Among some of the tallest mountains in the Cascade Range, Mount Hood registers as Oregon's tallest peak. Not far from the city of Portland, Mount Hood is one of the most popular climbs in the Cascades. A prominent landmark without a lot of technical aspects, at least 10,000 people attempt the climb every year.
   This stratovolcano, one of many in a 1000 mile long chain, is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc of northern Oregon. Although no major seismic activity has occurred since the first records began in the 1820s, the USGS considers Mount Hood as potentially active. Odds of severe activity vary from 3 to 7 percent, indicating that the Mount Hood volcano is the state's most likely site to erupt.
   Most Portlanders rarely consider its volcanic hazards, and residents view the Mount Hood area as a hub for recreational activities. Along with camping, climbing, hiking and mountain biking, the permanent snow fields provide playground for every type of winter recreation. Here in August, a snow-cat's headlights glow across the high altitude snowfields. Above 7000 feet, nearly 80 percent of the mountain is covered in glaciers and snow. Six ski areas cover 4600 acres, and the Timberline Resort offers the only yearlong lift service in North America.

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