving to Mt Hood for Christmas Vacation

2009-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Family Road Trip Vacation Travel Tips

Taking road tips longer than an hour with kids can be very challenging. Depending on the age of your children, road trips can be trying for parents and add the need for extra planning. Young children need a lot of attention and older kids will constantly need to be entertained. Here as some tips to make that road trip as much fun as the destination.

Family Tips For Parents

Relax and Breath - Your kids are going to play off your emotions. If you are stressed and in a hurry it will be more difficult for your kids to enjoy the car ride. Don't be in a hurry to have fun.

Expect Mistakes - With kids something is going to go wrong. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Plan for car mishaps, lost money, and possible medical issues.

Take the Right Car - Consider renting a car. Renting a car will alleviate wear and tear created by mountain driving on snowy or icy roads at Mt Hood. And a rental car might have a few amenities you don't have in your personal vehicle that will make the drive easier for everyone. And if you rent a larger vehicle you will have more room to haul the family's gear. The extra money might be worth it.

Short Breaks - Depending on the length of your road trip, you might need to stop a few times. Be creative on where you stop. Plan ahead so you can stop at popular and interesting destinations along your route. Make sure everyone has a camera, so they can take fun pictures along the way. When the kids get home, they can make a scrap book of their travels as well as of their destination at Mt Hood.

GPS – Consider purchasing a GPS device. Plus, you will be able to search for local gas stations and restaurants. GPS systems also list interesting sites and points of interest.

Stop for Lunch - Taking a lunch break at a restaurant is a good break from the car for the drivers and for the kids. Research in advance for an interesting or fun place along the way.

Family Tips For Younger Children

Extra Necessities - Make sure you pack extra baby wipes, diapers, snacks, medicine, drinks, bottles (for babies) blankets and pillows.

Car Games - This is a must for all families. Simple car games can help occupy the kids for a few hours. Some possible games include 20 questions, the License Plate (finding 50 states) game, or I Spy.

Leave at the Right Time - Planning your departure time around your kids nap time can be huge.

TV/DVD Player - No parent wants to admit that they use the electronic baby sitter, but it really works on those long car rides.

Don’t Forget The Toys - Picking the right toys and books can help create some distraction time in the car. Bring at least one of your kids' favorite toys.

Baby Proofing - If you have toddlers who like to get into everything, consider bringing a baby gate for stairs and locks for lower cabinets.

Family Tips For Young Teens

Portable Electronics - Teens typically do a great job entertaining themselves. Make sure you have extra batteries (or the ability to re-charge electronics).

Necessities - Much like younger kids teens will love to have pillows and blankets for napping and snacks for when they are hungry.

Put Them in Charge – Possibly allowing the oldest to ride in the front seat and copilot with the driver. Giving an active child some responsibility will help occupy some of their time. This is also good training for when they get to help with the driving.

Flyers - Obtaining flyers about local cabins, attractions, and restaurants can entertain older kids. If you are interested consider asking your management company for advice on how to get flyers.

New Mt Hood Vacation Rental on the Salmon River - Riverside Retreat

2009-12-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is excited to present a new cedar cabin on the Salmon River in Welches. The Riverside Retreat is a charming cabin on the banks of the Salmon River. The vaulted Great Room opens to the forest with floor to ceiling view windows and a flagstone gas fireplace.

Foodies will love the fabulous gourmet kitchen with Dacor double convection oven, Amana refrigerator, Asko dishwasher, Dacor 5-burner oversized gas range in the center island, hickory cabinets and black granite countertops.

The 2 loft master suites each have a queen bed and full bathroom and river and forest views. Two more people can sleep in the queen sofa bed in the living room for a total occupancy of 6 people.

Outdoor living spaces include the quiet deck with teakwood furniture and gas grill, plus a firepit for warming up on chilly nights. A short trail leads to the wild and scenic Salmon River.

Other amenities include phone with unlimited long distance, wifi, entertainment center with TV and cable, stereo with 5 CD changer, washer & dryer plus 1/2 bathroom downstairs. Well-mannered dogs are welcome here, too.

For Reservations & Information 24/7/365:

Call us at 866-761-8029 Email us Book Online Chat with a Live Person Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

Top 10 Favorite Winter Activities when Staying in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental

2009-12-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Guests of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals shared a long and varied list of winter activities they enjoy when they stay at Mt Hood in a recent survey. Surprisingly, most of these activities have nothing to do with snow or outdoor recreation. We asked our guests to rate 25 activities as "I love doing this!", "I like doing this!" or "Not interested".

