Lupine and Mt. Jefferson as viewed from the Stadium Loop Trail (No. 5). Photo by Josey Rice.
As more flowers continue to bloom at Mt. Hood Meadows, the areas along our hiking trails are continuing to get more colorful. Right now, the Stadium Loop Trail (No. 5), is a great example of this, and is our pick for Hike of the Week at the resort.
Stadium Loop is conveniently located at the top of the Stadium Express chairlift used for our scenic chair rides, and is a short, easy, family-friendly hike for those looking for a quick way to experience both stunning views of the Cascades and beautiful wildflowers. However, it also connects to other trails if you're looking for a longer hike (download our trail map or view it on our Summer Page to check out other options).
To start the hike, we recommend taking a scenic chair ride up Stadium Express (tickets are available online or at the resort), then heading briefly down the gravel road underneath the lift before meeting up with the beginning of the Stadium Loop (look for the brown "5" marker next to the wood chip trail). Clocking in at about half a mile and roughly 10-15 minutes long, the hike features 144 feet of elevation change and, as the name suggests, makes a loop that will take you back to the gravel road below Stadium Express.
Lupine along Stadium Loop. Photo by Josey Rice.
Meadows Summer Operations Manager Josey Rice reports that lupine, penstemon, cat's ear lily, and aster are "really popping" along the Stadium Loop right now. Also, with all the warm weather we have received lately, all of our summer trails are now open and flagged, although please be aware that there is still a considerable amount of snow on the backside of the Bear Grass Trail (No. 1) and Upper Wizard Way (No. 9).
While the remaining snow continues to melt and more plants pop up, we ask everyone that while you're out hiking, please remember to stay on the trails and roads in order to protect sensitive vegetation, wetlands, and other important natural resources at Mt. Hood Meadows. Thank you, and enjoy your hike!