Back by popular demand, The Mt. Hood Villages yoga scene returns to the area with a number of classes, days, and times for community members to choose from. After a long hiatus owing to different yoga instructors moving from the mountain to explore other avenues, fresh new community members have relocated to The Mt. Hood Villages, and with them comes a new influx of yoga for the community. Mt. Hood Villages resident and current yoga instructor Elle Mesa is just one of the man

The lack of snow on Mt. Hood is on many people’s minds these days. Our ski resorts are hoping for more, to salvage a disappointing season. Businesses are struggling with fewer visitors than usual. But there is hope: Data from Timberline Lodge show that in all four of the seasons with the lowest snowpack, the snowpack recovered significantly in the spring. In three of those seasons, snowpack ended up above the long-term depth by May, as the chart on this page shows. In 1980/19

In my previous article, I talked about the Dental Office Bandits in Oregon and how their creative plan actually worked and they were never caught.  I also brought up that at about the same time as this was happening, the biggest and boldest heist in recent history was committed in Paris at the famous Louvre museum.  I promised an epilogue to that story involving the biggest art heist in history that was somehow tied to dentistry. While in dental school in Boston over 20 years

Chiropractic is rooted in a timeless understanding of life and health — one articulated and fiercely protected by B.J. Palmer, the developer of chiropractic and son of its founder, D.D. Palmer. Often called the philosopher of chiropractic, Palmer dedicated his life to preserving a core truth: that the body is intelligent, self-healing, and governed by the nervous system. He taught that life flows Above-Down, Inside-Out. From the brain, housed within the skull, messages travel

Letter to the Editor Dear Welches Family, Friends and Neighbors, I am reaching out regarding a new project I am working on for St. John in the Woods Catholic Church. This July marks their 100th anniversary in Welches and I am part of a team working on creating a commemorative book to mark the occasion. St. John in the Woods is rich in history, not only as a place of worship, but also as a symbol of the region’s past. In 1937, Henry Steiner built a new log church after the ori

In late February, the Skiyente Women’s Ski Club marked 70 years of "badass" sisterhood on the slopes of Mount Hood, culminating in the annual Maryanne Cup race at Summit Ski Area. Named for the club’s legendary founder Maryanne Hill, the event celebrated both the club’s history and its thriving present. Founded in 1955, Skiyente began when a group of women decided they weren’t content to “putter around the bunny slopes.” They wanted to race – and race seriously. Seven decades

On March 20, the Sandy Parks and Rec Department and Sandy Library are taking over the Sandy Community Center for a night of wholesome, nearly silent fun. For 15 dollars, kids in grades six through 12 can spend two-and-a-half hours hanging with their friends in an environment parents can feel comfortable with. It’s time for the fourth annual Silent Disco at the Sandy Community Center. The Silent Disco is organized by the Parks Department’s Recreation Coordinator, Carol Cohen,

Relocation plans for the Mount Hood Rest Area are moving forward, bringing a significant change to Government Camp. When the existing facility moves southeast along Highway 26, the town will lose its only public restrooms – prompting Clackamas County to move ahead with a  replacement near the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum. Teresa Christopherson, administrator for Clackamas County’s Social Services Division, said the county has identified a final site for the local fac

Place of birth: Salem, Oregon How long on the Mountain? 56 years; my entire life, as we have always had a cabin on the ZigZag and we have had two of them. If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain? I was adopted at a month old and the family that raised me brought me to the Old Forest from the time I was an infant. Profession: Philosopher, Researcher, Consultant, and Homeowner Board Member of Proud Ground (Community Land Trust). Other p

Grief Made Visible  is a collection of writing and visual art that fosters greater awareness and understanding of grief within our community. Each year, participants from Mt. Hood Hospice’s free community grief support groups are invited to share artwork and writings that reflect insights from their personal grief journeys. The exhibit typically features 50-70 pieces created by 10-20 artists. Hosted throughout the month of April at AntFarm Café and Bakery in Sandy, Oregon, th

When it comes to community involvement and dedication to giving back, the ladies of Wander Free and Queer have set the bar high. Not only do they design, create, and inspire with their LGBTQ+ merchandise through their business, they’re taking their voice and compassion to the community with events to help encourage and educate their fellow neighbors on what it means to be proud of who you are. Mt. Hood Village residents since 2020, Danella Demary and Allie Schouten began thei

Seven years ago, the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival returned home to the Mt. Hood Community College campus, where, in its heyday, it drew in thousands of jazz enthusiasts and big name musicians like B.B. King, Rosemary Clooney, and Tito Puente.  Now under the management of the college — and its Director of Jazz Studies/Music Instructor Dan Davey — the festival has expanded to not only serve up five days of terrific tunes, but opportunities for middle and high school musicians to comp