The top 10 winter activities our guests enjoy are:

Sitting in the Hot Tub
Sitting by the Fireplace
Eating
Drinking Good Wine
Hiking (huh? in the snow?)
Reading a Good Book
Going Out to Eat
Downhill Skiing
Playing Board Games
Playing Cards

It's a good thing that Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are perfect for enjoying all of the above activities. Most of our homes have private, outdoor hot tubs and they all have fireplaces or woodstoves. And of course the fully furnished kitchens which include all of the pots, pans, dishes and utensils you need, not to mention wine openers and wine glasses make it easy to eat, drink and be merry!

And our homes are stocked up with games, cards and puzzles, so there is plenty to do while enjoying a favorite glass of wine and nibbling on snacks while sitting in front of the fire.

Just in case you were wondering, here's how the snowsports were rated:

#8-Downhill Skiing

#11-Snow Shoeing

#14-Cross-country Skiing

#16-Back-country Skiing

#17-Mountaineering

#18-Mountain Climbing

#20-Telemark Skiing & Mountain Climbing (tie)

Three people indicated sledding was their favorite winter activity and 1 person said they love to go snowboarding.

Another interesting thing you told us is that you would prefer to travel with friends over family.

71.4% travel with friends
64.3% travel with their children
42.9% travel with their husband or extended family
35.7% travel with their dog
23.8% travel with their wife

And 21.4% of you like to travel by yourself.

Our guests' favorite Mt Hood Vacation Rentals for winter are:

Cedarwood Lodge, 3 level, 5 bedroom, log chalet in Government Camp, gas fireplace and hot tub

Alpenglow Cabin, 3 level, 2 bedroom + loft, cabin in Government Camp, woodstove and hot tub

Hidden Creek Log Cabin, 3 level, 2 bedroom + loft cabin in Welches, gas fireplace and hot tub

River Dance Retreat, 3 bedroom + loft cabin in Welches, woodstove, riverfront and hot tub

Wy'East Log Lodge, 3 bedroom log cabin in Zigzag, gas fireplace, creeksdie and hot tub

Huckleberry Wilderness Lodge, 5 bedroom lodge in Welches, fireplace, riverfront and hot tub

The last 4 homes listed all tied for 3rd place.

If you would like to schedule a winter snow vacation in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, you can contact us 24/7/365. And remember for the non-couch potatoes, we do have discounted lift tickets for Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl.

Call us at 888-424-9168. Email us. Book Online. Chat with a Live Person. Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals open for Christmas

2009-12-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

Three Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are available for the Christmas Holiday. If you haven't made plans for Christmas yet, it is not too late. You can still reserve a Vacation Home for your Holiday Getaway. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals with all of their amenities become your vacation destination. All homes are fully furnished included a well-equipped kitchen, fireplaces and woodstoves, TV with cable or satellite, phones and high-speed Internet, washers and dryers and hot tubs. Many are pet-friendly, too.

River View Cabin is a favorite home for celebrating a romantic Christmas. If you are planning a quiet holiday, you can still treat your special someone to a memorable holiday vacation close to home. This secluded cabin provides expansive views of the Sandy River from the spacious great room and the private outdoor hot tub. After enjoying the hot tub or a day in the snow, cuddle up in front of the rock fireplace. Prepare a special Christmas dinner for two in the spacious kitchen. Virtual Tour

Whispering Woods is a budget-friendly condo for friends on the go. If your group of friends is not able to head home for Christmas, then celebrate together at Mt Hood. This condo has a fully equipped kitchen, making it easy to put toegether a breakfast before heading out for the slopes. After a day of skiing or riding, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub. Then cook up a pot of chili or spaghetti that will satisfy the crowd. This home has everything you need for a holiday ski or snowboard vacation. Pet-friendly, too. Virtual Tour

River Dance Retreat is an ideal home for extended family gatherings during Christmas with a living room, separate TV room, spacious kitchen, 3 bedrooms plus a loft. The large living room has plenty of room for a Christmas Tree and opening presents on Christmas morning. The spacious country kitchen accomodates several chefs. The dining table has room for everyone, too. Warm up in the private outdoor hot tub after hitting the slopes. The family dog is welcome here, too. Virtual Tour

If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, we have discounted lift tickets for Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl that will save you $9-19 per person per day. You do not need to pre-purchase your lift tickets; you can decide which ski area you want to go to on a daily basis.

