the mt. hood area, along with oregon's east valley, is home to diverse and plentiful area attractions as well as boasts some of oregon's most gorgeous views. the region's nature-driven annual events are reason enough to make welches, or and its surrounding communities the perfect destination for leisure travel and an interesting side-bar for business travel. situated in the cascade volcanic arc in northern oregon about 50 miles east-southeast of the city of portland on the border between clackamas and hood river counties, mount hood's snow-covered peak rises 11,249 feet and is home to twelve glaciers. it is the highest mountain in oregon and the fourth-highest in the cascade range. mt. hood boasts spectacular natural scenery and ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. it is stunningly picturesque during all seasons and offers uniquely different things to see and do by season. the resort at the mountain's location in mt. hood is only 57 minutes; 42 miles from portland international airport.