Summer is in Full Bloom on Mt. Hood

It is one of the most amazing times to be exploring Mt. Hood.  June is bright with Pacific Rhododendron, and you will immediately notice the bright pink blooms of this beautiful shrub as you drive up to Mt. Hood!  Highway 26 is lined with them, and you will definitely understand why the last town you passed through is named Rhododendron.  The pioneers mis-called these plants Laurel, and had one heck of a time blazing trail through them.  You will also pass Laurel Hill on your way to Government Camp, so pull on off and take a short walk with interpretive signs with interesting facts about the Barlow Road.

June is also “Beargrass time”, 3 foot long stalks shoot out of a clump of grass sporting a big glob of tiny white flowers.  Bears and elk eat the young grass and flower shoots in spring, and the grass was used by Native Americans to make baskets, hats, capes, clothing, and more.  People still get Forest Service permits to gather these grasses to use in flower arrangements.  Come on in and see us at Mt. Hood Adventure and we can send you to the best places to see these two gorgeous flowering plants.  Come now so you don’t miss out!