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Climbing on Mt. Hood? You'll need a Permit Starting January 1

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
by Liz Warren

 

Press release from the Mt. Hood National Forest

 

 
Climbing permit required above 9,500 ft. starting January 1;
Funds to support climber services and safety
 
Beginning January 1, 2024, Mt. Hood climbers traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation will need a climbing permit. The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit will be available for purchase as a single trip 3-day pass for $20, or an annual pass for $50. Permit fees will fund additional climbing rangers, climbing safety information, and natural resources protection.
 
Why do we need a climbing permit?
  • Mt. Hood’s popularity as a climbing destination has resulted in public health and safety issues, including increased technical search and rescue operations and human waste in sensitive ecosystems. The Mt. Hood climbing ranger program needs financial support to help manage and address these issues.
  • Many peaks in the Cascades Range already have a required climbing permit fee, including Mt. Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Shasta. Permit fees help the Forest Service and National Park Service manage climbing opportunities for the benefit of the public.
 
Who needs a climbing permit?
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, a climbing permit will be required for anyone traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation. Timberline Trail, forest trailheads, and all of the ski areas on Mt. Hood are below this elevation and don't require a climbing permit.
  • There is no limit on the number of climbing permits issued.
 
How does the climbing permit work? How do I buy a permit?
  • The Forest will offer a single trip 3-day permit and an annual permit. Single trip climbers will select a 3-day window for their climbing permit to allow for climbing in safer conditions if one day of the window has poor conditions.
  • Single trip 3-day permits are $20. Annual permits are $50 and are good for 12 months from the date of purchase.
  • Permits will be for sale on www.recreation.gov starting January 1, 2024. 
  • Climbers will be able to purchase permits online up to the start of their climb (no advance reservations required).
  • You can save a digital pass to your mobile device or print a copy and bring it with you.
  • 9,500 ft. is well above all of the ski areas and the Timberline Trail. A climbing permit will only be required for those traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation. On the South Climbing Route, 9,500 ft. is roughly at the top of Triangle Moraine.     
 
What should new climbers know before attempting to summit Mt. Hood?
  • Every route on Mt. Hood is a technical climb requiring appropriate experience and equipment.
  • Mt. Hood is not an appropriate first peak for those new to alpine climbing. New climbers should consider a less technical peak or a guided trip on Mt. Hood.
  • Pre-trip planning and preparation is essential for any climb on Mt. Hood. This is not a mountain you can just “show up” and hike to the summit.
  • Additional climber information is available on the Mt. Hood National Forest and Portland Mountain Rescue websites.
 
Where will the permit money go?
Permit fees will directly fund the Mt. Hood climbing program. Among other improvements, permit fees will be used to:
  • Hire additional climbing rangers to increase climbing ranger patrol along popular routes.
  • Increase climbing conditions reports & other public climbing condition information.
  • Improve climber safety education.
  • Reduce human impacts on the natural landscape.
 
 
Sample annual climbing permit
 
Get more info!
 
Thinking of climbing Mt. Hood in 2024? Visit our website to get more information:
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STR Owners on Mt. Hood Need to Register Their Units by December 6, 2023

Tuesday, November 21, 2023
by Liz Warren

This information is direct from Clackamas County's website concerning unincorporated Clackamas County STR's registration information.

Short-term rental (STR) owner/operator registration form now online

Date

Deadline Dec. 6; Only STRs in unincorporated areas affected

The registration form for owners/operators of short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated Clackamas

County is now online at www.clackamas.us/str.

In September, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved STR rules and regulations after

two public hearings were held on the issue. The regulations take effect after 90 days from that time,

meaning that applications are due to Clackamas County by end of day on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Registration forms at www.clackamas.us/str can be completed and emailed into [email protected] 

or mailed to the county’s finance department:

  Clackamas County Finance Department 
   c/o STR Registration
   Suite 490
   2051 Kaen Road
   Oregon City, OR 97045

Registration forms can also be delivered in person to the finance department as well. Appointments

can be made by emailing [email protected].

Within 30 days after receiving an accurate and complete registration form, county staff will provide

registration confirmation.

Per the regulations, registration for owners/operators is mandated. No STR may be publicly advertised

for rent unless it has been registered with Clackamas County. Full STR regulations can be found at www.clackamas.us/str.

STR owners will continue to pay the county’s transient lodging tax (TLT) of 6%, and pay a newly-enacted

.85% STR user fee on total rental amounts. Payment of TLTs will continue to be made at www.clackamas.us/finance/transient.html. Payments for the .85% user fee will be able to be

made at www.clackamas.us/str.

