Mt. Tumalo

Did a quick solo hike up Mt. Tumalo before meeting the crew in Bend for the Pole Peddle Paddle. Mt. is the relatively small volcano across the street from Mt. Bachelor. In the winter, Mt. Tumalo is a popular spot among the Bend locals, and fresh snow can be tracked out as fast as the resort. But on this sunny May morning, I found myself in perfect solitude.
I camped in my car in the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park and hit the snow at around 6:30 am.

The ascent through the woods was low angle and straightforward, and I got to summit in a little over an hour.  I hung out in the sun as the east bowl warmed, and at around 8:00am the snow was prime for the first lap. I made two more laps, each time the corn snow getting better and better. At around 10 am, I descended the west face through the trees, and back to my car.

The Route:

Start: Dutchman's Flat Sno-Park

Ascent: ~ 1300 ft. This is a popular climb, and often there is a well established skin track in place. Follow the fall line straight up the mountain until you reach the clearing around 200 vertical feet below the summit. At that point, work your way right to the South ridge, and ascend that to the summit. 

Descent: The East bowl is a short, steep fun run in almost any snow conditions. If you ski the East Bowl, you will have to ascend back to the summit, and descend the West Face through the trees back to the car. The tree skiing is fantastic when you can get it on a powder day (and the low angle makes it a great option when conditions are unstable). But, if you get it late season, or without fresh snow, the West Face can reduce you to survival skiing. 

Rating: 3/5 (Short, but well worth it if you're in the area)