Although the end of February provided some much needed winter weather in The Mt. Hood National Forest, reports indicate that this winter’s snowpack is at critically low levels. With little to no snow over the holiday season and January and February producing spring-like temperatures, Mt. Hood’s pristine snow-covered base was almost nonexistent.  According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], as of mid February, the snowpack on Mt. Hood was around 34-

Hoodland Women’s Club member Emily Overland had been an urban kid all her life. But she’d always dreamed of living in the mountains. Then, two years ago, an opportunity to live on the mountain just dropped into her life. She and her partner moved up here in 2025. “It has been a big adjustment, but we love it,” Emily said. Trails into the woods are right out their front door. “I love the quiet and the slower pace on the mountain. It’s so easy, so fulfilling.” Emily joined HWC

Map Curve, also known as “Dead Man’s Curve” by locals, is a sweeping curve of Highway 26 just west of Government Camp. The scenic stretch of highway is notorious for being the site of serious car crashes over the years. Evan Jarvis will never forget that July night in 2023 when he responded to the call as a member of the special rope rescue team. He and other emergency first responders performed the daring rescue of two injured crash victims. Hoodland and Clackamas County fir

If you’ve never made the drive up to Skibowl for a round (or six) of Cosmic Tubing, now is your best shot. Thanks to Skibowl’s rigorous commitment to keeping snow on the ground, there’s never a bad time to hit the slopes, whether you’re riding an inner tube or a pair of skis. It’s been a rough year for snowfall on Mt. Hood. For an anxiety-inducing example of that fact, let’s look at one of the key metrics used by professionals to measure the snowpack: snow water equivalent. E

Eleanor did it again: Another swell book to curl up with and enjoy while waiting for our winter to arrive. One does wonder if her objective was more plotting than pleasure (I never know with her), but whatever her intentions, high praise is in order for Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club .  Unlike many other detective novels, the scene is set at a retirement home and not a dingy, dark, rundown office in some shady part of London. And unlike many other detective novels,

As Sandy High School senior Payten Priester springs onto the mat in Anaheim, California, she realizes she is accomplishing something she never would’ve imagined possible her freshman year: cheering in front of 8,000 spectators at USA Spirit Nationals.  Priester began her high school cheerleading career her sophomore year, but her experience with cheer began far before that. In addition to several years of youth cheer, Priester has been attending practices and games since she

Most art that captivates its audience is displayed on canvas or inside a frame, but some of the more unique forms are the pieces of everyday or special occasion jewelry made by Mt. Hood Villages jewelry maker Patrick Looney – and his art is practical and perfect. A resident of The Mt. Hood Villages for thirty years, Looney’s passion for creating art with metals began in high school, and he has recently discovered that his jewelry not only reflects his creativity, but are top

With lower snowpack across much of Oregon and early signs of dry summer conditions, wildfire preparedness is already part of the conversation in many rural communities. On the west side of the Cascades, spring rain can still influence how fire season unfolds. But when snowpack is lower, preparation becomes even more important. In Sandy and surrounding areas, AntFarm’s Community Wildfire Defense Program is not waiting to see what summer brings. Backed primarily by funding thro

Clackamas County officials are urging residents to take a few minutes to share their experiences with rising living costs and access to essential services before a key deadline later this month. The county’s Community Needs Assessment survey , which is conducted once every three years, is open now and will remain available through March 15 . Officials say the feedback helps guide how social services funding and resources are directed throughout the county. Residents who compl

On a clear winter morning in Government Camp, it’s easy to imagine what the mountain looked like decades ago. Before high-speed lifts and groomed runs became the norm, skiers carved their way through trees and open glades, following routes that felt more like backcountry adventures than resort laps. For many longtime locals, those early ski routes weren’t just recreation. They were part of life on the mountain. Later this month, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum honors th

Camp Arrah Wanna's annual youth Winter Camp this coming weekend, February 13th-16th and have had four last-minute cabin counselor cancellations, plus a medic, due to unforeseen circumstances with travel. Are you or do you know someone that would be willing and able to volunteer? Volunteer positions needed:     (2) Female cabin counselors      (3) Male cabin counselors     (1) Medic WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!! Scan the QR code on the flyer or follow this link to apply:  Sign-in | Ca

Hoodland Senior Center’s Executive Director, Carianne Stearns, has announced she will resign from her position in March 2026, marking the end of more than two years of dedicated service to seniors in the Hoodland community. Change is a normal part of life, and this moment offers a chance to reflect on the positive energy, growth, and care that Carianne has brought to the Senior Center during her time as director. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the center extends sincere

Most of you know that the mission of the Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is to bring County information to our Hoodland community members and provide a loud voice back to the County. We also provide speaking opportunities of interest to the community. At the February 19 th  7:00 p.m. CPO meeting, we are pleased to bring Gary Randall, photographer and historian, back on a Zoom Virtual Meeting with his Barlow Trail Memorabilia and Historic Tales of the pioneers

