Portland, OR: Pocket Creek to Meadows Creek (Winter Route)
Glide through quiet forests and snow-covered meadows at the base of Mount Hood on this 6.2-mile route from Pocket Creek Sno-Park to Teacup Sno-Park.
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Swap your hiking boots for cross country skis and snowshoes during the winter months to take advantage of Oregon’s plethora of Sno-Parks (plowed parking areas near groomed and backcountry trails). This 6.2-mile winter route connects two Sno-Parks and offers a great workout at the foot of Mount Hood.
From the trailhead at Pocket Creek Sno-Park, head southeast on Pocket Creek Trail—you’ll start off with a 0.4-mile descent toward the East Fork Hood River before turning right at the Y-junction onto Meadows Creek Trail. From here, you’ll glide along a narrow path that climbs steadily through the forest (follow the blue diamond blazes). After 1.3 miles, bear left at another Y-junction and listen closely: you may be able to hear the rushing of Clark Creek. The sounds of the creek get louder as you round the bend and near the Clark Creek bridge.
After crossing the bridge, the route climbs 0.7 mile to the Teacup Trail intersection. Bear right and head northwest to reach the end of the trail at the Teacup Trailhead. Turn around and follow the same route back to Pocket Creek Trailhead.
MORE INFO: Oregon Sno-Parks
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le
Trail Facts
- Distance: 10.0
Waypoints
POC001
Location: 45.328697, -121.58641
The route starts from the Pocket Creek Trailhead (located at the northern end of the parking lot). Point your ski tips or snowshoes to the southeast and follow Pocket Creek Trail/NF 3540 for a 0.4-mile descent toward the East Fork Hood River.
POC002
Location: 45.325026, -121.581187
Bear right @ Y-junction, heading southwest on Meadows Creek Trail. Follow a narrow path that steadily climbs through the forest. Ahead: Follow the blue diamond blazes.
POC003
Location: 45.317883, -121.595093
Bear left @ Y-junction. Listen closely: You may hear the rushing of Clark Creek. Ahead, the sounds of the creek get louder as you round the bend and near the Clark Creek bridge.
POC004
Location: 45.317043, -121.595215
Cross the Clark Creek bridge and head west.
POC005
Location: 45.31649, -121.596847
Bear right @ Y-junction, following the sign to Teacup Lake. The trail continues to climb.
POC006
Location: 45.317256, -121.607183
Bear right @ the Teacup Trail intersection, heading northwest.
POC007
Location: 45.320055, -121.621764
The route ends at the Teacup Trailhead. Turn around and follow the same route back to the Pocket Creek Trailhead. Enjoy the 2.7-mile descent to East Fork Hood River.