Crosstown Ski + Snowshoe Trail

The Crosstown Trail is the longest and most accessible trail in the Government Camp network. This is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy but beautiful ski or snowshoe, since the routes throughout this trail are fully customizable. Crosstown has a very different feeling from either the Enid Lake Loop or the Glacier View Loop; it is a more evenly cut trail with a wider berth through the trees, fewer sharp turns, and the only significant incline or decline is where the trail meets the ski area at Summit Sno-Park. The basic run from Glacier View Sno-Park to Summit Sno-Park is approximately 3 miles one way. Moving east, the terrain gradually gains in altitude as it rises above Government Camp and approaches the Summit area. Moving west from Summit Sno-Park to Glacier Sno-Park is more of a gentle downhill ski or snowshoe, so if you decide to complete the full there-and-back route starting at Glacier Sno-Park, you will find the return a little faster.

Perhaps the greatest logistical asset of this trail is the flexibility it offers depending on your energy, skill or appetite. Several junctions with connecting trails give you plenty of options, though some connectors are for more intermediate skiers. For instance, Wally’s Tie is a short connector that joins Skiway, which takes you to the Thunderhead Lodge in less than a mile. Likewise, the Glade Trail can take you uphill to Timberline Lodge in 2.5 miles. If you choose to set a shuttle in the Thunderhead area, you can cut the trail distance in half. In all, there are plenty of opportunities to break up your trek with lodge rests, or to link several segments together for a longer adventure.
 

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:

Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Men's and Women's • $229.95 • Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz

Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket

Men's and Women's • $475.00 • Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX

Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack 

$189.95 • 35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible

Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket

Men's and Women's • $134.25 • Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem

Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole 

$79.95 • Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.

Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves

Men's Powdercloud • $181.61 • Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX

Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot

Men's and Women's • $149.95 • Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter 

Men's and Women's • $64.95 • Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant

If you are snowshoeing into avalanche terrain, you should be prepared, equipped and educated on how to use avalanche rescue and snow safety gear - including but not limited to an avalanche beacon/transceiver, probe, and shovel.