The first payments to Clackamas County for the .85% user fees will be due on Jan. 15, 2024, for the

time period of Dec. 7, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023. Future payments will be due on the 15th of each month for

the fees associated with the full previous calendar month. Any STR owner/operator that is not registered

risks non-compliance, which is detailed in the regulations available at www.clackamas.us/str.

As the regulations only affect the unincorporated areas of Clackamas County, registrations are only due

from owners/operators of STRs within unincorporated Clackamas County – there is no effect on STRs

located within city limits.

The Board of County Commissioners intends to revisit these regulations in two years to evaluate the

cost and efficacy of the program and make a determination whether to continue, amend, or discontinue

the regulations.

Future STR updates can also be found at www.clackamas.us/str. STR owners and interested parties

with questions can email [email protected].

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New STR Rental Regulations Approved by Board of County Commissioners

Friday, September 8, 2023
by Liz Warren

Board of County Commissioners approves Short-Term Rental regulations

Date

Rules will affect STRs in unincorporated areas in 90 days

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals (STRs) earlier today. The action was taken after two public hearings were held on the issue – one earlier today, and one last month.

The regulations will take effect after 90 days (Dec. 6), and only affect the unincorporated areas of Clackamas County – there will be no effect on STRs located within city limits.

The Board of County Commissioners intends to revisit these regulations in two years in order to evaluate the cost and efficacy of the program and make a determination whether to continue, amend, or discontinue the regulations.

Residents are encouraged to review the STR regulations, which were adopted as presented at this morning’s Business Meeting. Those regulations can be found online on the county’s STR webpage where future updates can be found.

Before going into effect, the county will post the registration application (for owners/operators) online.

The Board of County Commissioners was effusive in their thanks this morning to the many members of the public that provided testimony in person and over Zoom at both public hearings, as well as many more that emailed in their perspectives. Changes were made to the proposed regulations in-between the time of the first and second public hearings in response to community input. Watch today’s hearing.

Changes

Clackamas County currently has no STR regulations. These new regulations will require all STRs in unincorporated Clackamas County to register with the county. The process will be free and an in-home inspection will not be required. When registering, the property owner and/or manager will certify that the property meets safety standards and that they will abide by the STR program rules. These include, but are not limited to:

  • STR owners will continue to pay the county’s transient lodging tax (6%) 
  • The STR regulations impose a .85% user fee on the total rental amount 
  • No STR may be publicly advertised for rent unless it has been registered with Clackamas County 
  • STRs shall comply with all building and fire standards  
  • STR registration identification numbers shall be included on any advertisement or rental platform 
  • Contact information of a party responsible for the STR shall be posted at all times while paying guests are on the property, in an area and size readily visible from the nearest public roadway. (Per the draft STR rental application, that person/company must be available 24/7 and able to respond to complaints within two hours. See pages 10-11.)  
  • The number of STR occupants shall not exceed the number authorized in the registration. Fifteen occupants is the maximum.  
  • Notice shall be clearly posted in the STR that identifies and informs occupants of the county's noise control ordinance  
  • Adequate parking – one off-street motor vehicle space per sleeping area – is required. There are exceptions to this for certain areas of the Mount Hood community. 
  • Vehicles shall never block access for emergency vehicles, access to the premise, or a parked motor vehicle. These violations, or other parking performed in a manner that violates the county’s current parking and towing ordinance standards, may subject the offending vehicle to immediate tow. 
  • The proposed STR regulations do not apply to hotels, motels, bed and breakfast facilities, hostels, campgrounds, lodging and resort accommodations in commercial zones, recreational vehicle camping facilities, or organizational camps

Violations

Clackamas County encourages any residents/parties to cooperate directly to resolve conflicts arising from an STR. First attempts to remedy violations should be to contact the posted STR representative. If a person does not respond within 24 hours or does not adequately remedy the issue, the county should be notified. Further details:

  • Clackamas County reserves the right to immediately revoke registration if it determines an STR is a fire or life safety risk 
  • Clackamas County reserves the right to review pertinent financial records or visit the STR to ensure violations have been resolved at any reasonable time 
  • When noncompliance of the STR regulation is suspected, the county shall issue up to two warnings in writing 
  • An owner that operates an STR without an approved registration or while suspended shall be subject to penalties

Members of the media may contact Clackamas County Public Affairs’ Dylan Blaylock. STR owners and interested parties with questions can contact Policy Advisors Caroline Hill or Everett Wild at 503-655-8581 or [email protected].