Reservations & Information

24/7/365:

Email us or call us at 866.761.8029

Book Online Chat with a Live Person Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree in the Villages of Mt Hood

2009-12-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect Christmas Tree? There are dozens of locations to find your Christmas Tree this year in East Clackamas County which is one of the top Christmas Tree growing areas in the country. As you drive along Highway 26 or any of the scenic backroads you will discover Christmas Tree lots just around every bend and over every hill. We have selected a few that are easy to access and right along the way to your Holiday Destination in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental.

Sandy Fire Department:
Driving east on Highway 26 from Sandy, Oregon to Welches, Oregon, a good Christmas Tree lot for picking up a tree is at the Sandy Fire Department on the corner of Bruns and Pioneer. The Fire Department is about 1/2 way through town after you are driving on the one-way. All sales benefit the Teen Explorer unit. Open daily, 3 - 7 PM. Trees are pre-cut and cost $20-25. 503-668-8093

Porter's Nursery, 3.9 miles:
If you would like to get a live tree that can be planted in your yard after the Holidays, continue east on Highway 26 for 3.9 miles. You will find Porter's Nursery on the north side of the road. Porter's is a family run working nursery that specializes in evergreen trees. The Porter family lives on site with gorgeous views of Mt Hood. They sell Austrian Pines, Cypress, Blue Spruce as well as several other species. Trees are 4 feet tall and above and sell for $25-45. Hours: Open most days, you will know if the gate is open. 503-668-8441.

Harrison's Christmas Tree Farm, 5.4 miles:
Continue 1.5 miles past Porters to visit the Harrison Family who have been operating their Christmas Tree Farm for over 30 years. Located on the north side of the road, his multi-generational enterprise specializes in Noble Firs. They will cut them for you or you can cut your own. The Harrisons also sell wreaths and other holiday decorations and items. Open daily 9 AM - dusk through December 23. 503-668-9769.

Alder Creek Farms, 8.4 miles:

Alder Creek Farms is located 3 miles further east on the north side of the highway and is another family-operated farm with a large Christmas Tree Farm. They also harvest firewood and board horses. Alder Creek Farms offers a number of exciting events along with selling Christmas Trees. Visitors will be entered in a raffle for every tree that is purchased. Prizes include 7 nights for two in Orlando, Florida, 2 mountain bikes, several $50 gift cards and much more. Santa Claus will draw the winning tickets on December 23. Douglas, Noble and Grand firs are available as U-cut, We-cut or Pre-cut and will be shaken and baled for you. Open daily, 10 AM - dusk through December 23. 503-781-7707

Welches Mountain Building Supply, 15.8 miles:

If you want to wait until you get to the Villages of Mt Hood to purchase your tree, the Welches Mountain Building Supply has a beautiful selection of Grand, Douglas and Noble Firs between 4 feet and 8 feet tall. Prices range from about $15-40. They will have trees available through December 24. Located 7.4 miles of Alder Creek Farms in Welches at the corner of Arrah Wanna Blvd and Highway 26 on the south side of the road. Open Monday - Saturday, 8 AM - 6 PM, Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM, Christmas Eve, 8 AM - 3 PM. 503-622-3000.

Zigzag Ranger Station, 17.3 miles:

If you would like to cut your own tree in the Mt Hood National Forest, head to the Zigzag Ranger Station for a permit and map of areas where you are allowed to cut trees. The Ranger Station is on the south side of Highway 26, 1 mile east of Welches Road. You can cut any tree that is growing in the forest, so your Christmas Tree might be a hemlock, Doug fir, noble fir or cedar this year. You are allowed to take trees up to 12 feet tall. Open Monday - Saturday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM; Sunday, December 6, 13, 20, 8 AM - 2 PM. Permits cost $5 (cash or check only and no large bills, please). You will need to take your own limbing saw. Also remember that it can be cold and snowy or rainy in the woods, so wear warm clothes. Also be prepared for winter driving conditions; you will likely not be able to drive above 2500 feet due to snow on the roads. 503-622-3191.

A couple of things to remember when selecting your Christmas Tree:

Measure the space for both height and width where you plan on putting up your tree. It is easy to select too large of tree when you are outside among all of the trees and the vast open sky.
If you select a pre-cut tree, make sure it is fresh and green and not starting to dry out.
Look at all sides of the tree; if one side is flat or more sparse it might be ok if that side is going to be against a wall anyway.
Take your tree home and get it into water as soon as possible.

