Towering over the Portland skyline is Mount Hood, the region's prime skiing area. When the snow begins to fall, grab your gear and head east, where numerous powdery downhill and cross-country trails await. Test your skills on the expert slopes at Mt. Hood Skibowl or conquer your vertigo at the Timberline Lodge, which sits at 6,000 feet. You can also spend the night here if you plan on enjoying the slopes for more than a day.

Planning a summer getaway? Never fear: Mount Hood offers summer skiing as well, not to mention plenty of opportunities to hike and mountain bike. Mount Hood's main summer attraction is the Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl, which features hiking and biking trails, as well as numerous other warm-weather activities.

Mount Hood is located about 90 minutes east of downtown Portland along Highway 26. Depending on when you visit, you can participate in several different types of group activities, from rafting trips to climbing lessons. For more information, visit the Travel Portland website.