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How Inflation Affects the Housing Market on Mt. Hood

Thursday, August 31, 2023
by Liz Warren

How Inflation Affects the Housing Market



 

Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market? Believe it or not, they’re connected. Whenever there are changes to one, both are affected. Here’s a high-level overview of the connection between the two.

The Relationship Between Housing Inflation and Overall Inflation

Shelter inflation is the measure of price growth specific to housing. It comes from a survey of renters and homeowners that’s done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The survey asks renters how much they’re paying in rent, and homeowners how much they’d rent their homes for, if they weren’t living in them.

Much like overall inflation measures the cost of everyday items, shelter inflation measures the cost of housing. And for four consecutive months, based on that survey, shelter inflation has been coming down (see graph below):

Why does this matter? Well, shelter inflation makes up about one-third of overall inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). So, when shelter inflation moves, it leads to noticeable moves in overall inflation. That means the recent dip in shelter inflation might be a sign that overall inflation could fall in the months ahead.

That moderation would be a welcome sight for the Federal Reserve (the Fed). They’ve been working to get inflation under control since early 2022. While they’ve made some headway (it peaked at 8.9% in the middle of last year), they’re still trying to get to their 2% goal (the latest report is 3.3%). 

Inflation and the Federal Funds Rate  

What’s the Fed been doing to lower inflation? They’ve been increasing the Federal Funds Rate. That interest rate influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. When inflation climbed, the Fed responded by raising the Federal Funds Rate to keep the economy from overheating.

The graph below shows the relationship between the two. Each time inflation (shown in the blue line) starts to climb, the Fed raises the Federal Funds Rate (shown in the orange line) to try to get it back to their target of 2% (see below):

The circled portion of the graph shows the most recent spike in inflation, the Fed’s actions to raise the Federal Funds Rate to fight that, and the moderation of inflation that happened in response to that hike. As inflation gets closer to the Fed’s current 2% goal, they may not need to raise the Federal Funds Rate much further.

A Brighter Future for Mortgage Rates?

So, what does all of this mean for you? While the actions coming out of the Fed don’t determine mortgage rates, they do have an impact. As Mortgage Professional America (MPA) explains:

“. . . mortgage rates and inflation are connected, however indirectly. When inflation rises, mortgage rates rise to keep up with the value of the US dollar. When inflation drops, mortgage rates follow suit.”

While no one can predict the future for mortgage rates, it’s encouraging to see the signs of moderating inflation in the economy. 

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just stay informed about the housing market, let’s connect.

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Camp Creek Fire Update

Sunday, August 27, 2023
by Liz Warren
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
 
Forest Service News Release
 
Camp Creek Fire Update- Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m.
 
After a warm and dry day, as well as more accurate mapping, Camp Creek Fire is estimated at 900 acres. An infrared flight is scheduled tonight that will provide an even better estimate and fire perimeter. While the fire did grow today, the abundant forest duff material and dense forest provided a lot of fuel and put up a large smoke column relative to the size of the fire.
 
Great Basin Team #1 will assume management of the fire beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. The team brings many additional resources and capacity to help plan and implement fire suppression. There will be a dedicated Facebook page for the Camp Creek Fire, in addition to a dedicated Inciweb.nwcg.gov webpage to share updated fire information more frequently.
 
####
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
 
Photo of Camp Creek Fire Aug. 26, from the northwest.
 
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
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STR's on Mt. Hood

Sunday, August 13, 2023
by Liz Warren

Here's the latest announcement:

Board holding public hearings for short-term rental regulations. Public strongly encouraged to provide feedback; Rules would affect STRs in unincorporated areas The Board of County Commissioners has approved moving forward with a public hearing process to consider implementing rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals (STRs).

This action triggers two future public hearings on the proposed regulations. The next hearing is slated for during the board’s regular weekly Business Meeting September 7th at 10:00 a.m. The public is encouraged to provide testimony at these hearings. Residents and interested parties can do so either in-person or over Zoom. If the County Code is amended, the regulations will take effect only within the unincorporated areas of Clackamas County – there would be no effect on STRs located within city limits.

This program is considered to be a pilot program, and would be in effect for two years from the time of being enacted. Proposed changes Clackamas County currently has no STR regulations. Proposed regulations would require all STRs in unincorporated Clackamas County to register with the county. The process would be free and an in-home inspection would not be required.

