A Classic Lolo Pass Ski Trip from 1955
Lolo Pass, located on the west side of Mount Hood, is a historic mountain route connecting Zigzag on the southwest side to the Hood River Valley on the north. The road runs between Mount Hood’s western slopes and the Bull Run watershed, the primary water source for Portland.
A Glimpse into the Past
As a collector of old Mount Hood photographs, I recently came across a fascinating set of images from a Lolo Pass ski trip in 1955. These medium-format negatives, dated April 5, 1955, capture a group of skiers enjoying a perfect day in the snow.
The photos reveal a breathtakingly clear view of Mount Hood in the distance. The skiers appear well-prepared for their journey, and one detail stands out—they seem to have access to a gated road, an unusual privilege even at the time. One image even includes a sign marking the Bull Run Lake Trail, a landmark that helps confirm their location.
Lolo Pass Then and Now
While much of Lolo Pass Road remains accessible today, things have changed significantly. Since the passage of the Patriot Act, access to everything west of Lolo Pass Road leading to Bull Run Lake has been restricted. The area, once open to recreation, is now off-limits to protect Portland’s drinking water supply.
Despite these changes, many of the viewpoints captured in the 1955 photos remain unchanged. If you were to visit today, you could still recognize some of the same scenic overlooks, standing where these skiers once enjoyed their day in the snow nearly 70 years ago.
These photos serve as a rare and nostalgic window into a time when adventure on Lolo Pass was freer and less restricted—a reminder of Mount Hood’s enduring beauty and history.