For more information and locations to find your Christmas Tree, check out this Gresham Outlook Article.

Happy Holidays and have fun selecting your Christmas Tree in the Villages of Mt Hood.

Betsy's After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

2009-11-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

If you love canned soup, then this recipe is not for you. I always look forward to after-Thanksgiving turkey soup as much as I love cooking and eating Thanksgiving turkey dinner with all of the sides.

After you have eaten all of the sandwiches and heated up plates of turkey dinner that you can handle, it is time to make soup. My mom always made soup from the left-over turkey and I have carried on the tradition. You get a hearty almost stew-like pot of goodness that is perfect for our cold fall weather at Mt Hood.

This is the type of recipe that does not have a strict list of ingredients or amounts. You have to use items that you like and then eyeball how much you need based upon how big your turkey was and how much meat you have leftover.

The most important and time-consuming (relatively) task in making your soup is in prepping the carcass and making the turkey stock. First, remove all the skin and any other little bones or gristley pieces. You may need to break the carcass into 2 or 3 pieces to fit into your stock pot. I use my large blue canning pot and cook on the side burner of my BBQ on the deck.

Put the carcass into your large pot with water to completely cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer slowly for about 3 hours, partially covered. This will pull all of the meat off the bones and pull flavor out of all parts of the turkey. You will need to scoop out the bones and place them on a plate. When it cools to the touch, pull off any turkey meat that did not come off in cooking and reserve. Discard the bones and other inedible parts. Pour the stock left in the pot into another pot or bowl, through a strainer. This will help you find any small bones, but keep the meat that ends up in the strainer. Put your stock and all turkey back into the pot and simmer on low.

Now comes the creative part. The amount of the following ingredients can be adjusted to your taste or you can substitute for items you like better. Don't worry if a little of your leftover stuffing or mashed potatoes end up in the soup; they will cook down and add more flavor.

In a large pan, saute the following in a small amount of oil:

1 small-medium onion, minced

2- 4 stalks celery, minced

3-5 carrots, minced

2+ cloves garlic, finely minced (be careful, too much garlic will overpower other flavors)

When the mirepoix is soft and translucent, add it to the simmering stock. Then add the following ingredients. Simmer for about 30-45 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Leftover turkey shredded into bite-size pieces

Leftover peas, green beans, pearl onions or other veggies from Thanksgiving dinner or 2 cups frozen veggies

Leftover gravy from Thanksgiving dinner

1 cup wild rice (substitute noodles or white rice if you prefer, or make dumplings)

salt, pepper & poultry seasoning to taste

Your turkey soup is ready to be served. This is good with crusty sourdough or French bread and a green salad. If you end up with more soup than you can eat in a day, freeze some. It is perfect for dinner after a crazy day that we know will come up with the holidays ahead. Talk about comfort food.

Great Kitchens in Great Vacation Rentals

2009-11-20T16:51:00.000-08:00

A Kitchen Makes Vacation Rental Hospitality Even More Enjoyable

The Benefits of a Vacation Home-Cooked Meal

Traveling doesn't have to mean ruining dedicated diets or budgets

Budgeting for food expenditures during travel to any destination can be almost as difficult as forecasting the week's weather. When staying at a traditional hotel, the challenge is multiplied as travelers face the added expense of dining out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the majority of quality hotels do not offer full kitchens, professionally managed vacation rentals allow guests to enjoy their favorite (and often healthier) meals and snacks, as each property provides a full kitchen stocked with clean utensils, pots, pans, plates and ample cabinet/refrigerator space for food storage.

"For my family, including grandkids, the best part of staying in a vacation rental was having breakfast in our jammies," explains Kathy Ogden, a traveler from Clovis, Calif., who stayed with Monterey Bay Property Management. "We loved the freedom to have meals at our leisure and have home-cooked meals instead of dining out."

"Great place to kick back, make some cookies and watch a movie. The kitchen and yard were my favorite." gushed Christina from Milwaukie, Oregon after a recent stay at the Wy'East Log Lodge in Rhododendron, Oregon.

Often costing less than a single hotel room, vacation rentals afford travelers an accommodations lifestyle unlike any other, providing considerably more space (both for living and dining), amenities, guest services and privacy than other, more traditional lodging options. For answers to common questions, along with additional tips and tools for choosing a rental that fits travelers' needs and budgets, visit Discover Vacation Homes.