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1996, a natural disaster that reshaped the Mount Hood corridor and tested the resolve of communities of the Mount Hood corridor. The winter of 1995–96 had been unsettled from the start. Snowpack was thin through much of December and early January. Then a late-month Arctic blast buried the Cascades under several feet of snow, which turned to ice, setting the stage for what followed. On February 6, a warm Pineapple Exp

John Drake is serving his third year of a four-year term as vice president of the Hoodland Fire District Board Of Directors. He was elected to the volunteer position in May 2023 and took office on July 1 of that year.  He retired after 26 years working as a firefighter for the Portland Fire Bureau. He spent 13 years as a line firefighter and 13 as a fire inspector with the fire marshal’s office.  He believes that being a Hoodland Fire board member and retired firefighter with

With domestic violence numbers on the rise across the United States, many state and local government agencies are taking to their communities to educate, provide resources, and offer support to survivors. Small towns all across the country, including The Mt. Hood Villages, are reaching out to community members in show of support to those who have suffered at the hands of domestic violence. The Hoodland Bazaar, in partnership with Clackamas County Women’s Services, has been of

Let’s face it, folks. February can be a tough month on the mountain. The holidays are officially over, and our lush corner of Oregon is charging up for a green spring with an endless parade of gray, rainy days. Nothing knocks off that cold shroud like a hot, filling breakfast. Maybe that’s why February is National Hot Breakfast Month. For any mountain residents or visitors who want to start their day with a hearty hot breakfast, here are some of The Mountain Times’ favorite o

As an avid lover of the written word, both from my own creativity and that of others, my fellow Mountain Times journalists have given me my very own column to discuss all things books and boy, oh boy, am I excited! A passionate pastime of mine, and  part of my professional life as a book cafe owner, literature has always been the pinnacle of my existence and, by default, my beloved cat, Eleanor’s. So without further ado, I give to you, a brief synopsis of Maggie O’Farrell’s h

Although most artists’ talents are derived from training, education, and hours and hours of practice, for some, it's the absolute desire and drive which gives them the tools, skills, and focus they need to become proficient in their trade. And for Mt. Hood Villages resident and former Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus performer, Mary Beth Ferlo, all of that is true. Born and raised in Portland, Ferlo knew from an early age that dance was her absolute passion. “Be

February is often associated with love, generosity, and showing up for the people and places that matter to us. At AntFarm Youth Services, this season feels especially meaningful as we navigate a challenging moment for community-based organizations across the country, with unique pressures hitting rural communities especially hard. AntFarm started and exists to connect youth, families, and community members to resources, support, and pathways toward stability and empowerment.

As we prepare to embark on another year, the team behind The Mountain Times is prepping for a truly exciting event: the launch of a new publication, The Sandy Standard . This new monthly newspaper will deliver a fresh batch of community-oriented stories focused on the residents of Sandy. In these divisive times, it’s critical to remember that we are all of us more alike than different. Every print edition of The Mountain Times  is a reflection of that comforting truth. The pa

We have several delicious dining options on the mountain, offerings for your tastes or your budget. But few restaurants on the mountain have the same reputation for blending quality and comfort like the Rendezvous Grill.  Original owners Tom and Susie were known far and wide. Tom worked the front and ensured that every customer was satisfied. Meanwhile, Susie spent her time in the kitchen inventing sumptuous delights for lucky diners. When news of their retirement broke, it s

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — a time to focus on prevention, early detection, and caring for your long-term health. At Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic, we believe proactive, preventive care is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our community healthy. Cervical cancer is largely preventable when detected early through regular screenings, yet many people delay or skip these important exams. Our Hoodland team is here to change that by providing care that

As The Mt. Hood Villages closes the door on 2025 and rings in 2026, many community members are sharing sentiments of excitement for the change and growth a new year can bring. Whether it’s trying to dedicate more time to hiking and outdoor activities or committing more time to family and friends, the new year offers a chance to shed the past and welcome the future with open arms.  Unlike many other small towns throughout the country, The Mt. Hood Villages offers an outdoor es

Most of you know that the mission of the Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is to bring County information to our Hoodland community members and provide a loud voice back to the County. We also provide speaking opportunities of interest to the community.  December brought rains that only some of us have seen over the years. As soon as the power shut down – Wednesday, 12/17/25 3:11a.m. – while we still had cell coverage, the Ham Operators and HECN Radio volunteers

As we head into the new year, we want to acknowledge the challenging end to December for our community. Welches Schools were closed 12/17–12/19 due to windstorms, heavy rain, and widespread power outages. We hope everyone has had time to recover and that, despite the disruption, you were still able to enjoy a restful and lovely holiday break with family and friends. Our community truly shows up for one another, especially during tough moments. Before the storms rolled in, Dec