When registering, the property owner and/or manager would certify that the property meets safety standards and that they will abide by the STR program rules. These include, but are not limited to: STR owners will continue to pay the county’s transient lodging tax (6%) The proposed STR regulations impose a .85% user fee on the total rental amount No STR may be publicly advertised for rent unless it has been registered with Clackamas County STRs shall comply with all building and fire standards STR registration identification numbers shall be included on any advertisement or rental platform Name/contact information of a party responsible for the STR shall be posted at all times while paying guests are on the property, in an area and size readily visible from the nearest public roadway. That person/company must be available 24/7 and able to respond to complaints within two hours. The number of STR occupants shall not exceed the number authorized in the registration. Twelve occupants is the maximum. Notice shall be clearly posted in the STR that identifies and informs occupants of the county's noise control ordinance Adequate parking – one off-street motor vehicle space per sleeping area – is required Vehicles shall never block access for emergency vehicles, access to the premise, or a parked motor vehicle. These violations, or other parking performed in a manner that violates the county's current parking and towing ordinance standards, may subject the offending vehicle to immediate tow. The proposed STR regulations do not apply to hotels, motels, bed and breakfast facilities, hostels, campgrounds, recreational vehicle camping facilities, or organizational camps

Violations

Clackamas County encourages any residents/parties to cooperate directly to resolve conflicts arising from an STR. First attempts to remedy violations should be to contact the posted STR representative. If that person does not respond within 24 hours or does not adequately remedy the issue, the county should be notified. Further details: Clackamas County reserves the right to immediately revoke registration if it determines an STR is a fire or life safety risk Clackamas County reserves the right to review pertinent financial records or visit the STR to ensure violations have been resolved at any reasonable time When noncompliance of the STR regulation is suspected, the county shall issue two warnings in writing An owner that operates an STR without an approved registration or while suspended shall be subject to penalties Next steps As this action is a potential county ordinance change, two public hearings at least 13 days apart are required. After that time if passed, the ordinance would be effective after 90 days or immediately if the Board declared an emergency. Before going into effect, the county would post the registration application online.

Interested parties can provide testimony during the public hearings at the two Business Meetings, and can also submit written comments for the record to [email protected] with the subject line “STR Regulation Comments.” The full proposed regulations can be found online. STR owners and interested parties with questions can contact:

Policy Advisors Caroline Hill or Everett Wild at

503-655-8581

or

[email protected]

Future updates about the project and public hearings can be found at

www.clackamas.us/str

.

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STR Rental Regulations are Back in the News at Clackamas County

Friday, July 14, 2023
by Liz Warren

The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners has set a public hearing for Thursday, August 10, on proposed regulations regarding the operation of short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated Clackamas County. A news release with more details is attached or you can read it online. All interested people are encouraged to testify, either in person or remotely through Zoom at this evening meeting. There will also be a second public hearing, which will be scheduled later. More information about the proposed new regulations on operating STRs, as well as the Zoning & Development Ordinance (ZDO) amendments that became effective May 30, 2023, allowing STRs in specific areas of the county, are available at

www.clackamas.us/str

. The full proposed regulations for STR operations can be found online. STR owners and interested parties with questions can contact Policy Advisors Caroline Hill or Everett Wild at

503-655-8581

or [email protected]. For questions related to communications about STRs, please contact Senior Community Relations Specialist Dylan Blaylock at [email protected] or

503-742-5917

. Thank you. Ellen Rogalin, Senior Community Relations Specialist Clackamas County Public & Government Affairs Clackamas County Transportation & Development 150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, OR 97045 Primary:

503-742-4274

Secondary:

971-276-2487

Hours of operation: 9 am – 6 pm, Monday-Friday

www.clackamas.us
 
Here is a link to the site mentioned above:
https://www.clackamas.us/str
 
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Fire Season Begins on Mt. Hood

Friday, July 7, 2023
by Liz Warren
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
Forest Service News Release
 
Fire Restrictions on local Forest Service lands
 
 
Due to dry and hot conditions, campfires are prohibited across both the Mt. Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, beginning Monday, July 10, 2023.
 
All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited under a Forest Order, including in developed campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off. Additionally, target shooting is temporarily prohibited because of the risk of wildfire.
 
Over the last week Fire Danger Indices have risen quickly, following rain and cooler temperatures in mid-June. Fire personnel anticipate drought and the potential for fires will continue to remain high or increase through September. With the current dry and warm long-range forecast, any wildfire start poses a greater threat to firefighter safety, public safety, and personal property. 
 
