[RockChucker]

Your right.... its kind of an optical illusion. The mountain is very 'pointed' and the perception can be that the top cannot be more than 2 hours hike from the lodge. Even from the top of the lift at the top of the Palmer ice field, it will still take the greater part of the morning to get up there.

If you linger too long at the top, the temperature riseup to 70 - 80f. The ice starts melting and rocks are let loose (not to mention the developing clouds). I have played dodge ball with basket ball size rocks barreling down at me. One time, it turned out my 'buddy' beat me to the top of this step ridge and was rolling the things down on me for laughs (proof - Maui Waui can kill!).

As mountains of that altitude go, it is relatively easy (except for the last 500 feet where you ought to use ropes). It's basically a step uphill walk. Thats the problem. People can drive 1 hour from Portland and be at the timeberline (parking and pool available) and start hiking.

[bedolido]

wasn't there a tragedy a few years ago (possibly in the late 70's or early 80's) involving a group of blind climbers?

[bedolido]

I'm not a climber (physical problems) but was tempted to try the climb to the top of Hood. I used to want to do the same on Mt St Helens (before it blew). St Helens was a perfectly shaped volcano. I used to go steelhead fishing on the North Fork of the Lewis in southern Washington state. I think the lewis was one of the rivers affected by the eruption.