Dining on a Dime

The average daily cost for lunch at a full-service restaurant for a family of four is approximately $40.00; dinner prices can jump as much as $6/person totaling $64/day. As the majority of traditional hotels do not offer in-room kitchens or adequate amounts of pantry space, many families are forced to dine out for all three meals per day. Access to a full kitchen adds up to major savings throughout trips of any duration - For example, enjoying cereal for breakfast or sandwiches for lunch, rather than a full-scale restaurant meal, can save enough for additional activities, a nice night out, or more!

Sticking to a Healthy Living Meal Plan

While on vacation, travelers can easily consume more than 4,000 calories a day, translating into an average 5-pound weight gain for a one-week trip. With an in-home kitchen, vacation rental guests are no longer slaves to fast food or other high fat dining options, but are now back in control of their personal menu, allowing them to cook their food, shop for healthy snacks and accurately monitor their caloric intake.

About Discover Vacation Homes

Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice and an expert resource on behalf of the professionally managed vacation rental industry. As the awareness initiative of the long-standing Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), it represents approximately 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the most well established vacation rental management companies in North America and the Caribbean. Often costing less than a single hotel room, vacation rentals afford travelers an accommodations lifestyle unlike any other, providing considerably more space, amenities, guest services, and privacy than other lodging options.

Join "Discover Vacation Homes" on Facebook and Twitter.

To reserve a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for the Holidays:

Email us or call us at 866.761.8029

Book Online Chat with a Live Person Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals for Thanksgiving

2009-11-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

Mt Hood is enjoying one of the earliest ski and snowboard seasons in years. It started snowing on the mountain in early November and the white stuff just continues to come down. Mt Hood Meadows has over 3 feet at the lodge with more new snow coming in today. Timberline has over 4 feet of snow at the lodge and Mt Hood SkiBowl has over 2 feet of snow at the base. Mt Hood is expecting another foot of new snow in the next 24 hours.

If you have been itching to get out on the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding or you just want to have some fun in the snow building a snowman or sledding down a hill, head up to the Villages of Mt Hood.

Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental during Thanksgiving Weekend and you can purchase discounted lift tickets for Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl.

And all of our vacation rentals have complete kitchens with all appliances, pots, pans, dishes and utensils so you can prepare a holiday feast in your vacation home. Homes also have TV with cable or satellite for watching the football games and parades, fireplaces and woodstoves, Internet access, decks and BBQs and private outdoor hot tubs. Your dog is welcome at most homes, too.

Zigzag River Chalet in Rhododendron is an ideal home for large family groups who need some room to spread out. The large kitchen allows for several cooks to prepare your Thanksgiving Feast. And there is a family room and living room, so some in your group can watch football games or parades on TV and others can play board games in the other room. Everyone will love the private outdoor hot tub after a day in the snow. The family pooch has plenty of yard to run around in and lots of quiet forest roads for longer walks.

Edelweiss #5 is the perfect vacation rental for families and friends who plan to spend a lot of time on the slopes. In the heart of Government Camp, this condo is close to all 3 ski areas and miles of cross-country trails and snow play areas. And you can walk to restaurants and shops. With 3 bedrooms plus bunkbeds upstairs, 2 or 3 families can share this home for a family-budget friendly Thanksgiving. Other features include TV with cable, WiFi, a fireplace and it is dog-friendly.

For Reservations 24/7/365:

Email us or call us at 866-761-8029

Book Online Chat with a Live Person Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

Top 5 Reasons to Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for the Holidays

2009-10-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals recently surveyed guests who have stayed with us during Thanksgiving and Christmas Vacation. We asked them a number of questions regarding their visits to their favorite vacation rental home during the holidays.

The top 5 reasons to stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental during the holidays with 75% of the respondents selecting the most important reason are:

· We like having a full kitchen at our home away from home
· We like the winter activities
· We want to be in the snow
· We can bring our dog
· We like to spend a quiet holiday alone

Our guests most enjoy the following activities during their holiday visit:

· Preparing meals at the vacation rental
· Spending time with friends
· Relaxing
· Playing board games and cards
· Reading a good book

We also asked our guests to tell us which of the Mt Hood Vacation Rental homes is their favorite for the holidays. However, the answers were so evenly spread across the board, that we have decided they are all great places to stay. It really depends upon your personal taste and needs.

