: Lodging grounds at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort

Year-Round Delights at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort

The whole family can adventure, rest and recharge at this laid-back mountainside retreat.
June 10, 2022 (Updated May 30, 2023)

Nestled into the trees on the north face of Mt. Hood, the 775-acre Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is an idyllic setting for year-round adventure. Welcoming, accessible and low-key in the best possible way, it’s the perfect destination for a stress-free family getaway.

Cooper Spur’s lodging options include rustic log cabins accommodating up to eight guests, as well as a traditional lodge with condos for eight guests and smaller hotel-style rooms. Along with some pet-friendly digs, many units boast kitchens and fireplaces. The warm timber construction harkens back to the resort’s origins as a seasonal tent camp established in 1885 by David Rose Cooper and his wife, Marian. You can even rent the Homestead Cabin, built in the 1950s with updated amenities for today’s guests. Here’s what to expect at the resort year-round.

Tamanawas Falls (photo source alamy.com)

Summer Breezes: Waterfalls, Wildflowers and Stargazing

The resort’s altitude and forested setting make for a cool getaway during the warm months. Family-friendly hiking options begin at your doorstep on the resort’s Bear Loop Trail, a 0.8-mile hike that meanders through a canopy of old-growth trees. Venture a few miles down the road to Tamanawas Falls, a 3.5-mile moderate hike suitable for a variety of abilities. At Mt. Hood Meadows resort, Cooper Spur guests can hop the chairlift for a free ride uphill to take in the views and wildflowers, exploring more than 8 miles of hiking trails on the way down. 

After a day of adventure on- or off-property, retreat to  Cooper Spur’s welcoming grounds. Gather around tabletop fire pits and gaze at the stars or simply revel in the breathtaking views of the iconic Northwest peaks of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. During fair weather, make use of the barbecue and picnic areas, then play family lawn games, tennis, volleyball, basketball or horseshoes. 

Cooper Spur Ski Area (photo by Cooper Spur Mountain Resort)

Winter Vibes: Skiing, Snowboarding and Snowshoeing

When the snow starts to fall, Nordic skiers can practically ski straight from their cabins, gliding along a 6.5-kilometer groomed trail that winds through old-growth forest. Visit the resort’s Nordic Center for cross-country ski rentals and complimentary snowshoe use for resort guests, along with guided tours. Ten minutes away, explore 20 kilometers of groomed trails at Teacup Nordic.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are just 1.5 miles away at the family-oriented Cooper Spur Ski Area. You’ll find short lines and affordably priced lift tickets and family season passes, and you won’t spend the day in the car or schlepping gear. Onsite rentals are available with season passes or group and private lesson purchases, which will get beginning skiers up and running in no time. A rope tow will ferry even the most timid skier up the hill, while intermediate skiers can hit the double chairlift to explore nine runs and 50 acres of varied terrain.

For a bit more of a challenge, head to nearby Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort, where Cooper Spur guests can buy discounted lift tickets midweek from January to April. Energetic snowshoers should check out the Tilly Jane Trail, accessed near Cooper Spur Ski Area. It climbs above the tree line to Cooper Spur Shelter, a 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps project that’s a picturesque spot to take in dramatic winter views.

Crooked Tree Tavern & Grill (photo by Cooper Spur Mountain Resort)

Farm-to-Table Dining at Your Doorstep

While many of the lodging options at Cooper Spur include kitchen facilities, you won’t want to overlook the resort’s Crooked Tree Tavern & Grill. The creative menu, inspired by seasonal ingredients sourced from farms and ranches in the Hood River Valley, is complemented by an extensive drinks menu spotlighting the talents of local winemakers, cider makers, beer brewers and spirit distillers. 

With its inviting atmosphere and cozy fireplace, it’s the perfect spot to recharge after a day on the slopes by tucking into an organic elk burger or an order of “bacon bourbon bombs,” the resort’s signature appetizer of bourbon-marinated dates filled with smokey Rogue blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. In warmer weather, relax outdoors with a blueberry-lavender spritzer and a salad of locally sourced heirloom tomatoes and herbs.

Kids aren’t an afterthought at Crooked Tree, where there’s an affordably priced, scratch-made menu designed for young appetites. No matter what your age, be sure to save room for the resort’s delicious homemade gelato!

Hiking trail in Mt. Hood National Forest (photo by Cooper Spur Mountain Resort)

Day Trips & Scenic Drives

While on-site amenities and activities make Cooper Spur a peaceful retreat in its own right, it’s ideally located to explore nearby attractions.

The Columbia River Gorge — with hiking trails, waterfalls and jaw-dropping vistas — is only a 30-minute drive down the mountain through the lush Mt. Hood National Forest. The Columbia River is a great place to try water activities such as paddle boarding or kayaking, especially on a hot day.

The region is also where you’ll find Hood River, with its lively dining scene, galleries, boutiques, cultural attractions and local wine-tasting rooms. A spring drive along the scenic 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop starts just 15 minutes away and winds through cherry, pear and apple orchards decked in blossoms. Stop along the way at stands like Draper Girls’ Country Farm to feed the goats or sample cider, jams, honey and juices. Don’t forget to pick up seasonal produce to prepare back in your resort kitchen. 

With 360 degrees of 365-day-a-year fun surrounding Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, you’ll find something to do in nearly every direction.

About The
Author

Rachel Bucci
Rachel Bucci is a writer based in Oregon's Willamette Valley. She enjoys exploring all four corners of the state with her husband and son, who are always game for adventure whether it’s hiking in the Cascades or crabbing along Siletz Bay. She has a soft spot for museums and roadside attractions, as well as the scent of juniper in Oregon’s High Desert.

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