Before I climb into this month’s topic, an update to last month’s column on park/parking passes. A faithful reader reminded me that you can get a free day-use pass to any of the several Clackamas County Parks, including Barlow Wayside, through our local public library system. To reserve, you’ll need a library card and access to the library web site, www.ci.sandy.or.us/library (click on Cultural Pass Express). Note that your pass must be printed out and displayed on your vehi

In late December 1964, as the Mountain was preparing for Christmas, the weather in the upper Sandy River valley began to shift quickly. A warm Chinook wind swept into the region, accompanied by days of heavy rain, melting a deep early-winter snowpack, while frozen ground prevented the water from soaking in. Creeks rose first, then the rivers. By the time people realized how serious it was, the water was already moving fast and carrying things with it — logs, boulders, and ent

As The Mt. Hood Villages begin a new year with potential winter weather finally on the horizon, 2025 decided to go out with a bang full of high winds, heavy rains, flooding, and landslides all within the borders of the community. With two significant weather patterns, back to back, the Mt. Hood National Forest and Mt. Hood Villages became significantly damaged with both systems that fell across the area. The first wave of storms hit the second week of December, bringing warme

As children awaited the arrival of Santa Claus, Mount Hood ski resorts and hydrologists alike were hoping and waiting for the arrival of the next big winter storm.  As of Dec. 15, Timberline Lodge, Meadows, and SkiBowl were all still waiting for enough snow to open, and USDA supervisory hydrologist Matt Warbritton and his team were likewise looking for some lower temperatures and wintery precipitation to hit the Hood, Sandy, and Lower Deschutes region (and other parts of the

Seventy-five years ago this winter, a city bus rose off the ground at Government Camp and began climbing Mt. Hood – not on pavement, but on steel cables suspended high above the forest. Packed inside were reporters, photographers, and radio announcers, all invited to witness the debut of one of the most unusual transportation experiments in Oregon history: the Mt. Hood Skiway. The January 3, 1951 preview run marked the arrival of what promoters called the longest aerial tramw

In the late hours of November 21, just a few days before Thanksgiving, a residential fire erupted just off Barlow Trail in Rhododendron. Luckily the fire was contained in just 17 minutes thanks to the robust response of local fire officials — however, the house is a total loss for the family.  Hoodland Fire Division Chief Brian Henrichs spoke to The Mountain Times , in the aftermath of the blaze. “The first call came in just after midnight, at 12:32 a.m,” he says. The first c

The call came through and the question was simple: were we interested? Why, yes. Yes we were! There was going to be an Irish festival in Boston, and we’d been invited to perform. The festival was supposed to have it all: plenty of music on several stages, Celtic dancers, vendors, specialty foods, events for children. They’d cover airfare and accommodations, which was standard, plus a nice check at the end of the day. Big names from Ireland and Scotland were flying in from bot

Place of birth: Paris, TN How long on the Mountain: 25 years If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain: My husband and I started praying about where we should begin our life together, God paved the way to Oregon, and it was meant to be. It's been a blessing ever since. What a great place to raise children and be a child at heart yourself!  Profession: Welches School Assistant Building Secretary and co-owner of Salmon River Electric  Other pr

Happy New Year to all of you from the Mt. Hood Lions Club. Let’s hope we have a great 2026! Christmas Toy Drive Dinner, “The Polar Express“ That mean old Grinch couldn’t derail “The Polar Express.“ Thanks to all of you for attending our Christmas Toy Drive Dinner the evening of Saturday December 6th. We had a great turnout with about 160 in attendance. There were lots of toys contributed for the local children. This year we will also be giving out lots of gloves to folks. The

Lori Neely, HWC Vice President, models a wrap for sale at the HWC craft booth at Mount Hood Villages in December. The Hoodland Women’s Club celebrated the season on Dec. 15 with a festive holiday party at Alpine Events. The donation table piled high as the night progressed, with members bringing canned food and unwrapped gifts for teenagers to give to the Holiday Baskets for our community. “Seeing the donation table fill up was a beautiful reminder of what this group is capab

It was pouring outside Welches Elementary School on December 13, but, for the students of Sandy High School, the weather was just a backdrop to an annual tradition. A district van and two school buses pulled up, loaded with students and gear, and the "schlep" began. With rain hitting the pavement in sheets, students and helpers dodged raindrops as they hauled in a heavy marimba, various drums, and carts loaded with chairs and music stands. Despite the damp start, the atmosphe

This past May, local voters passed a $19.1 million dollar bond measure to help build a new fire station for the Hoodland Fire District. They also elected retired attorney Kirk Peterson, a strong advocate for the bond measure, to fill a vacancy on the board of directors. A member of the fire district budget committee since 2019, Peterson looks like a good fit for Hoodland. The newest director on the board has a handle on the issues facing the fire district.  “After retiring as