If you are ready to reserve a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Eve, you can contact us 24/7/365 at:

866.761.8029 or by Email or simply Book Online or Live Chat or Push to Talk

Book Your Holiday Vacation Air Travel Now

2009-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

In his radio show today, Clark Howard quoted an article in Kiplinger.com about how to get the best deals and rates on your holiday airfare. The airlines are anxious to fill the flights now, so they are offering better prices for your holiday travel.

They have also provided a couple of tips on the best days to travel.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, so try to head out a couple of days earlier or fly in on Thanksgiving Day. Your flight will likely be less expensive and less crowded. I flew to Long Beach, California once on Thanksgiving and the airports were not crowded at all. Of course the flight was direct and only a couple of hours, so it was doable.

The Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving are also very busy, so if you can wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to head home that is best.

This year the Christmas and New Year's holiday has a bigger window of potential travel than usual. The airlines anticipate that business travel will be fairly non-existent between December 12 and January 11. This leaves a lot of seats to be filled for about 4 weeks. Again, now is the time to book those flights when the prices are lower and their are lots of options.

Because Christmas and New Year's Day both fall on a Friday this year, you should avoid traveling the Wednesday and Thursday before the holidays and wait until the Tuesday or Wednesday afterwards to get the best rates and again less crowded flights and airports.

Traveling on Christmas Day is sometimes a good option. I flew home from Palm Springs last year at about 4 PM on Christmas Day. The airport was empty. The employees told me their last flight was at 6 PM and there were 4 passengers booked on the flight.

Just as the airfares will increase as we get closer to the holiday periods, so will the lodging rates. When there is only a very small selection of vacation rentals left for the holidays, the rate goes up because there are so many last-minute planners trying to get into these few openings for their visits.

Additionally, if you book your holiday lodging now, you have much more selection than if you wait until the last minute. You have a much better chance of finding the perfect place to celebrate the holidays.

If you would like to stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for the holidays, contact us today to confirm the best place for your family and friends. Remember, we always provide discounted lift tickets for Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Hood SkiBowl to our guests as well. You can save up to $20 per person per day on your lift tickets.

All of our vacation rentals have fully-equipped kitchens which are ideal for preparing family feasts, fireplaces or woodstoves-always a plus on a cold, snowy night, entertainment systems for listening to music or watching your favorite movies and are fully furnished. Most homes have private outdoor hot tubs, offer free wifi and are also allow your family pooch to join you.

For reservations, 24/7/365:
Call us at 866.761.8029
Email us
Book Online
Chat with a Live Person
Push to Talk to a Vacation Advisor Now

5 Top Reasons our Guests Stay in Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

2009-09-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

We recently surveyed over 2000 past guests of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals and asked them why they visit the Villages of Mt Hood and what they like best about Mt Hood Vacation Rentals.

The top 5 features of a Mt Hood Vacation Rental that our guests are looking for when they make a reservation are:

Fully Equipped Kitchen
Private Outdoor Hot Tub
Fireplace
Cabin
Secluded & Riverfront (tied for 5th place)

We know that with the current economy, more people like the idea of cooking in their vacation rental these days. In the past, they probably went out for some of their meals. The fully-equipped kitchen is especially nice for families who want to feed the kids something different than the adults or large groups who want to prepare a sumptuous feast. These results confirm that our guests like cabins with nice kitchens, fireplaces and private outdoor hot tubs in secluded, riverfront locations.

The top 5 reasons to visit the Villages of Mt Hood:

Relaxation
Vacation
Romantic Getaway
Retreat
Snow Play

We were surprised to note that out of 30 listed reasons to visit, all of the other reasons barely rated. It appears that an occasion such as a birthday or activities such as hiking are secondary to just getting away from it all. This tell us that our guests appreciate that our homes are quiet, restful retreats that are easy to relax in.

One of our open-ended questions was, "What is the one thing we do best?" Repeatedly we were applauded for our extraordinarily great customer service (65% of the answers).

"You are wonderful at your customer service and your website is very very user friendly!"
"Ease of reservations and courtesy. Your management company is great. Never a problem."
"We enjoyed our stay so much, we were extremely impressed with the service from beginning to end. This included the contact I had with Mt Hood Rentals and amenities included with the rental. We will definitely use you again in the future for any Mt Hood Rental needs."

You can read more online reviews at our website, http://www.mthoodrentals.com/. Just click on the home that you like, then click on the "Reviews" tab. Approximately 60% of our guests have reviewed their visit online in the past 18 months.

What are your reasons for taking a vacation to Mt Hood? We would like to hear from you.