“With a dry summer ahead, we want to limit the unnecessary risk caused by abandoned or escaped campfires to our local communities and Forest visitors,” said Dirk Shupe, Fire Management Staff Officer for the Mt. Hood National Forest. “We’re grateful for the vast majority of folks who take fire safety seriously and help us protect our public lands.”
 
 
For more information about the local and regional fire outlook visit: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/predict/outlook.aspx
 
 
And remember, fireworks and other explosive devices are always prohibited on national forests.
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
 
 
Photo: Campfires are prohibited on Mt. Hood National Forest beginning Monday, July 10, 2023.
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Fire Caution for Mt. Hood Over the Fourth of July

Tuesday, June 27, 2023
by Liz Warren
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
Forest Service News Release
 
Do your part to prevent
wildfires this Independence Day
 
For many, the Fourth of July means celebrating our country’s independence with barbecues, camping, and fireworks. The Mt. Hood National Forest encourages people to enjoy the holiday weekend safely – and to be especially mindful of wildfire prevention on your public lands.
 
Visitors to national forests should always use caution to prevent human-caused wildfires. Every year, unattended campfires are the number one source of wildfires on Mt. Hood National Forest. To reduce wildfire risk, please consider the following:
 
  • Before visiting, learn of any local fire restrictions by checking our website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire or by contacting one of our district offices.
  • Build campfires in open areas, preferably in existing fire rings.
  • Make sure campfires are fully out and cool to the touch before leaving the area using the water and shovel technique. Never leave a campfire unattended. This video demonstrates how to properly build and extinguish a campfire: https://tinyurl.com/4drjvu3e
  • When smoking, always dispose of cigarette debris in an ashtray.
  • Avoid driving and parking in tall grasses. Exhaust particles and hot exhaust pipes can start grass fires. Even chains dragging along the ground, such as those on ATVs, can spark fires.
 
Fireworks (including sparklers, bottle rockets, and smoke balls) are prohibited on federal land regardless of the season or weather. Violators can be subject to a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail. Anyone who starts a wildfire can be held liable for suppression costs.
 
As you plan your visit to the Forest this summer, please “know before you go.” Road and trail conditions can change quickly, and recreation sites can fill up early in the day, so it’s important to have a backup plan. Always check the weather forecast, carry the 10 essentials, and contact one of our district offices for current conditions before your trip.
 
More information about recreation sites, seasonal road closures, and areas impacted by wildfire damage is available on our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mthood
 
Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

  

 

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New District Ranger at the Mt. Hood National Forest

Monday, April 24, 2023
by Liz Warren
Here's the latest news from the Mt. Hood National Forest! New District Ranger
 
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
Forest Service News Release
 
 
Mt. Hood Welcomes New District Ranger
 
Mt. Hood National Forest is pleased to announce Nicholas Seibel as the new Zigzag District Ranger, beginning May 8. The Zigzag Ranger District spans 250,000 acres on the west side of the Forest, including busy campgrounds and trails, ski areas, and summer cabins. The district also includes most of Bull Run Watershed, which provides drinking water to about a million Oregonians.
 
“Zigzag Ranger District is receiving national attention and investment for Forest Service priorities,” said Mt. Hood National Forest Supervisor Meta Loftsgaarden. “Nick has a wealth of experience leading and collaborating with teams during complex projects. He’s the right person to help lead the implementation of these key priorities for both the Forest and our communities.”
 
Seibel is a retired combat controller in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 24 years. During his military career, Seibel deployed to combat zones seven times, taking part in numerous high-risk missions providing support to both air and ground forces.  
 
Seibel has extensive experience in emergency management, including leading task forces during national emergencies such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma. As a member of Oregon Air National Guard Seibel has come to know Mt. Hood well, leading and participating in search and recovery missions to locate and rescue lost or injured hikers. 
 
Seibel lives in West Linn with his wife, son, and their two dogs. The Seibel family enjoys spending time together in the great outdoors, and they frequently explore Mt. Hood skiing, hiking, and camping.
 
“As someone who has always had a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors, I am thrilled to join the Zigzag Ranger District and Mt. Hood community,” said Seibel. “The opportunity to be a part of a team that stewards the natural beauty of this stunning mountainous region while supporting outdoor recreation is inspiring and fulfilling.” 
 
Seibel succeeds previous District Ranger Bill Westbrook, who retired in late winter after 16 years in Zigzag. 

 Photo of District Ranger Seibel with Mt. Hood in the background.​

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