Bennett Pass Alpine Touring Loop

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A varied circuit around Bennett Pass and the Pocket Creek connection with enough uphill and downhill terrain to feel like a proper ski tour. It is more involved than the short Bennett Pass Nordic road outing.

What makes it special

• ✦Winter touring on Mount Hood's east side
• ✦Pocket Creek downhill sections
• ✦An extended loop with navigation choices

Technical profile

What this adventure requires

Skills required

• Uphill skinning and transitions
• Confident off-piste skiing
• Avalanche awareness and rescue
• Winter navigation and group decision-making

Key hazards to assess

• Avalanche exposure
• Terrible Traverse
• Difficult trail descents
• Navigation and variable surface

Quested experience levels describe the intended skill progression, not objective safety. An approachable classification is not a guarantee of safety. Climbing requires appropriate protection and descent competence; ski tours require independent avalanche decisions, winter navigation and competent downhill skiing.

Plan your visit

Mazamas describe a challenging Bennett Pass Loop in the 8–10 mile range with roughly 1,500–2,000 ft climbing. It includes the Terrible Traverse and a difficult drop toward Pocket Creek. These sections can be inappropriate for newer tourers and should only be attempted after independent snow and avalanche assessment. Do not confuse this with the easy Nordic road out-and-back.

Information is a planning starting point, not live conditions or route guidance. Always check current access, weather, safety and permit information.