Oregon Foodies Contest: Win a 7-Night Culinary Vacation in Oregon

2009-08-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

The TravelOregon's Oregon Bounty contest this year is the best ever. Foodies and (beer, wine and spirits lovers) have the opportunity to win a 7-night culinary vacation in Oregon. All you have to do is send in a short video with a brief summary of why you should win. This could and should be FUN.

There will be 7 winners in 7 culinary categories:

Artisan Food Producer: Become a culinary artisan in Southern Oregon with chocolatier Jeff Shepherd of Lillie Belle Farms and cheese maker David Gremmels of Rogue Creamery

Brew Master: Turn hops and grains into craft beer with brew master Jamie Emmerson of Hood River's Full Sail Brewery

Chef: Immerse yourself in Portland's dynamic food scene working alongside chef Gabe Rucker--one of Portland's culinary provocateurs--learning how to turn out inventive, gourmet meals that delight diners at the award-winning Le Pigeon restaurant

Distiller: Get an advanced degree in mixology and learn about Oregon's booming craft spirits industry with distiller Jim Bendis of Central Oregon's Bendistillery

Rancher: Saddle up and herd cattle while learning sustainable ranching on two of Eastern Oregon's Country Natural Beef ranches with the Pickard and Boyer families, who have been in the business for generations

Fisherman: Head out to sea with charter boat skipper Lars Robison of Dockside Charters and learn the fine art of catching the Oregon Coast's prized wild salmon and rockfish

Winemaker: Walk the Willamette Valley vineyards of Penner-Ash Wine Cellars with renowned vintner Lynn Penner-Ash, learning the hands-on techniques involved in vineyard designate winemaking

I cannot decide which trip I would want to win. I love chocolate, so that would be cool. I love Oregon's craft beers, so that would be really cool, too. I have always been curious about how distilled spirits are made and I really like Bend Distillery's gin. Not a big meat eater, but curious about sustainable ranching and I do like the high desert in Eastern Oregon. I like salmon and rockfish, but I might get seasick and I think fishing is kinda boring. Duh, wine-making would of course be something fun to do.

To win a week-long culinary vacation in Oregon, you can enter the Ore gon Bounty contest here

Top 5 Dog Friendly Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

2009-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

The results are in. We surveyed almost 700 guests of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals who bring their dogs along when they stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental to find out which dog-friendly Mt Hood Vacation Rental is the favorite of their dog. Here they are listed in order with the best "dog house" at the top of the list:

Riverwood Hideaway
Deer Island Chalet
Bear Den Log Cabin
Wy'East Log Lodge
Pine River Cabin & Salmon River Retreat tied for 5th place

We also asked our guests which pet amenities are the most important to them and their dogs. Almost 75% of the respondents overwhelmingly voted for the most important feature at the top of the list.

Secluded location
Walking distance to river or creek
Large yard
Close to hiking trails
River or creek on property

There was a 3-way tie for the Mt Hood Vacation Rental home that our guests would like to try out the next time they bring their dog with them on vacation. Those homes are:

Rapid River Retreat
Salmon River Retreat
Wy'East Log Lodge

Some of our guests also shared stories about their dogs and sent along photos, too.

The most heart-warming story was from a guest who stayed at the Deer Island Chalet. Here is her story in part:

At the time when we visited, we had 2 dogs, Wicket and Natasha. Wicket was a yellow lab mix, elderly, and had several health problems. She absolutely came to life at the property! Even though it was freezing, she swam in the river for over an hour, and we all took long walks on the trails every day. Neither of my dogs had seen deer before, so imagine their surprise when a group of nine was standing outside the livingroom window one morning! We had to put Wicket to sleep just a couple of months after our trip, but I cherish the memories that we have of her at Deer Island Chalet, and I am grateful that she got to do what she loved best: swim as long as she wanted, walk trails, and then crash into a hard sleep next to her owners every night.

Over 75% of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals permit dogs to stay with you when on your vacation. If you would like to plan a summer or winter vacation at Mt Hood with your dog, just give us a call at 866.976.0235 or visit us online.

Arctic Blast 2008 vs. Heat Wave 2009

2009-08-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Now that the Heat Wave of 2009 has officially passed, we can take a reflective look back at the extreme weather events of the past 8 months or so. After the 10 straight days of over 90 degree temps with many days reaching over 100 degrees, it is hard to imagine that just last December, we were experiencing record-breaking cold and snow.

For business owners at Mt Hood, snow during the winter season is our lifeline. So when winter came a month late, we were relieved to finally have snowfall. Sorta... The snow came all at once, a winter's worth during the last 2 weeks of December, causing frozen pipes, power outages and difficult driving conditions. The skiing was good, though.

Fast forward to the last 2 weeks of July with 2 weeks of hot, dry temps. Overuse of air conditioning caused power brown-outs. And many people did not have AC. Is it global warming or just Southern California Santa Ana winds moving north to the Pacific Northwest?

For many people, the heat just means being uncomfortable. After all, here in the Pacific Northwest, it just doesn't get that hot. Don't we tell people all the time that we don't need air conditioning?

So here is the question. If you could choose between a record-breaking extreme weather event to take place again in the next year, which do you choose; the cold snow of the Arctic Blast or the stifling heat of the Heat Wave? Or maybe the question should be, which is more tolerable?

The results of an informal survey of our office staff as well as other Villages of Mt Hood residents surprised me. For one thing, most people actually had to stop and think about it for a few minutes. Personally, it was a hands down, easy to answer question: I'll take the heat wave any day.

So far, the vote is pretty much split down the middle with 43% choosing another Arctic Blast, 36% would choose a Heat Wave and 21% are waffling in the middle.

Of those who could endure another Arctic Blast, some of the comments were:

"I can always put more clothes on; there comes a point when you just cannot take anything else off."

"I love the snow."

"I moved here to get away from hot summers. Where I grew up we would get a whole lot more snow, so this didn't seem so bad."

"I think it is cool when the power goes out. I love cooking on my woodstove."

Okay, that last person should have been born 100 years earlier.

For the heat lovers, the comments were more like:

"If the snow didn't make so much work, I would like it more. But I had to shovel snow everyday, put chains on my car. Some days I couldn't get to my house and had to walk."

"It didn't get that hot and it cools down at night."

"I don't like the treacherous driving that the snow creates."

"I like it when it is sunny and warm. At least it is not humid here."

We want to know which weather event you would rather live through again if you had to pick one: an Arctic Blast or a Heat Wave?

Email us with your comments.

Timothy Lake-High Rock Road Ride is Ideal on a Hot Day

2009-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Timothy Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest is an ideal location for beating the summer heat in the city. At over 3500 feet, the high temp yesterday was about 88 degrees, less in the shade and the water temp was 72 degrees! Awesome.

I rode the Timothy Lake-High Rock loop around the lake on practically deserted roads. There is almost no traffic here, so you can pick your line on the pavement and have a very safe ride. At the end of ride, a dip in the lake is super refreshing.

A couple of notes about the ride. Do it clockwise, the one 6-mile big hill is steep and big, but then you are done climbing; the rest is rolly-polly or mostly downhill. If you go the other way, you have a long, slow slog uphill for the first 1/2 of the ride. And you finish with a 5-mile uphill. This way you get the climbing out of the way early. You can find a detailed map and ride profile at www.roadbikerides.com. Click on "Find a Ride", then enter Mt Hood, Oregon and look for rides within 30 miles. If you are not a member, you can register for free in about 2 minutes.

Bring plenty of water and food as this is in the middle of the forest, there are not stores. There is water at the lake and at mile 26 at Little Crater Lake Campground. There is a really nice 18-mie mountain bike trail around the lake as well as other mountain bike trails in the area.

This ride is posted at Mt Hood Territory (the upper loop on their map), but they haven't noted the wash-out at about mile 2.5. There is a section of road for about 2/10 of a mile that requires you to walk your bike; the rest is nicely paved.

Paul and the boys and the dogs spent the afternoon swimming with the dogs. Just a fun place to go to get out of the city heat in the summer.

Marmot Rd to Coalman Rd Loop Bike Ride from Welches

2009-07-22T17:24:00.001-07:00

Great 35-mile road ride yesterday on back country roads from Welches to Sandy and back. Mostly roll-polly with a couple of good hills to keep you busy. Gotta earn that microbrew after the ride. Very scenic with multiple views of Mt Hood and several Sandy River crossings. Almost no traffice, but plenty of farms, ranches and nurseries. Take enough water and food as your first stop to replenish is a slight detour into the town of Sandy or a slight detour to Oral Hull Park off of Coalman Rd.

For a map and ride profile, go to http://www.roadbikerides.com/, then click on "Find a Ride". Type in Mt Hood, Oregon and look for rides within 30 miles. You can sign up for a free membership in about 2 minutes.